★★★★★
Adelaide Fringe. Holden Street Theatres. The Arch. 18 Feb 2026 Media Day
Duane Forrest is his name. Rasta is his game.
I’m telling you now, this man is about to become the darling of Fringe 2026. He’s been here before, so he was already “discovered”. But now, he is “adopted”.
He sings Bob Marley songs, but just some of them. His repertoire is broad and so is his vocal range. Many are the tunes which resonate with his audience. He includes his audience, involves it, encourages it and, above all, enlightens it as he entertains.
His is not a mere musical show. It is a cultural emancipation on several levels. Duane is a Canadian of Jamaican heritage. He has an abundance of locks, the sort we used to call “dreadlocks” but now, thanks to Duane, realise that they are just locks which scored a second-rate label somewhere along the way. Rasta style hair has spiritual roots, so to speak. And also, are a symbol of resistance.
Nazarites, Zion, Rasta, slavery, family trees…such are the references encompassed by this endearing performer.
As much empathy as whites may have, they cannot “be” black. And, largely, are oblivious to the nuances of identity experienced by those who are. Duane Forrest has a way of imparting this. There is no rancour in him. He is a man of sweetness and good spirit. But he has grown through the shadows and has learned the true meanings of Caribbean songs we have chorused in blithe cheer.
Duane’s show is anything but your average one-man musical Fringe show. It is a sophisticated production with excellent audio-visual content as well as a complex lighting plot delivered at Holden Street by Harry Ferguson.
Buffalo Soldier will never sound the same again. But, thanks to Duane, Don’t worry, Be Happy, is now etched deeper, and perchance in future every hearing will be to revive the memory of Duane and his locks.
Samela Harris
When: 18 Feb to 22 Mar
Where: Holden Street Theatres, The Arch
Bookings: adelaidefringe.com.au
