Daniel Modimo, affectionately known as Daniel Marven is a South African artist, web influencer and entrepreneur. Born in a small village outside Lephalale, Limpopo, he was raised by his grandmother and mother Lydia Modimo.
After moving in with his uncle at 16 and drawing inspiration from rapper 50 Cent’s “Get Rich Or Die Trying” record, Daniel started performing at school and joined hip-hop group, ‘Blueprint’ which was formed in 2002.
While studying for a BCom in Human Resources at the University of South Africa in 2007, Daniel lost his mother and he had to drop out of school in order to find a job and help raise his younger siblings. During this time, he also opened a gaming shop to make money where he also sold DVDs and CDs for survival. This experience of having to be a street vendor ultimately groomed Daniel from a novice entrepreneur into a seasoned businessman.
Looking back on his journey, Daniel said, “I have come to learn that business and entrepreneurship are the only ways to eradicate poverty. And that these tools should be exploited more in our fight against unemployment and self-sustenance.”
As an all-around creative, with a penchant and passion for social media, Daniel has taken the digital media industry by storm, using Twitter as his tool to relay messages and carved a large audience of followers. “The digital era is upon us and if South Africa sleeps on it, I will exploit it and reap the benefits it brings,” says Daniel.
Having since taking the bold step of refocusing his time on music again, which is inspired by his life journey and various circumstances, Daniel hopes that the new music, although dance, will inspire and instill a sense of pride among Africans and also serve as a bridge that connects the young and old generations.
Currently juggling between his music career, businesses and a full-time job at South African Power station, Daniel is a jack of many trades and makes frequent appearances on the South African television circuit. The self-confessed “King of Social Media”, dance and rap artist also has worked and shared stages with the likes of Naakmusiq, Dj Tira, Sjava, Fifi Cooper, Prince Kaybee, Maraza, Lerato Kganyago, Lady Zamar, Amanda Black and DJ Sumbody to name but a few.
Daniel believes his time is now and he is building a brand that can better Africa and fight poverty through the use of creative enterprises.