She is best known for her work with London-based avant garde jazz band Panacea. She has also worked as backing vocalist director for Eska Mtungwazi and as a backing vocalist for Bembe Segue. In fact, it was Bembe who introduced Deborah to Silhouette Brown producers Dego and Kaidi Thatham. It is said Deborah's blend of jazz and soul is reminiscent of Patrice Rushen.