For nearly two decades, the concept of a mainstream South African boyband felt like a distant, archived era of local pop culture. When five-piece musical outfit DeySay emerged onto the scene, they did not follow the traditional route of reality talent competitions or corporate talent searches.
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Instead, the group built an organic, viral foundation across social media before stepping up as the pioneers of A-pop, a fusion of contemporary international pop structures with distinct African rhythms, warmth, and local vocal harmonies.
Now, as members navigate everything from high school matric exams to high-stakes studio sessions, DeySay is proving that their rise is grounded in genuine brotherhood, vocal discipline, and a shared commitment to taking South African pop to global stages.
The personalities behind the harmonies
Building a cohesive five-member group requires balancing distinct individual identities with a unified collective vision.
Joaquin ‘Jo’ Jardine, one of the group’s key anchors, approaches DeySay with intense focus and detail-oriented drive. While describing himself as cheeky and ambitious, Jo takes the group’s visual presentation, fashion, and musical arrangements seriously, constantly analysing global pop trends to ensure DeySay remains synchronised.
Balancing Jo’s studio precision is Leandre ‘Dre’ Johnson, the band’s instrumental heart and designated peacemaker. Outside rehearsals, Dre spends his hours mastering the guitar before passing it off to fellow group members, bringing live acoustic warmth, chord depth, and rhythmic African textures into their sound.
The group’s dynamic expanded further with the addition of Fabian and Dean, both of whom transitioned from loyal fans following DeySay online to full-time members standing on stage.
Fabian brings high-voltage performance energy, creative ideas, and a constant drive to lift the room’s mood. Dean, originally from Bloemfontein and affectionately known in the group as ‘Dimples,’ brings a deep, studious love for classic boyband pop, balancing a naturally quieter demeanour with a growing, confident vocal presence.
Rounding out the quintet is Chadwell ‘Chad’ Johnson, who has spent recent months managing a demanding double life: writing his matric final examinations while keeping pace with daily rehearsals, recording sessions, and live performances.
For Chad, the juggle has reinforced the discipline and consistency required to sustain a long-term music career.
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Better Off Without You: Turning studio hardship into an anthem
DeySay’s latest release, Better Off Without You, represents a significant step forward in the group’s vocal maturity and narrative direction.
The track came together under less-than-ideal circumstances in the studio, with the entire group battling physical illness through a demanding overnight recording session. Despite the physical strain, the session yielded what the members describe as their fullest and most cohesive vocal chemistry to date.
Lyrically, Better Off Without You explores self-worth, emotional maturity, and the courage required to walk away from unsupportive relationships to prioritise personal growth. Driven by local South African soundscapes and signature A-pop harmonies, the single has quickly resonated with their fanbase, turning an arduous studio night into an anthemic triumph.
Building one story together
What sets DeySay apart in Mzansi’s evolving entertainment ecosystem is their commitment to collective identity. Rather than functioning as five individual soloists competing for centre stage, the members view their brotherhood as the fundamental pillar of their craft.
As South African youth culture continues to demand authenticity and homegrown excellence, DeySay is proving that boyband culture in Mzansi is not just surviving; it is being completely reinvented on its own terms.
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