South African Afro-soul icon Lira recently marked a major career milestone with her triumphant return to the stage at the Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City. The one-night-only concert, Lira – Still Here!, was a celebration of resilience four years after a stroke nearly ended her career.
Also see: ‘It’s a moment of healing’ – Lira to headline Premium Jazz Festival
Described as “more than a concert,” Still Here delivered an intimate solo performance with Lira and her full band. The show took audiences on a powerful journey through music and movement, celebrating resilience, joy and triumph.
Lira performed reimagined versions of her iconic catalogue, blending soulful ballads and uplifting anthems with moments of storytelling.
“Still Here. More than a concert – it is a celebration of healing, courage and the transformative power of music,” Lira said ahead of the show.
The performance marked her first major solo concert since suffering a stroke in 2022 that affected her ability to read, write and speak.
Also see: Lira set to grace the stage at Mzansi Music Sessions
Since then, the award-winning artist has been open about her rehabilitation. “I was unable to speak any other language except English but an making strides in learning to speak in Zulu and Sotho again,” she previously shared.
She has called the stroke her “stroke of luck,” noting she was “extremely lucky that physically I have not been affected.” Her first post-stroke appearance was at Bassline Fest in 2024, where she told fans: “I have been practicing to perform as part of my recovery and have come to accept that the old Lira is gone. I wondered who the new Lira would be and have been getting to know her.”
Lira’s recent Johannesburg show followed a talked-about performance in Durban at Chris Saunders Park on Sunday, 29 March 2026.
Also see: Lira’s Remarkable Recovery: From Silence to Song
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