In his courageous battle with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2, South African artist Ijay Swanepoel, performing under the name Stephen Gawking, The Nuclear Lyricist, remains undeterred, turning his challenges into the driving force behind creating uplifting music that serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Drawing from the unyielding Mzansi spirit and the resilience of South Africa's Rainbow Nation in the face of adversity, his latest single, ‘Remember the Dream,’ featuring Nathan Blur and the Botshabelo Sunrise Choir, is a powerful anthem that transcends boundaries. It motivates listeners to hold fast to their dreams and aspirations, while championing unity and a collective vision for a brighter future.

“Being proudly patriotic is a beautiful thing with the power to unite us,” shares Stephen Gawking. “As a passionate advocate for all things South African, I am immensely proud of those ambassadors of hope who wave our flag with pride, instilling hope in us all. As a lover of sport, champions like Dricus 'Stillknocks' du Plessis, the Springboks, the Proteas, and our Olympians, to name but a few, have given me and all who believe in a better future so much hope. They show us what is possible and what we, as South Africans, can achieve. Ultimately, we are all warriors, facing the struggles of life every day and rising above them together.”

^{Stephen Gawking and Nathan Blur}

We wish the valiant athletes all the best at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, we salute you!

Stephen Gawking elaborates, “‘Remember the Dream’ is my heartfelt tribute to the resilience of the South African people in the face of adversity. The song delves into the struggles we endure daily and honours our determination to persevere and find light in the darkness. At its core, it celebrates the human spirit's ability to rise above hardship with courage and strength. While rooted in the South African experience, the song also speaks to the universal theme of hope and its transformative power. ‘Remember the Dream’ encourages listeners to hold fast to their dreams and aspirations, regardless of the challenges they face. It highlights the crucial role of hope in propelling us forward, even in the darkest times. Ultimately, the song emphasises that by uniting and working towards a shared vision of a brighter future, we can overcome any obstacle.”

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