British-Ghanaian singer-songwriter and producer Duane Caleb is back with his latest album, “Close-Up”, an eight-track project that moves through new beginnings, dreams, God’s faithfulness, love, surrender and trust.

The Croydon native, who began his musical journey in 2014, has continued to build his sound around introspective, faith-based lyrics while blending R&B, Soul, Afrobeats, Jazz and House. On ‘Close-Up’, those sounds come together around a journey that feels very personal.

It opens with ‘Close-Up (Duane’s Theme)’, where Duane speaks about a new beginning, saying he is ready for his close-up and ready to show up for life.

That leads into ‘God of Dreams’, where he reflects on the dreams he carries and the confidence that comes from knowing God is in them. ‘I always dream that I could fly, how will I know if I never try? But the difference now is El-Shaddai.’ What may look like fantasy becomes something he can believe for because God is the God of dreams.

‘Stay’ looks back at God’s faithfulness. Duane reflects on where God has brought him from and how faithful He has been through the years. ‘All my days You’ve been true with me.’ It is that history with God that builds trust and gives him a reason to stay.

On ‘Little Things’, featuring Jonathan Ashenafi, he acknowledges God as his strength, deliverer, song and shield before turning attention to the smaller ways God’s love shows up. ‘Even though You are all-powerful, it is the little things You do’ captures the heart of the song.

‘Mindful of Me’ feels like a love song wrapped in worship. Duane reflects on being known and valued by God, while also referencing 1 Peter 2:9 and being called ‘a holy nation’.

That love continues into ‘1 Sided Luv’, but this time he considers his own response. God has loved, remained faithful and kept giving, so what does it look like to love Him back? For Duane, the answer is surrender, choosing not to let that love become one-sided.

‘Obvious’ carries the same thought forward. ‘You know my history, You know where I’m from, You see the past, nowhere to hide.’ God sees the full picture, including the parts we may rather hide, and still loves.

The project closes with ‘It Is Well (With My Soul)’, his rendition of the popular hymn accompanied by piano. After everything the album has explored, it feels like the right place to land.

And after letting listeners into his own journey, ‘Close-Up’ leaves something for us too. There is the assurance of God’s love, the reminder to respond to that love in the little things we do, and the understanding that through every season, at the end of it all, it is well.

Brief History

Since his 2017 debut with the single ‘More Like You’, Duane Caleb’s musical journey is one that has seen him continue to become a recognisable and prominant figure in the bubbling UK Gospel Scene. With his inspiring message of life through faith, and his blend of R&B, Pop, Jazz and Hip-Hop, it wasn’t long until his sound would quickly begin to attract the ears of many listeners worldwide. Further exposure would come, wirh features on popular YouTube platforms, Gospel Hydraton and BLSSD Music.

The evolution of his artistry and sound would continue on with his selfprouced 2019 debut album ‘One Eighty’. Now at 1.1M+ streams on Spotfy, the album further showcased his versatility and garnered acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Building on this success, he released his EP ‘Maps’ in 2021, which featured his most popular, and AStepFWD Awards nominated single to date, ‘Come Through’ feat. Saint CJ.

A Full Picture

Duane Caleb returns with ‘Close-Up’, his sophomore album and most personal project to date.

Released on August 7 , the latest offering from the Croydner hosts 8 eclectic songs, featuring a guest appearance from fellow artist Jonathan Ashenafi, and a fresh take on a classic hymn that is sure to appease the ears of many.

Describing the album, Duane say : ‘This is my close-up, 8 snapshots through song relflecting what my life, with all its nuances has looked like so far over the last couple of years : rebuilding my faith, changing the way I see life, daring to dream again, facing the complexitie of love,and showing up in spite of opposition or judgement. All whilst trying to find God in the middle of it all, remembering how He sees me, where He’s brought me from, being amazed and at times confused on how He still loves, and remaining in a place of contentment.’

Close-Up’ by Duane Caleb is available now on all major streaming platforms.