Stephen Gawking and Eva Morgan – “Bubblegum Milkshake” Review
Reviewed by Veronika van der Walt.
A Vibrant Pop Gem with Heart, Purpose and Replay Power
With “Bubblegum Milkshake,” Eva Morgan and Stephen Gawking deliver a glossy, feel-good pop single that sparkles on the surface while carrying genuine emotional weight underneath. It’s playful, bright and instantly memorable — yet surprisingly rich with meaning for listeners who lean in.
The track bursts open with candy-coloured melodies and polished production from Bobby Johnson at Re-Birth Music. The rhythm is clean and contemporary, the hooks are undeniably catchy, and the vocal layering gives the song a radio-ready sheen that fits perfectly into modern pop playlists.
But the real magic lies in the dynamic between its two creators.
Eva Morgan brings warmth, nuance and emotional clarity to every line, lifting the song from simple fun to something sincerely touching. Her performance gives Bubblegum Milkshake its heart.
Stephen Gawking (Ijay Swanepoel), known as The Nuclear Lyricist, adds lyrical intelligence and authentic purpose. Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2, he has long used music as a vehicle for resilience, visibility and empowerment. That spirit shines through here — a quiet gravity beneath the sweetness, turning a playful pop tune into a message of strength wrapped in joy.
Bubblegum Milkshake is a standout collaboration: vibrant, accessible, and layered with real human significance. It’s a track that entertains on first listen and grows with every replay — fun, meaningful, and deeply alive.
This is pop with purpose, and it deserves to be heard.
Clean English Lyrics
We drown in colour, till all our senses fade
Forget the warnings, that come in streams of pain
Sleepwalking, through a mirror maze
Take your sugar, make sure you’re high
Drown in pleasure, don’t ask me why
It doesn’t matter if you’re feeling right
It doesn’t matter if you’re drowning, drowning your life
Sipping lightning from a paper crown
It’s all a masked game
Like children on a playground
Can we just be real for a change
For a change for, for a change, for a change
Bubblegum milkshake highs
And blue-laced lies and lullabies
We drown in colour
Till all the senses fade
Forget the warnings
That come in streams of pain
Sleepwalking through a maze
Tell me we’re not inane
Biography – Eva Morgan
Eva Morgan has been singing ever since she was a little girl. By 1997, she had already developed into a well-rounded vocalist, dancer, and model.
In 1999, she landed her first professional shows at the Barnyard Theatre in Plettenberg Bay and Mossel Bay. Since then, Eva has starred in over nineteen Barnyard Productions, captivating audiences with her dynamic stage presence and vocal talent.
She went on to join the Afrikaans vocal dance girl group SHINE4, touring internationally and performing alongside some of South Africa’s biggest stars. Highlights include performing at the Aukasie Festival in London’s Wembley Arena, as well as appearances at major South African festivals such as Aardklop and KKNK.
Eva has also performed in numerous glamorous stage extravaganzas at prestigious venues including Sun City, Emperors Palace, Carnival City, and Carousel Casino.
In 2014, she signed her first record deal with Eikonic Records, releasing three radio singles to widespread acclaim. Two years later, she launched her debut solo album ‘Ek Is’ (2016), which earned a nomination for Best Pop Album at the 2018 Ghoema Awards, where she also performed live.
Career Highlights & Collaborations:
• Performed for Nelson Mandela at Emperors Palace.
• Opened for Laila Ali during a worldwide live television broadcast.
• Opened for Jack Parow and Francois van Coke.
• Performed with Jamali, Just Jinjer, Casper de Vries, Eden, Lee Scott, Dozi, and Liezel Pieters.
• Featured on numerous artists’ studio albums.
Now based in Cape Town, Eva continues to pursue her solo career as a singer and songwriter. With her remarkable voice, professional experience, and unwavering passion, she remains dedicated to sharing her talent and creativity with new audiences and collaborators.
