Living with spinal muscular atrophy, Stephen Gawking pours his heart into creating some of the most hopeful music. His new single is that and more.
South Africa (21 June 2026) – Stephen Gawking (whose real name is Ijay Swanepoel) has built a name for himself in South African music as The Nuclear Lyricist, an artist known for songs that speak about resilience, hope and perseverance.
Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 – a condition that affects muscle strength and movement – he writes from a place that understands struggle. It shows in his music that reminds listeners that limitations don’t get the final say on potential.
That is the inspiration that drives his brand new single, ‘Manna’, featuring acclaimed vocalist Eva Morgan and celebrated rock performer Mark Haze.
We’re living through a chapter where AI is changing how people create, work and even express themselves, and Stephen decided to ask the question a lot of artists are quietly wrestling with at the moment. What really makes creativity human?
That question became ‘Manna’, a cinematic pop track wrapped in powerful vocal performances and produced by Bobby Johnson, with Stephen co-producing.
The song doesn’t shy away from acknowledging how much AI is shaping art today. It shows that there is a place in the creative process where technology fits in, but it won’t ever replace the soul behind the work, the love, the loss, the faith, the doubt, the struggle and the triumph that real human experience brings to music.
“Manna is a reflective pop song about searching for light in uncertain times,” Stephen explains. “While acknowledging the rise of AI and its influence on art, the song affirms that technology can be embraced without replacing what makes creativity truly powerful, the human soul behind it.”
The title comes from the biblical idea of manna, nourishment that arrived just when it was needed most. In the song, that idea becomes a symbol for inspiration and the small moments of clarity that carry us through difficult times.
Mark Haze, known for his dynamic live shows and his blend of rock, soul and blues, brings his talent to the single.
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Eva Morgan, a locally respected vocalist, adds warmth and emotional depth to the track. This isn’t her first time working with Stephen, having previously featured on his song ‘Bubblegum Milkshake’.
“I loved working on this song,” Eva shares. “I had space to showcase my true vocal passion with an incredible melody and beautiful lyrics.”
‘Manna’ isn’t really about AI, it’s about people. About gratitude, connection, faith and the parts of us that no machine can replicate. ‘Manna’ is available now on all platforms. Stream it here.
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