Who is Duane Forrest?
I’m Duane Forrest, a singer, songwriter and playwright from Toronto, Canada. My parents were born in Jamaica. I love life, travelling, meeting folks and hearing their stories. I love learning new languages, learning about new cultures and trying their food. I love telling stories. It’s what I want to continue to do with my life.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Less time on the road and more time at home baking.
Who inspires you and why?
Bob Marley, Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday, Joni Mitchell and Silvio Rodriguez. They are some of the greatest writers and performers in my opinion, they also all have very different stories and paths they took to get their are out to the world and I love that. It’s inspiring.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I am trying that right now, telling stories that will hopefully foster empathy.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Italy. We would be here all day. Too sum it up the best of everything. Kyoto, Japan is a close second. Just gorgeous.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I am now in Montreal so that is still new. But I would say the TD Jazz Festival or any Circus happening in the city.
What are you currently reading?
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami.
What are you currently listening to?
The Fall Off by J. Cole.
Happiness is?
Doing or going after the dreams hidden in your heart.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m back in Australia for a full season of my Bob Marley: How Reggae Changed the World show at Adelaide Fringe at the beautifully historic Holden Street Theatres. I am currently working on several shows that will be coming out over the next two years. I also have some very big runs of this current show on the Horizon in the US and Canada!
Duane can be seen in Bob Marley: How Reggae Changed the World – which will be presented at the Holden Street Theatres, as part of the 2026 Adelaide Fringe, from 17 February to 22 March. For more information, visit: www.holdenstreettheatres.com for details.
Image: Duane Forrest – photo by Simon Tanebaum