SOUTH African Queen of Afrosoul, Lira feels “blessed” and “grateful” to be performing after suffering a stroke about two years ago.
The “Feel Good” hitmaker, whose real name is Lerato Molapo, went through a harrowing medical ordeal, which left her unable to read, write or speak.
Following her recovery, the 45 year old returned to the stage, with her headline act at the “Bassline Fest’s Africa Day” celebrations in Joburg in May, being her first performance since 2022.
This month, she joined the likes of iconic composer and performer Lebo M as well as Shekhinah, Vusi Nova and the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, among others, for the “Disney’s The Lion King 30th Anniversary Tribute Special”, which was held at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Linder Auditorium.
The award-winning musician also took to the stage this weekend at the Magic Music Sessions concert, which was held at SunBet Arena in Time Square, Pretoria, where Sjava, Ami Faku, Bucy Radebe and Big Zulu performed.
Taking to Instagram to post a video of her performance at the event, Lira wrote: “RESTORATION! I’ve been seeking words to explain last night to you. But I can only find words to describe the feelings - Restored, Miracle, Blessings, Thankful, Grateful, Proud, Love. After 2 years and 4 months – this is where I’m at.
“Being on the stage felt familiar – like I’ve never left. There was a time in my recovery when I thought it would take longer, when it seemed like an insurmountable task to speak or let alone sing.
“I struggled with words - but with daily practice it became easier. Healing is not a destination, it’s a journey – in which you discover yourself 🙏🏾❤️🙌🏾. It has been an amazing journey ❤️🙌🏾”.
Fans took to the comments section to congratulate her on her musical comeback.
This included @godsownmrsk, who commented: “Goosebumps!. There’s a testimony after a tragedy and yours is my favourite testimony. Joy comes in the morning indeed and God works ALL things that happen to us for our good❤️🙏🏽. To God be the GLORY ❤️🙏🏽”.
@mihlalig__ said: “You’re doing so well! This is God’s restoration ❤️”.
@ napo_modise said: “Your journey of restoration gets me so emotional and it solidifies my faith in God.You are a living testimony my Queen. God is truly a way-maker and miracle worker! 👏🏾🤍”.
Prior to her taking to the stage in May for the first time since suffering an ischemic stroke, which affected her brain’s functioning, Lira said she was in good spirits.
“I have been practising to perform as part of my recovery and have come to accept that the old Lira is gone.
“I wondered who the new Lira would be and have been getting to know her and feel ready to share her with the public,” she said.
The songstress also admitted that the recovery since her stroke in 2022 had been challenging, as she was hospitalised for two weeks, including five days in ICU.
She also told Kaya 959 author and presenter, Thabo T-Bose Mokwele, that while the overall experience was frustrating, learning how to communicate again fascinated her.
“Who gets to be grown up and experience themselves as a child again? That doesn’t happen. I felt lucky. I lived in gratitude. Seeing the things that I get to do, I’m excited about life, and the kind of life I get to live now,” she said.