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She’s all set for her first live show with a full band since suffering a stroke two years ago, and Lira delighted her fans even more with surprise performances at two recent events in Gauteng.
On 7 May the award-winning singer performed at what she described as "an intimate occasion . . . yet another thing I have conquered. This was the first time I sang and spoke. Just little goals that I set for myself. I have improved so much!!! I’m ready for my performances at Nirox and Bassline Fest".
Then, on 12 May, Lira made a guest appearance at a Mother's Day concert held in Nirox Sculpture Park in Krugersdorp, performing with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.
The singer suffered a stroke while touring Germany in 2022.
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The stroke affected her ability to speak and sing and she had to re-learn how to talk and read.
“People were initially interested in my recovery journey and, as time went by, they started asking when I would perform again.
"I have been practising to perform as part of my recovery and I have come to accept that the old Lira is gone,” she told IOL in March.
She surprised fans late last year with a vocal teaser at the RMB Starlight Classic at the Johannesburg Country Club, which had the audience on their feet cheering her.
READ MORE | 5 things you didn't know about Lira
“This was so surreal!" Lira wrote on Instagram after her Mother's Day performance.
"I never thought I would be singing so soon . . . I’ve worked hard but there were times when the progress was SO slow. Now I know that you can achieve anything you put your mind to – just do the work daily. Even if it seems you are making no progress – just keep going.
"I’m so PROUD of myself. I’m experiencing the season of being proud of myself. It was so emotional – I cried many tears yesterday – I released so much. Tears of pride, joy and triumph!!"
Her next performance, which will be her first live show with a full band, is at the Bassline Fest Africa Day Celebration on 25 May at Constitution Hill in Jozi.
SOURCES: IOL.COM, GOODTHINGSGUY.COM, TIMESLIVE.CO.ZA
