The word ‘legend’ is often used loosely in music circles the world over. It often goes hand in hand with the word ‘pioneer’, and massive debates result when those two words are placed on artist that is perceived as undeserving of such a tag or description. When it comes to impact, influence and innovation in music, is it possible to have a system of standardisation for praise and support? Who sets the benchmarks of excellence? Is it the fans, industry players, the media or other external entities or forces that dictate who is deserving of such titles? Those are difficult questions to answer as music and the arts play a rather complex role in society because they directly impact how humans think, feel and experience life.

An unfair amount of pressure is placed on the creators of music, from unrealistic expectations to being forced to assume a workaholic persona, in exchange for mass approval can be seen as a setback and negative. Some artists can handle the pressure that comes with being an artist, some can’t handle the pressure, and some don’t care much about it as their focus is pushing themselves. Daev Martian, born Dave Moyo, is one of South Africa’s most talented musicians out right now, unnoticeably shifting and bending culture at his will as he progressively channels his creativity into music. Son of a jazz bass guitarist, music has always played an integral part in his life. Music has always been something he had no chance of ignoring. His journey in music started out in 2009 when his hands and mind first met DAWs (digital audio workstations), something incredible was sparked in him. A spark that would allow him, a few years later after 2009, to be one of the most progressive electronic musicians in South Africa.

With an impressive DIY approach, Daev has managed to have a string of projects released through international labels from America and Australia, namely Goldie Records and Gentle Records. Much of the acclaim he has received as an artist has come from abroad, but that is slowly changing as more and more influential tastemakers and industry players are catching wind of his work, championing it and sharing it through their channels. One of those industry players is Kid Fonque, a label founder and radio show host that is passionate about exposing independent music in South Africa. Through Stay True Sounds, a label found by Kid Fonque, Daev Martian is afforded the opportunity to flex his skill, talent and innovation as a DJ, producer and well-respected curator in South Africa’s beat scene. He’s a multi-dimensional artist who can seamlessly dabble and shift between any genre within electronic music. Not only does he produce, he writes as well and sings on some of his tracks.

Many may not know him yet but trust us when we say that he is without a doubt, an act that is geared up to represent South Africa well in the international arena of music. Towards the end of 2017, Daev released his groundbreaking ‘Frequency Manipulation’ album, a project which set him apart from the rest and inducted him into ‘up and coming pioneers’ discussions. The project received a lot of support locally and it was celebrated mostly for its progressive sound design, production and conceptual standing.

In 2018, it seems as if the focus for Daev Martian has been gigging, make more music and supporting his sister, Deniece Marz, with breaking out as a sought-after DJ in Johannesburg. The slow pace at which local music fans are catching on to him makes in an unsung pioneer, but that does not take away from the fact that he is a legend in the making. Those who are sleeping on him will experience a rude awakening when world celebrates him for his pioneering spirit.