By Marcus Moloko
South African singer, songwriter Lerato Molapo, better known by her stage name Lira, is set to make a comeback to the stage on 18 April at Johannesburg’s Lyric Theatre.
The one-woman show, titled Still Here, marks her first major performance since suffering a stroke in 2022.
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Lira, celebrated for her soulful voice and uplifting presence, has long been a fixture in South Africa’s music scene.
With multiple platinum albums and international tours under her belt, she has built a reputation not only as a singer but as a lifestyle icon who embodies resilience, elegance, and authenticity.
Her journey back to music has been anything but ordinary. Following her stroke, Lira initially struggled with speech and feared singing would be just as difficult. Yet, in a moment of serendipity, she discovered her voice again.
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“I thought singing was going to be as difficult as talking. So I focused on one thing at a time. I went to a friend’s birthday party, played the radio loud, and sang along to music. Then I recognized I could sing faster than I could speak,” the singer said.
That accidental discovery became the turning point.
“I practiced my songs and lo and behold… I discovered it by accident.”
Now, with her show Still Here, Lira is not only returning to the stage but reclaiming her identity as an artist.
The performance promises to be deeply personal, blending her signature sound with the story of resilience that has inspired fans across the country.
