From singing in a local church in Phoenix to performing before thousands in the United States, award-winning Christian singer, songwriter and worship leader Jason Duloo has remained grounded in faith, family and community. Ahead of his return to Durban, he spoke to Tabloid Newspapers about his remarkable journey, his new album and why giving back remains central to his calling.
Tabloid Newspapers (TN): For readers meeting you for the first time, who is Jason Duloo beyond the music?
Jason Duloo (JD): Beyond the music, I’m a husband, a father, a man of faith and someone who genuinely loves people. Music may be the platform people see, but my heart has always been about making a difference. Whether I’m standing on a stage in the United States, leading worship in South Africa or serving people through community outreach, my desire remains the same: to use what God has given me to bring hope, encouragement and faith to others.
TN: You grew up in Phoenix. What are some of your fondest memories of growing up there?
JD: Growing up in Phoenix gave me memories and relationships that I will treasure for a lifetime. My school days at Trenance Manor Secondary School were filled with friendships that have stood the test of time, and many of those friends are still part of my life today. Those relationships taught me the true power of community, family and always being there for one another. Some of my most treasured memories also come from singing at my local church, MICC Community Family Church in Unit 10, where being part of the worship team helped ignite a passion for music and worship that would eventually take me far beyond the community where it all began.
TN: When did you first realise music was your calling?
JD: Music has always been part of who I am, but there came a point when I realised it was about much more than singing. I began to understand that music could encourage someone who had lost hope, bring people together and create moments where lives could be changed. That’s when I knew this wasn’t simply something I loved doing – it was part of my calling.
TN: How has your faith shaped your journey as an artist?
JD: My faith has been the foundation of my entire journey. There have been incredible highs, but there have also been disappointments, closed doors and seasons when I had to keep believing even when I couldn’t see what was ahead. Faith taught me that success isn’t only about how big the stage is – it’s about being faithful with every opportunity God gives you. Sometimes the most meaningful moment isn’t performing before thousands of people; it’s knowing that one person was encouraged, inspired or found hope through a song.
TN: You’ve performed across South Africa and the United States. Which performance has left the biggest impact on you and why?
JD: One of the most unforgettable highlights of my journey was performing at the Bud Walton Arena in front of an incredible crowd of 27 000 people. Having the opportunity to be an opening act at major events featuring international superstars such as Brian McKnight, Mariah Carey and Rod Stewart was something I could never have imagined when I first started singing back home in Phoenix. Standing on a stage of that magnitude reminded me how far this journey has taken me – from singing in my local church worship team to performing on incredible international platforms. Those experiences taught me never to underestimate where your gift, faith and determination can take you.
TN: What was it like sharing platforms with international stars like Brian McKnight, Mariah Carey and Rod Stewart?
JD: It was quite surreal. You grow up seeing artists like Brian McKnight, Mariah Carey and Rod Stewart on television and hearing their music on the radio, and then suddenly you find yourself in the same space, performing at the same event. It was an opportunity to watch, learn and be inspired. Seeing the level of excellence and professionalism they bring to the stage motivated me to continue growing as an artist.
TN: How did it feel hearing your music played on radio and featured on television?
JD: It’s an incredible feeling. Music often begins in such a personal place – as an idea, a melody or a message in your heart. Then one day, you hear that same music playing on the radio and realise people you’ve never met are listening to something that started with you. Having my music receive radio airplay in South Africa and being featured in a television production with Urban Brew Studios in Johannesburg were very special milestones. Those moments reminded me that music can travel far beyond the person who created it.
TN: Winning talent competitions in the United States is a remarkable achievement. What did those moments mean to you?
JD: Those moments represented perseverance and possibility. Winning national talent competitions in the United States through Walmart and T-Mobile opened incredible doors, gave me opportunities to perform in places such as California and Maui, Hawaii, and introduced my music to a much larger audience. Those wins were about more than receiving an award – they gave me a platform to share my music and my story with people who may never have discovered it otherwise.
TN: How has living in the United States influenced your music and ministry?
JD: Living in the United States has introduced me to new communities and opportunities. Greenville embraced me and my family, and I’ve been grateful to become involved in the wider community. Hosting a multicultural festival in Greenville was an incredible experience, bringing people from different cultures and backgrounds together. It has shown me again that music and community can cross boundaries.
TN: What message do you hope listeners take away from your new album?
JD: My new album represents an important season in my life. The songs speak about seeking God, trusting Him through uncertainty, navigating life’s challenges and choosing to elevate the King above everything else. My hope is that people don’t simply hear good music, but connect with the message behind it. I want people to be reminded that there is still hope, purpose and that God is still moving.
TN: Is there one song on the album that holds special meaning for you?
JD: “Circles” is one of the tracks that inspires me most because it speaks about something we can all relate to. Sometimes we find ourselves repeating the same patterns or facing the same struggles. The song is about recognising those cycles and finding the courage and faith to move forward.
TN: What can people expect from this year’s Elev8 Worship Experience?
JD: People can expect a powerful evening of music, worship and community. Elev8 brings together people from different churches, cultures and backgrounds with one purpose: to worship and lift up the name of Jesus. This year’s theme, “Elevate the King”, is especially meaningful as I return home with new music and a new album.
TN: Why is it important for you to combine music with community outreach and giving back?
JD: I believe worship must extend beyond the stage. It’s one thing to sing about love and compassion, but another to demonstrate it through action. Through Elev8, we want to bring people together through music while also serving communities through initiatives such as feeding programmes, blanket drives and humanitarian projects.
TN: What has been your proudest moment so far?
JD: I’m grateful for the international performances, awards, radio and television opportunities, but I’m most proud when I see something I’ve helped build making a difference in people’s lives. Seeing Elev8 grow into something that combines music, worship and community outreach has been incredibly meaningful. I’m also proud of my family, who have been part of this journey with me.
TN: What advice would you give to young musicians from Phoenix and Durban who dream of following in your footsteps?
JD: Never allow where you come from to determine how far you can go. Develop your gift, remain humble, work hard and don’t allow rejection to stop you. My journey began in a local community and church, and it has taken me to places I once only dreamed about.
TN: Is there a Bible verse or personal motto that guides your life and career?
JD: Jeremiah 29:13 has become especially meaningful to me: “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” That message has influenced my music and personal journey. In every season, I want to continue seeking God wholeheartedly.
TN: What are your hopes for the future, both as an artist and as a worship leader?
JD: My hope is to continue creating music that reaches people across nations, cultures and generations. I would love to see my music grow internationally while also expanding Elev8’s impact through worship and humanitarian outreach.
TN: What message would you like to leave the community?
JD: Phoenix and Durban will always be part of my story. I return home with gratitude, new music and a desire to give back and inspire the next generation. To every young dreamer: believe in what God has placed inside you, stay humble, remember your roots and never stop believing that your story can inspire the world.
