WeeklySA_AdminRISING: Six years after her last one-woman show — and following a life-altering stroke — Lira returns to the stage with a sold-out, emotional performance that celebrates survival, music and resilience…
By Priscilla Malinga
There were tears, singalongs and dancing in the aisles as Lira made a triumphant return to the stage with her one-woman show, Still Here, at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City this past weekend.
Six years after her last solo showcase — and following a stroke that temporarily took away her ability to speak and perform — Lira delivered a deeply moving performance that left audiences on their feet.
The sold-out show opened with a lively comedy set by Tumi Morake, setting the tone for an evening that would swing between laughter and raw emotion.
I realised I could sing much better than I could talk… and
that’s when I knew I was still here…
But it was Lira’s entrance that defined the night.
As she stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted — rising in unison, shouting her name, and welcoming her back with thunderous applause. It was a moment charged with emotion, both for the artist and her audience.
In between songs, Lira spoke candidly about her recovery journey. Still working through speech challenges, her vulnerability was evident — yet her voice, when singing, remained as powerful and flawless as ever.
“The stroke saved me,” she reflected, explaining how it forced her to slow down after years of relentless performing.
She shared a pivotal moment in her recovery — nearly two years after the stroke — when she realised her singing voice had returned.
“I remember playing Water by Tyla and singing along loudly… I was surprised that I could still sing.”
That realisation became the foundation of Still Here — a show that is less about performance and more about survival, healing and rediscovery.
Throughout the night, Lira moved and danced with a freedom that belied the physical challenges she once faced. It was a powerful visual statement: she is not just back — she is thriving.
One of the most poignant moments came when she performed Something Inside So Strong. The entire theatre rose to its feet, singing along as emotions spilled over. Many in the audience were visibly moved, some in tears.
The performance was elevated further by a children’s choir, whose harmonies added depth and resonance to an already powerful rendition.
In a deeply personal segment, Lira performed a song she had written for her late mother. Fighting back tears, she shared her grief with the audience — revealing that she had also lost her sister just a week before the show.
Her decision to go on stage under such circumstances underscored both her professionalism and emotional strength.
The night also featured a guest appearance by US-based artist Chase Bell, who joined Lira to perform their collaboration Do Me. The crowd responded enthusiastically, singing along and embracing the international flavour of the performance.
By the end of the evening, one thing was clear: Lira’s star power remains undiminished.
Her presence, vocal command and emotional connection with the audience reaffirm why she remains one of South Africa’s most beloved performers.With the show sold out and demand clearly high, anticipation is already building for what comes next.
For those who missed it, the message from those who were there is simple — this was more than a concert. It was a moment.
And Lira, unmistakably, is still here.
