Deborah Lukalu: Bio and Journey Into Gospel Music

Outstanding on all counts, Deborah Lukalu Kaseba is a renowned Congolese gospel artist, known for exquisite live music, evident in her most popular songs yet, ‘We Testify’, and ‘Mungu wa Maajabu,’ that have garnered her international recognition. 

As is the case with classic AfroFusion, her music blends vibrant African rhythms with contemporary gospel, creating powerful and uplifting sound that we cannot help but dance to. Yet with her talent, she remains very humble and true to her calling.

Though mainly a musician, her prowess extends beyond her musical capabilities. She pursued marketing at the University of Johannesburg as well as design and makeup, but music was truly where her passion was.

In 2023, Deborah Lukalu launched a 30-day devotional that she co-wrote with her husband, dubbed ‘Women, Your Pain Has Purpose, v ’ that encourages women to change how they perceive challenges and find strength and healing through their pain. The book offe55 x vrs Bible verses, prayers and daily reflections to help women in their healing journey, further proving herself a jack of all trades. 

Early Life, Background & Challenges

Deborah was born in Lubumbashi, DRC but grew up in South Africa after her family moved there in 2004, following her father’s passing the previous year. She is the last born in a family of four and the only girl. She was only 9 years old when she lost her father, an event that would change the trajectory of her life. 

After her father’s loss and in their initial years of South Africa, Deborah reflects on seasons of financial challenges where her family struggled to make ends meet. They had to make do with the little they had but today, the family testifies of God’s goodness and provision. 

Musical Journey

Despite her exceptional music talent, she is the only singer in her family. She started exploring music at the tender age of 6 but it was at 9 years, after her father’s death, that her passion for music really piqued. 

In South Africa, she attended the Faith and Victory church where she joined the choir and has since devoted herself to serving as a music minister. Now her home church, it was at Faith and Victory that she developed her musical craft as a worship leader and minister. 

Growing up, she looked up to gospel legends Cece Winans and Yolanda Adams, artists who have influenced her musical style to this very date. 

Marriage

Deborah is married to Cedric Kaseba with whom she has 2 children. The two wed on July 21, 2018 and moved to Atlanta, Georgia where they reside and raise their children. Despite being in the limelight, they have chosen to keep their family life private, focusing on raising their children and pursuing their respective callings away from the limelight. 

Discography

Deborah released her debut album ‘Law Breaker’ in 2015. She released her sophomore album ‘Overflow’ the following year 2016. It was her third album ‘Call Me Favour (2018)’, through ‘We Testify’ that would gain her worldwide recognition. 

Reflecting on her inspiration behind ‘We Testify’, she shared that the song was actually a declaration of faith, speaking her desires into existence, rather than an actual testimony at the time. 

The album also includes another fan-favourite, ‘Tenda’, a swahili song that captures Lukalu’s ability to combine vibrant African rhythms with contemporary gospel sounds. 

The singer has gone on to release other albums in the subsequent years with the likes of ‘Mungu Wa Maajabu (2020)’ and ‘Trust in The Storm’ (2023) underscoring her impact in the music scene. 

Awards and Recognition

With a track record like hers, it is no surprise that Lukalu has garnered significant recognition for her work. Her accolades  have only affirmed what we know of her and her music and their impact in music and ministry. 

Deborah was nominated for Africa Best Female Gospel Artists of the Year at the Clima Africa Awards 2024 and although she did not win, her impact remains undeniable. 

In 2023, she received two further acclamations. She was awarded Best Gospel Artiste at the 2023 African Entertainment Awards (AEA), and Female artist of the year at the Shine Gospel Awards.

In 2020, she was nominated as the African Artist of the Year at the Ghana National Gospel Music Award as part of the diaspora and in 2018, she received a Certificate of Excellence from Gospel Unity in recognition of her service and achievements. 

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.”

Check out more stories on gospel artists here. Thank you for reading.