Cape Town — South African singer Lira spoke in her first interview since she suffered a stroke in April last year. The singer shared with fans how she had to learn to speak again.
Lira suffered a stroke in Germany last year. She was set to perform but the stroke happened while she was there. As a result, her ability to communicate, in particular her speech, had been impacted,” the family said at the time.
Lira appeared on Relebogile Mabotja’s show on Radio 702 and gave fans an update on her current health condition. Mabotja, who happens to be Lira’s neighbour, asked listeners to be patient with Lira as she was still re-learning how to speak, The Citizen said.
We’re going to be patient and kind and absolutely loving and supportive in this space,” said Mabotja.
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“I get surprised with how much progress I’m making and today is a good day. People have been asking me to share my story and I wasn’t ready because I couldn’t talk and I wasn’t ready to speak in a conversation. But now I’m ready and speech impediment doesn’t bother me, it did before. I’m here to share my story,” Lira said, uttering words little by little.
Lira shared the progress she’s made in the year since her stroke. She was diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder caused by damage in a specific area of the brain that controls language expression and comprehension, IOL reported.
Following the stroke, the songstress has been left wanting to enjoy life and not take it for granted.
“It’s made me value life a bit more. When you have a stroke, it calms you from the stress of life. When I’m stressed, I can’t speak, so it is important for me to keep calm and peaceful,” she said.
“Thank you to everybody who tuned in. @relebogile thank you for you love and care 🙌🏾 I love you,” she said.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
