Stephanus le Roux Marais (1 February 1896 – 25 May 1979) was a South African composer known for his significant contribution to Afrikaans art song.

According to Holzapfel, Marais did not concern himself with formal compositional techniques or word-painting; instead, his works embraced a neo-romantic idiom with melodies that were emotionally charged and accessible to a wide audience.

[3][1] His songs, such as "Heimwee" and "Die Roos," display a clear, lyrical quality, reflecting a deep emotional resonance in their musical portrayal of themes like longing, nostalgia, and the South African landscape.

[2][3][1] His use of traditional harmonic structures, with frequent shifts between major and minor tonalities, adds a melancholic depth to his compositions, enhancing their emotional impact.

According to Grové, the cultivation of an Afrikaans art song tradition in the 20th century aimed to 'make the Dutchman proud of his language,' reflecting a cultural and nationalistic sentiment among Afrikaners during this period.

His music was widely disseminated through the Federasie van Afrikaanse Kultuurvereniginge (FAK) Sangbundel, the 20th-century South African equivalent of the German Des Knaben Wunderhorn.

Despite critiques of aesthetic conservatism, Marais's works became cornerstones of Afrikaner cultural expression, admired for their accessibility and emotional depth.

His songs were widely performed by notable South African singers such as Betsy de la Porte, Louis Knobel, and Helena Strauss.

Later, artists like Mimi Coertse, Hanlie van Niekerk, and Cato Brink propagated his works, introducing them to audiences abroad through concert recitals and recordings.

[1] In the post-apartheid era, Marais's music has been revisited and re-evaluated, reflecting its historical and cultural significance as well as the complexities of South African history.

Instrumental works C. Songs included in the FAK Volksangbundel' In 1945, Marais married Edith Johanna Rex, a teacher of commercial subjects at the Union High School in Graaff-Reinet.