In a candid interview on ‘The Upside of Failure,’ singer Lira, whose real name is Lerato Molapo, opened up about her harrowing experience of suffering a stroke at the young age of 44 while on tour in Frankfurt, Germany. Her emotional account of the ordeal touched the hearts of many, and fellow singer Nandi Madida took to Twitter to show her love and support for Lira during this challenging time.
In the interview with Relebogile Mabotja, Lira shared the shocking moment when the stroke occurred. Despite being excited about being on tour and exploring new places, her joy was quickly turned into concern when she felt an uncomfortable sensation in her head. Recounting the incident, Lira said, “It wasn’t painful. It was an uncomfortable feeling in my head. I walked into a restaurant, and I wanted to ask them where my hotel was. I wasn’t lost, but I’d been walking around. The hotel was nearby. Wow. I was shocked. I’m too young to have a stroke. Not me. Not me. Not me. I cried. I cried because how was I going to tell my parents? I was alone.”
The stroke had damaged her language center, making it challenging for her to articulate words in her native languages, Zulu and Sotho. However, she expressed gratitude for her proficiency in English, which she attributes to receiving speech therapy in that language.
Lira’s decision to share her vulnerability and her journey of recovery is an act of bravery and strength. Her openness shines a light on the importance of addressing health issues, no matter the circumstances or age, and breaking the silence surrounding certain medical conditions. By sharing her story, she encourages others to be vigilant about their health and seek help when needed.
Moved by Lira’s honesty and courage, fellow singer and actress Nandi Madida took to Twitter to express her support and admiration. In a touching tweet, Nandi wrote, “You’re a queen, you’ve always been so gracious. They’re people from their experiences in life that will assist you to be even closer to God, you & my daughter have done that. I’m sending you so much love, looking forward to your speaking engagements and sending you light @Miss_LIRA.”
As Lira continues her journey of healing and recovery, her willingness to speak about her stroke openly may inspire others to seek medical attention when faced with potential health concerns. Moreover, it serves as a reminder that even public figures like Lira face health challenges and that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but of strength.
In times of adversity, the power of love, support, and understanding can work wonders. The outpouring of love and encouragement from Nandi Madida and fans alike is a testament to the deep connection and solidarity within the South African music community.
As Lira embarks on her healing process, we wish her strength, resilience, and a full recovery. Her bravery in sharing her story will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the lives of many and serve as a beacon of hope for those who may face similar challenges. With the support of her fans, colleagues, and loved ones, Lira’s journey towards well-being will undoubtedly be filled with love, light, and positivity.
