Ijay Swanepoel, better known as Stephen Gawking, The Nuclear Lyricist, continues to defy expectations and break barriers in the music industry. With his latest single ‘Remember the Dream’ he not only delivers a powerful message of hope but also unites South Africa in a collective vision for the future. Featuring the soulful voice of Nathan Blur and the inspiring harmonies of the Botshabelo Sunrise Choir, this anthem is a testament to the resilience and unity of the Rainbow Nation. In this follow-up interview with Underground Press, we dive into the creative process behind the single, explore the influences that shaped it, and learn about Stephen Gawking's ongoing mission to inspire through his music.

‘Remember the Dream’ is an anthem with a powerful message. Can you walk us through the initial inspiration for the song and how it evolved during the creative process?

‘Remember the Dream’ started with a deep desire to capture the essence of hope and resilience. Initially, the inspiration came from observing the strength and unity of our people, especially in the face of challenges. I wanted the song to be a tribute to that enduring spirit and to convey a message that, no matter the obstacles we face, we should keep pursuing our dreams.

During the creative process, the song evolved as I delved deeper into my own experiences and those of others around me. I drew on personal struggles, including my battle with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 and the recent health scare, which gave the song a more profound emotional layer. These experiences made the message of perseverance and hope even more significant.

The collaboration with Nathan Blur and the Botshabelo Sunrise Choir added another dimension to the song. Their contributions helped to elevate the track, infusing it with a sense of cultural richness and community spirit. As the song developed, it became a powerful anthem that reflects both personal and collective journeys, aiming to inspire listeners to hold on to their dreams and keep pushing forward."

Collaboration seems to be a key element in your music. How did the partnership with Nathan Blur and the Botshabelo Sunrise Choir come about, and what was it like bringing their voices into this project?

"Collaboration is indeed a key element in my music, and working with Nathan Blur and the Botshabelo Sunrise Choir was an incredibly rewarding experience. The partnership with Nathan came about through a mutual appreciation for each other’s work. His exceptional talent and professionalism were evident from the start, and working together felt natural and inspiring. Over time, our collaboration grew into a genuine friendship, which added a special layer to the project.

The idea to include the Botshabelo Sunrise Choir stemmed from my long-standing desire to create a song with a choir, drawing inspiration from iconic South African groups like Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Johnny Clegg. When I approached the choir, their enthusiasm and unique sound perfectly aligned with the vision I had for ‘Remember the Dream.’

Bringing their voices into the project was a fantastic experience. The choir’s powerful harmonies and rich, emotive performance added depth and cultural resonance to the song. Their contribution helped to enhance the song’s message of unity and hope, making it a truly collaborative effort that reflects the strength and spirit of our community."

Your music often reflects your personal experiences and broader societal themes. What specific experiences or events influenced the writing of ‘Remember the Dream’?

"Stephen Gawking: ‘Remember the Dream’ was deeply influenced by both personal experiences and broader societal themes. On a personal level, my own journey with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 and a recent severe health scare played a significant role in shaping the song. These challenges brought a new depth to my understanding of perseverance and hope, which I wanted to convey through the music.

Societally, the song reflects the resilience and unity of the South African people. Observing how our nation comes together in the face of adversity and celebrates its diversity was a major inspiration. The themes of overcoming obstacles and striving for a better future are central to both my personal experience and the collective spirit of our community.

By weaving these personal and societal influences into the song, I aimed to create a powerful anthem that resonates with listeners on multiple levels, encouraging them to hold onto their dreams and continue moving forward despite any difficulties they might face."

As someone who has faced significant challenges, you’ve become a symbol of resilience. How do you channel your personal struggles into creating music that resonates with so many people?

"Facing significant challenges has deeply influenced my approach to music. I channel my personal struggles into my songs by transforming my experiences into relatable messages of resilience and hope. My journey with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 and recent health issues has provided me with profound insights into overcoming adversity. These experiences inform the emotions and stories I share through my music.

However, it's not just about my lyrics and melodies. The collaboration with Bobby Johnson, whose technical expertise and production skills are integral to my music, plays a vital role. His contribution ensures that my personal experiences are expressed in a way that resonates with listeners, giving depth and authenticity to the final product.

By blending my personal journey with Bobby’s musical expertise, We aim to create songs that connect with others on a meaningful level, offering support and inspiration to those who might be facing their own struggles."

South Africa has a rich musical heritage. How do you see ‘Remember the Dream’ fitting into the broader landscape of South African music, and what do you hope it adds to the conversation?

"Remember the Dream’ aims to contribute to South Africa’s rich musical heritage by blending traditional influences with contemporary themes. South Africa's music is deeply rooted in diverse cultural traditions, and I wanted this song to reflect that vibrancy while also addressing modern challenges and aspirations.

Incorporating elements inspired by iconic South African artists and groups, such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Johnny Clegg, ‘Remember the Dream’ pays homage to our musical roots. By collaborating with the Botshabelo Sunrise Choir, we also bring a layer of cultural authenticity and communal spirit to the track.