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.evmorgan
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eva.songbird
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@evamorgan434
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@evamorgan977
Biography – Stephen Gawking (The Nuclear Lyricist)
Ijay Swanepoel, professionally known as Stephen Gawking (The Nuclear Lyricist), is a visionary musician whose journey is a testament to resilience and determination in the face of severe disability. Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 (SMA) – a condition akin to that of the renowned physicist Stephen Hawking – Ijay defies limitations, transforming his challenges into a source of hope and inspiration.
Guided by the powerful mantra, “My life is a portrait, and I hold the paintbrush. I got dealt a bad hand, but I’ll play it like a royal flush!” Ijay channels his profound musical talent to uplift and motivate diverse audiences, particularly those facing adversity – be they disabled, marginalised, bullied, or grappling with life’s many struggles.
Stephen Gawking’s music transcends boundaries, showcasing the transformative power of resilience, hope, and inclusivity. Through his evocative storytelling and impactful compositions, Ijay Swanepoel stands as a beacon of strength, turning adversity into art and challenges into triumphs. Despite his personal struggles, Ijay’s artistic contributions extend beyond himself, embracing collaborations that pay tribute to others and inspire through music.
2023: He released the single ‘Cheslin Kolbe in an Office Cubicle’ featuring HemelBesem, Loufi, Gazelle, and Vicus Visser. This powerful Hip-Hop/Pop anthem champions perseverance in the face of doubt, echoing the ethos: “Rather try and fail, than fail to try.” The song embodies inclusivity, determination, and the pursuit of dreams despite obstacles.
2023: In a deeply personal tribute, Ijay honoured his late sister Andria, who passed away from Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 at the age of five. Collaborating with Eduan, Kat, and Kulax, he released ‘Andria the Angelic’, a poignant reflection on loss, love, and finding beauty amid tragedy.
2024: His musical journey took a profound turn with ‘Demons and Disorders’ featuring Nathan Blur, a thought-provoking exploration of depression and mental health stigma. Rather than offering definitive answers, the song delves into the complex interplay of scientific, psychological, and spiritual elements, encouraging open conversation and compassion.
2024: Continuing his artistic evolution ‘Remember the Dream’, again featuring Nathan Blur, drew from personal challenges to capture the indomitable resilience of the Mzansi spirit. The song transcends boundaries, inspiring listeners to hold onto their dreams, fostering unity and shared vision in overcoming life’s hardships.
2025: As Stephen Gawking forges ahead, his commitment to pushing artistic and emotional boundaries remains unwavering. This year started with the release of ‘The Way’, a compelling song featuring Clint Brink. This collaboration delivered another impactful message, reinforcing Ijay’s reputation as a bold and thought-provoking artist.
Stephen Gawking is now ready to unleash ‘Bubblegum Milkshake’ on 21 November 2025 featuring Eva Morgan. A playful, light-hearted pop song designed to feel carefree and fun on the surface, while quietly carrying deeper meaning for those willing to listen closely. The lyrics lean into sugary imagery and bubbly energy, almost parodying shallow pop culture vibes, but within the sweetness are hints of longing for something more real and lasting. The inspiration behind the song is to not take myself too seriously – to let the music vibe and bring joy – while still planting subtle truths that attentive listeners can pick up on. With Eva Morgan on vocals, the track gains both power and intimacy: bold, playful confidence in the verses and choruses, with a more reflective, heartfelt edge in the bridge. This balance helps the song live in two worlds at once – fun and light for anyone who just wants to sing along, while offering something deeper for those with “ears to hear.”
Through his music, message, and mission, Stephen Gawking continues to inspire, challenge, and uplift audiences worldwide – proving that obstacles are merely stepping stones on the path to greatness.
• All Links: https://linktr.ee/stephengawking
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NuclearLyricist
• X: https://twitter.com/NuclearLyricist
• TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thenuclearlyricist
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nuclearlyricist
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stephengawking6821
