From limitations to inspiration, Ijay Swanepoel’s journey as a music producer with neuromuscular disease
Under the stage name 'Stephen Gawking the Nuclear Lyricist', he conceptualises songs and writes the lyrics before finding featured artists to bring them to fruition.
Disabled music producer Ijay Swanepoel is fast becoming an inspiration to anyone who has faced obstacles in their path to create.
Swanepoel has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 2, a progressive neuromuscular disease that has left him with limited mobility and in need of full-time care.
Diagnosed at the age of one, Swanepoel has gradually become weaker and only has use of his body from the neck up and some movement in his hands.
This is similar to the condition that late physicist Stephen Hawking dealt with throughout his adult life.
“My body is basically giving in. SMA is caused by a genetic default that means my body does not determine the right proteins and my muscles atrophy as a result,” said Swanepoel, who moved to Ballito with his family in late 2022.
But his situation has not left Swanepoel despondent, and he has instead used it as motivation to spread positivity through his collaborative music process.
Under the stage name ‘Stephen Gawking the Nuclear Lyricist’, he conceptualises songs and writes the lyrics before finding featured artists to bring them to fruition.
“Music was always around in my house growing up and I DJ’ed at a few family events. I had always written poetry and in 2018 I realised I could combine my love for writing and music, and have not looked back.”
He has released six singles to date, with his most popular song Cheslin Kolbe in an Office Cubicle pulling in tens of thousands of streams since its release earlier this year.
“Cheslin is a song about not giving into the naysayers. I saw a documentary about his start in rugby when everyone told him he was too small to ever become a Springbok and now he is one of the best players in the world.”
“The song is about what his life might have been like if he didn’t believe in himself and I wanted to inspire people to believe in their passions.”
Swanepoel’s latest release, Andria the Angelic, features musicians Eduan, Kat and Kulax and is a tribute to his sister Andria who passed away from SMA Type 1 as a child.
You can stream it on all major platforms.
The journey is far from over for Swanepoel, who cites Jack Parow and the Black Eyed Peas as his major influences.
“My dream is to perform live in a variety show or festival format. I also have a few other singles coming.”
Until then Swanepoel, a massive rugby fan, will be cheering on the Springboks at the World Cup with the rest of the country.
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