I hope that the song adds to the ongoing conversation about resilience, unity, and hope in South African music. It’s about celebrating our collective strength and the ability to overcome adversity, while also inspiring listeners to hold on to their dreams and support one another. Ultimately, I want ‘Remember the Dream’ to be a meaningful contribution to our musical landscape, reflecting both our heritage and our shared future."

The song has already gained attention on local radio before release. How important is radio play for you in reaching your audience, and what was your experience like speaking with prominent radio presenters to amplify your message?

"Radio play is crucial for reaching a wider audience and amplifying my message. It’s one of the most effective ways to connect with listeners and share my music with people who might not discover it otherwise. Having ‘Remember the Dream’ gain attention on local radio before its official release is incredibly rewarding and validates the effort we’ve put into the song.

Speaking with prominent radio presenters has been a fantastic experience. Their support and enthusiasm not only help in getting the song heard but also provide an opportunity to discuss the themes and messages behind the music. Engaging with these presenters allows me to convey the song’s deeper meaning and connect with listeners on a personal level. It’s a vital part of building momentum and ensuring that the message of hope and resilience in ‘Remember the Dream’ reaches as many people as possible."

Sport plays a significant role in your life. How do you see the parallels between the spirit of South African athletes and the message you’re delivering in your music with ‘Remember the Dream’?

"Sport has always been a major influence in my life, and the spirit of South African athletes resonates deeply with the message of ‘Remember the Dream.’ Athletes embody resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of goals - qualities that are central to the song’s message.

Just like athletes who push through challenges and setbacks to achieve their dreams, ‘Remember the Dream’ reflects the same perseverance and hope. The song draws inspiration from the strength and unity displayed by South African sports figures, who often overcome tremendous obstacles to excel on the world stage.

By aligning the themes of the song with the spirit of our athletes, I hope to capture the essence of their resilience and convey it through music. The parallels between their dedication and the message of the song highlight the importance of staying hopeful and persistent, no matter the difficulties we face. Through ‘Remember the Dream,’ I aim to inspire listeners to keep fighting for their dreams and support each other, just as our athletes do on and off the field."

In addition to the powerful message, the production quality of ‘Remember the Dream’ is noteworthy. Can you share some insights into the production process and the key elements that bring the song to life?

"The production quality of ‘Remember the Dream’ is a key aspect of its impact, and I’m thrilled with the outcome. The production process was a true collaboration, blending my vision with the expertise of Bobby Johnson and the remarkable talent of Nathan Blur. Bobby’s technical skills and creative insight were crucial in shaping the sound, ensuring the song’s message was conveyed effectively.

Nathan’s contribution as a vocalist added a powerful emotional depth to the track. His exceptional talent and professionalism brought a unique energy to the song, complementing the Botshabelo Sunrise Choir’s rich, cultural harmonies. Together, these elements created a dynamic arrangement that supports the song’s themes of hope and resilience.

Every aspect of the production, from the choice of instruments to the layering of vocals, was carefully considered to enhance the song’s impact. The result is a track that not only sounds compelling but also resonates deeply with listeners."

You’ve released several impactful singles the past three years. How does ‘Remember the Dream’ differ from your previous releases, particularly in terms of its themes and sound?

"‘Remember the Dream’ represents a notable shift from my previous releases in both themes and sound. While my earlier singles have addressed various personal and societal challenges, this track takes a broader approach by celebrating resilience and unity on a deeper level. It’s a tribute to the collective strength of the South African people and emphasizes a sense of national pride and solidarity.

Musically, ‘Remember the Dream’ is the most pop or commercial song I’ve released so far. The inclusion of the Botshabelo Sunrise Choir and Nathan Blur’s emotive vocals, combined with Bobby Johnson’s expert production, creates a rich and uplifting sound. This commercial direction is a deliberate choice and reflects our plan to continue exploring this genre in the future.

Overall, the song stands out for its integration of a more intricate musical arrangement and its focus on communal unity, making it a significant milestone in my artistic journey and setting the tone for future projects."

As you continue to inspire through your music, what future projects or messages can your fans look forward to from Stephen Gawking?

"As I continue to inspire through my music, fans can look forward to several exciting projects in the works. Alongside Bobby Johnson, we’re exploring new sounds and themes, building on the pop and commercial direction we’ve taken with ‘Remember the Dream.’ Each new project will strive to connect with listeners through meaningful messages of hope and resilience.

If God willing, we’ll keep fighting the good fight, pushing boundaries, and creating music that makes a positive impact. Stay tuned for more updates and new releases - we’re committed to bringing you inspiring and impactful music.

Stephen Gawking continues to inspire and uplift through his music, with ‘Remember the Dream’ standing as a powerful testament to hope and unity in South Africa. This anthem, infused with the spirit of resilience and collaboration, is now available on all streaming platforms."

Stream ‘Remember the Dream’ available Friday 30 August https://linktr.ee/stephengawking

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