If the economics course at her sixth-form college hadn’t been full, south London soul singer Debbie Ehirim might never have decided to study music. It was then that she realised her interest in music-making was more than just a childhood pleasure. She began religiously attending open mic nights and dabbling in theatre – but also got a degree in finance. Just in case. (“This degree is definitely a backup plan,” she told Rolling Stone).
Thankfully for Debbie, her break came quickly. By the time she was 22 she had signed to the same label as Stormzy – 0207 Def Jam. She co-wrote a few songs on his latest album, This Is What I Mean, as well as lending her hearty vocals to his love song Firebabe. Their recording session is one the rapper said “he would never forget for the rest of my life”.
