33-year-old Ballito musician Ijay Swanepoel, known in his music career as Stephen Gawking: The Nuclear Lyricist, speaks about living with spinal muscular atrophy and how music keeps him moving forward.
Ijay lives with spinal muscular atrophy type 2, a condition that causes progressive muscle weakness and has left him wheelchair-bound. Instead of letting it limit him, he has turned his reality into music rooted in faith.
“Being physically limited forced my imagination to be limitless,” he says. Diagnosed at one year old, SMA has always been part of his life. What began as escapism through film, music and TV eventually became his creative fuel. “Every song I write comes from gratitude and the belief that even our limits can become instruments of light.”
Among his career highlights are releasing Remember the Dream, The Way and collaborating with producer Bobby Johnson. But the real magic, he says, is the people. “Artists, producers, interviewers, every single person who’s given me the time of day means the world.”
Ijay hopes his work shifts perceptions of disability. “Disability doesn’t mean limitation. It just means living life differently. Strength isn’t about appearance; it’s about perseverance and purpose.”
His latest single, Bubblegum Milkshake, features vocalist Eva Morgan and plays with the idea of sweetness on the surface and depth underneath.
“It’s fun and light-hearted, but there’s still meaning for those who listen closely.” Eva flew from Cape Town to record with Bobby Johnson in Bloemfontein. Ijay wasn’t able to be there, but when he heard the vocals, “I was blown away. She brought the emotion and attitude the song needed.”
Growing up in Mpumalanga and holidaying in Ballito through the early 2000s, he eventually moved here permanently in 2022 for health reasons.
“The coastal vibes and energy have been inspiring both personally and creatively.”
Music became more than a hobby in 2018, when he reached out to Johnson to help bring his ideas to life. Influences like Jack Parow, Eminem and the Black-Eyed Peas taught him the power of honesty and storytelling. Collaborations with artists such as Nathan Blur and Clint Brink have pushed him creatively and reminded him to “keep the art above the ego.”
Behind the scenes, Devographic Music Agency plays a key role. “Without Devo’s guidance and support, none of my recent progress would’ve been possible. Having a strong team is everything.”
Although living with SMA makes travelling difficult, technology has allowed him to build a music career remotely. Still, he believes venues can do more.
“Accessibility basics like ramps, seating and other facilities go a long way.”
Success, for Ijay, is no longer about numbers. “Messages from people saying a song gave them hope: that’s everything.”
His advice to young creatives living with disabilities: “Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Use what you have, where you are. Your story matters, even if it starts small.”
As he looks ahead, Ijay plans to keep creating, collaborating and connecting. “By the grace of Jesus, I’ll keep fighting the good fight. And if you want to support me, listen, share, reach out. I’d love to connect.”
Details: IG: @nuclearlyricist
Text: Jennifer Campbell Photograph: Precision Photography Ballito
