Deborah Lukalu has become an icon of quality music in the gospel scene. Her music is powerful, lively, and uplifting. Yet with all of this talent, she remains very humble and true to her calling.
Deborah, in her own words, is just a vessel willing to be used by God. She is Congolese, born March 24, in the 90s.
She studied marketing at the University of Johannesburg. For the love of clothes, she transferred to fashion and design. She is also a qualified Mac make-up artist. This explains her elegance on stage.
She is married to minister Cedric Kabaseke.
Called to sing
It all began at the tender age of 6. Deborah realized her calling in music when she sang in front of a church for the first time. “I got my mommy on tears and when I looked at her I told myself, “I was called to do this.””
As a little girl, she would sing about anything. “When I’m combing my hair, I’m singing “combing my hair.”
“That’s what I love to do. Music is my passion, but Jesus is my everything”
Intimacy with God
Listening to her speak, you can tell that she knows her God and has an excellent grasp of the scriptures.
She is not just a passionate musician but a minister as well – one who is well aware of her mission.
She ties her music to the spirit of God – nothing is done without His guidance.
“We don’t do things out (outside) of the Holy Spirit. When we release an album, its not for the sake of releasing, the Holy Spirit guides you.”
“I just decided to sing for the creator instead of singing for the created things,” she explains why she chose to pursue gospel music.
According to her, gospel music is defined by the word of God, “If it isn’t really based on the word of God, then it shouldn’t be called gospel.”
Top of the world band
More often than not, we tend to focus on the vocalists, forgetting the skills behind the music track.
After all, what is good music without a solid band in the background?
Good vocals backed by excellent instrumentalists makes a perfect musical match and Deborah Lukalu got it just right.
For Deborah, her 15 member band is family. You’ll notice in some of Deborah’s songs how she is fond of the band, sometimes calling them by name.
She says that when she met Cedric, her husband, she introduced him first to her band, not her family of birth.
“I speak very highly about my band everywhere I go. They’re my heart, I pray for them one by one by their names.”
Each one of them shares a connection – a spiritual one – to the artist, “I’m a very picky person, If I see that you and I in sprit do not connect, I detach myself from you. and I’m gonna do it nicely, because Jesus said so.”
Her music is testimony enough that the band is very skilled.
Phenomenal live music quality
Her live music has a touch of expertise. The live recordings are filled with energy, perfectly curated, and professionally arranged.
Her music is just ageless and timeless.
Deborah’s Discography
Her debut was Law Breaker in 2015.
Since then, she has released 3 other albums; Overflow (2016), Call me favor (2018), and Mungu wa Maajabu (2020).
Her latest release is a single – Pamoja.
To the aspiring musicians…
“To a younger me, the only thing I can say – Jesus did not say it was gonna be easy, the only thing He promised is that He is gonna be with you.”
“If you don’t fulfill your dreams, then someone else will hire you to fulfill theirs.”
You can find her music on all outlets. Here are some quick links:
Here’s another story of phenomenal musicians in Kenya who made hit songs with a twist of vernacular.
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