Lira makes triumphant return to the stage after suffering stroke
Lira is back on stage more than one year after suffering a stroke.
South African singer Lira took to the stage for the first time since her speech was impacted by a health scare that almost ended her career.
The 44-year-old was hospitalised in March 2022 after suffering a stroke during a trip to Germany. "Her ability to communicate, in particular, her speech, has been impacted," her team said in a statement at the time.
The 'Feel Good' singer started talking again three months later but still had a long road to recovery ahead. She was later diagnosed with aphasia - a language disorder caused by trauma to the brain.
Her health challenges did not stop her from believing that she would one day pick up her mic again to perform. What might have seemed impossible one year ago became a reality recently.
ALSO READ: Lira marks one year since she had a stroke
Lira, whose real name is Lerato Molapo, performed at the Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) Starlight Classics event - 17 months after her stroke - alongside Masabane Rangwanasha and Sunnyboy Dladla.
"This was so surreal," the award-winning singer captioned a clip from their performance. The crowd chanted Lira's name as she took to the stage.
She admitted she was nervous but was glad she did it.
"I had the awesome voices of @sunnyboy.dladla and @masabane_cecilia_rangwanasha who supported me. There’s still a long way to go before I can sing on my own, let alone sing at a full concert- but this a very positive step in my recovery," she wrote.
Lira added: "I’ve been singing to loosen up my tongue, it has helped to speak better and I do it as part of my recovery."
ALSO READ: Kabelo Mabalane on being 21 years sober: 'All things are possible'
MORE FROM EAST COAST RADIO
No one is prouder of Lira than her fans and fellow musicians.
"God be showing off with His children stru," Mafikizolo's Nhlanhla Nciza said.
Rapper Boity commented: "Able God! What a Big God we serve, mama!!!"
Former 'Real Housewives of Durban' star Londie London wrote: "What an awesome God we serve."
Lira also shared a clip of herself trying to sing one month after her stroke and another one taken later in 2022.
"The first video is from April 2022 - I could sing but I struggled with words. The second video was in September 2023. How’s that for progress?"
ALSO READ: Too darn cute! Siya Kolisi's kids attend first day of school in Paris
Watch Lira's full performance at the RMB Starlight Classics in Johannesburg below:
Main image credit: Instagram/@miss_lira
How to listen to East Coast Radio:
1. Listen to East Coast Radio on the FM spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.
2. Listen live to ECR by clicking here or download the ECR App (iOS/Android).
3. Listen to East Coast Radio on the DStv audio bouquet
4. Listen to us on Amazon Alexa.
Find East Coast Radio on the following social media platforms: