Lira Finds Joy in Simple Triumphs After Life-Changing Stroke
**JOHANNESBURG** – Famed South African singer Lira is preparing to return to the stage, but her journey back has been one of profound change and a renewed appreciation for life's most basic abilities. The award-winning artist has spoken candidly about how surviving a stroke has shifted her perspective, forcing her to find gratitude and joy in even the smallest milestones, such as the ability to speak.
In a heartfelt reflection on her journey to recovery, Lira revealed the difficult and slow process of relearning how to communicate. The experience, she said, taught her to slow down and savour her progress, no matter how small. "I had to relearn speaking as a little child. I had to learn the alphabet, I had to learn how to put simple words together, like 'cat, hello, apple', and put those words together to form a sentence,” she shared. She added that the journey was not easy, but every step forward was a reason to celebrate. "It was a very slow process, but every time I made progress, I celebrated."
For Lira, something that many people take for granted—the ability to speak—has become a personal triumph that she now treasures deeply. This new outlook has filled her with a sense of gratitude and excitement. “Slowing down made me appreciate the progress I was making. It filled me with gratitude, it filled me with joy, I was excited to see my progress.”
After months of dedicated rehabilitation and significant emotional growth, Lira is ready to step back into the spotlight. She is preparing to perform at the Business Premium Jazz Festival at Carnival City, Ekurhuleni, on September 24. This performance will mark a significant milestone in her recovery, as she will share the stage with other musical giants, including Thandiswa Mazwai and Amanda Black.
Looking ahead to the festival, Lira expressed her excitement and promised a memorable experience for her fans. “All of us, we're going to give our fans the show they've never experienced before … I can't wait,” she said. Her return to the stage is not just a performance but a testament to her incredible resilience and newfound perspective on life.
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