Born in Kingston, Jamaica on April 22, 1976, Duane and his family decided to settle in August Town, a little town in eastern St. Andrew, Jamaica. August Town has an air rich in culture and music and has produced many talented artists such as The Rastafarians, Colin Roach and more currently Sizzla Kolongi.

Duane's exposure to music was inevitable as music was a big part of his family. His uncle Michael Rutherford was the lead singer of a popular band known as Sunny Bradshaw and the Big Band and Rhythms Kings band. During this time he was exposed to music from artists such as Kenny Rogers, BB King, Al Greene, the Temptations, Chi Lites and the Manhattans to name a few.

Duane attended New Providence All-Age and Tivoli Gardens High School where he was a member of the choir. In 1993, Duane was encouraged by a friend to join the Cathy Levy's Little People & Team Players Club, a performing arts school based in Kingston Jamaica. This experience helped to groom and shape Duane into the performer he is today. Being a member of this club allowed Duane to travel extensively throughout Jamaica, the Caribbean and the United States where he performed for former US President Bill Clinton.