Lira Opens Up About Her Recovery Journey 3 Years After Suffering a Stroke

• Lira recently opened up about her recovery journey, just over three years since her stroke scare
• The singer was in a foreign country when the unfortunate incident occurred, and after finally regaining her strength, Lira says it has shifted her perspective on life
• She is back on stage and booked to perform at some of South Africa's biggest festivals, opportunities she does not take for granted

Lira spoke about how life has been three years since suffering a stroke that changed her life forever.

The unfortunate incident happened in March 2022 during the Wa Mpaleha singer's tour in Frankfurt, Germany. As a result, her ability to speak was greatly affected.

She underwent medical treatment in South Africa, a slow process that required patience from both herself and her fans.

However, despite the difficulties of having to learn to speak again like a little child, Lira said the road to recovery forced her to slow down and appreciate every milestone, big or small:

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"Slowing down made me appreciate the progress I was making. It filled me with gratitude, it filled me with joy, and I was excited to see my progress."

According to TimesLIVE, the singer spoke about undergoing speech therapy, where she relearned the alphabet and how to form simple sentences:

"I had to learn the alphabet and how to put simple words together, like 'cat, hello, apple', and use those words to form a sentence."

After the incident, doctors confirmed that Lira had aphasia, a language disorder that affects the ability to speak, understand, read, or write. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), roughly 15 million people across the world have aphasia.

While strokes are the most common cause, aphasia can also be caused by head injuries, brain tumours and dementia. However, many people, like Lira, can recover.

In May 2025, the singer marked one year since she returned to singing after her stroke, a major milestone she did not take for granted.

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Having made an official comeback to the stage, she is set to perform at the DStv Delicious Festival, taking place on 21 and 22 September.

Not only that, but the Business Premium Jazz Festival will also be hosting her homecoming event on 24 September alongside fellow Afro-soul singers, Amanda Black and Thandiswa Mazwai, a show she said is not one to miss.

South Africans show love to Lira

Fans are still in awe of Lira's resilience and ability to go on despite the hurdles she had to face. Many admired her strength and positive outlook on life. Read some of their comments below:

missmedia__ said:

"You look incredible!"

corporatemngoma appreciated Lira:

"Thank you so much for embracing us with your presence. Most importantly, for sharing your story. You have moved a lot of us with your learnings. I cannot wait to see all that is coming your way on your own terms."

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vatiswalovingand posted:

"You are strength. We are coming."

bhekanithabede showed love to Lira:

"I watched your show 'Lerato in ICC' years ago and would not mind to watch your shows again and again. Akwande."

kelee4153 admired Lira:

"Beauty, strength and resilience, all packaged in you."

Nandi Nyembe falls ill on set

In an earlier report, Briefly News shared Nandi Nyembe's candid account of having worked in poor conditions.

The late actress spoke about how she and her castmates were not treated with dignity during the shooting of a popular show, ultimately leading to her illness.

Source: Briefly News