Outpouring of love for Lira as she takes to CTIJF stage: 'Giving up was never on my plate'

IOL News

26-04-2025

The crowds cried with Lira in an emotional and truly outstanding performance at the CTIJF 2025.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
Everyone was singing along and had smiles, from ear to ear, giving award-winning songstress Lira an outpouring of love as she performed at Cape Town International Jazz Festival's Kippies stage tonight, Saturday, April 26.
It was the first time in a number of years that Lira performed in Cape Town, and the crowd made sure to make it an unforgettable one for the singer.
The South African afro-soul singer marked a significant chapter in her remarkable journey following a stroke that sidelined her from performing for several years.
Her stroke, which she suffered in 2022, left her unable to read, write or speak.
Although she has been performing, her show in Cape Town has been her first major festival.
In full action: Lira.
Image: Bheki Radebe
Lira was overcome with emotion, and shook her head a little in disbelief at the love she received on Saturday night.
At one point, she let one tear fall down her right eye, but made sure to regain composure wanting to deliver a wonderful performance.
She did just that, as the crowd was ready to welcome her with open arms.
"Giving up was never on my plate. It didn't even occur to me. Now I'm standing on this stage, looking across all of you."
"I struggled to talk, and I didn't focus on singing… In December I noticed I could sing.
"In January of 2024, I decided to practice my song and singing came very easily to me, and I got my life back.It was a difficult journey but it was worth it,' Lira said.
'I'm living in the moment… The stroke was a blessing to me. I learned to appreciate what life has to offer.'
Lira delivered an energetic and joyous performance filled with Lira's timeless classics such as "Feel Good," "Hamba", "Believer," and "Something Inside So Strong".
Lira moved the crowd to tears and to screams of joy at this years CTIJF.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
Thulisa Dyantyi, 31, and her friend, Thandolwakhe Skeyi, were dancing and singing along throughout her set. They said it was amazing to see her back on stage. 'I don't know the last time I've seen Lira performing like that, but it was so liberating,' Dyanti said.
'She is such a good performer, and it just took me back to the days where I was still in high school, and Lira was just one of my favourite playlists.'
Skeyi said they want to see more like it from her. 'We love it and we want to see more of it. We loved her show, it was an amazing performance.
The enigmatic Lira in action at the TIJF
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
'Prior to her performance, she spoke to IOL Lifestyle and said: "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…"
"It's a great way to spend time sharing our talent."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.