South African afro-soul singer Lira is set to make a return to the stage at the upcoming Cape Town International Jazz Festival, marking a significant chapter in her remarkable journey following a stroke that sidelined her from performing for several years.
The queen of Afro-soul suffered a stroke in 2022, which left her unable to read, write or speak. Although she has been performing, this will be her first major festival.
The beloved songstress, who has mesmerised audiences throughout her career, expressed her heartfelt sentiments about being back on stage: "It feels surreal to be back. The recovery process is ongoing, and I’m making improvements with every experience I have, but it's unbelievable.
"I thought I’d have to give up singing, but I've been singing since last May, and being in front of the audience, I feel loved and supported. I really missed being on stage, and the audience had missed me."
Having previously graced this festival stage twice and even appeared on their cover in 2008, Lira is eager to reconnect with her fans.
"I was booked to perform in 2020, but I did not get to perform as the world went into lockdown. So I’m looking forward to being on stage and being with the other artists because there is a jam session where different artists take to the stage and freestyle.
"It's a great way to spend time sharing our talent."
Fans can expect an energetic and joyous performance filled with Lira’s timeless classics such as "Feel Good," "Hamba", "Believer," and "Something Inside So Strong".
Celebrating the power of music to uplift and inspire, Lira believes, "music is part of life" and draws inspiration from legendary figures like Stevie Wonder and Mirriam Makeba.
"Different music themes every experience we have in our lives. I've managed to write many songs that have given people inspiration and helped them get through difficult times. I’m especially proud of that. Mirriam Makeba made me want to achieve international success while being my African self."
With aspirations to collaborate with renowned artists like John Legend, Thandiswa Mazwai, and Wouter Kellerman, Lira’s journey has been fueled by her desire to merge her South African roots with global success.
Even during this challenging time, she noted, "It is very brave of me to even be singing. I am very aware of what it takes. It's part of my healing. It's part of me carrying on.
"There are things I can’t do as well as I did before, but every day I try. I have made it this far, and I’m proud of myself. I can’t give in to nerves … I have a chance to live my life again to create a new life and do better."
Lira, who faced immense challenges after suffering her stroke, has become an inspirational speaker, sharing her story with others facing similar difficulties.
"Even if I had no words, unable to speak, I'd use gestures and act out what I was trying to say. After a year and a half, I managed to speak enough so I could tell my story. I've been working as an inspirational speaker for under two years, and it's been so good for me.
"I manage to inspire people through my talks and now through singing, I continue to inspire,” she recounted.
While Lira is excited for the festival, she is also taking a considered approach to her recovery: "I’m not there yet. Recovery is a slow process, and I can’t give in to pressure. A stroke is damage to the brain. It's a miracle that I am where I am in my recovery. But I’ve got to take it slow."
Despite the hurdles, she is grateful for her journey and encourages others to embrace their own paths.
“I am happy to be alive and doing what I love to do and not being ashamed of doing it.”
Aside from her performance, Lira is looking forward to attending two of her local favourites, Lesego and Mazwai's concerts.