Martin Ramon Nievera was born on February 5, 1962, in Manila, Philippines together with twin sister, Vicky, to Bert Nievera & Conchita Razon. Nievera spent most of his childhood in Hawaii together with his father as his father sang for the group S.O.S. (a.k.a. A Society of Seven).

Inspired by his father's talent and success, he returned to the Philippines in 1982 to begin his own singing career and by June 1982 he released his first LP, Martin...Take One with the album reaching platinum in just five months.