This is her first performance with a band after suffering from a stroke. Singer and songwriter, Lerato "Lira" Molapo plans to pull all the stops. Last year, the Feel Good singer had a small performance at the RMB Starlight Classics in Johannesburg, but this time she is preparing for something bigger.

MOVEMENT AND SINGING

She is ready to go all out. Last year, she felt there was still a long way to go before she could sing on her own, let alone sing at a full concert but she feels ready. "I am feeling positive. I have been practising and I am ready," Lira said. She has been taking vocal lessons and singing to loosen up her tongue, which has also helped her to speak better as part of her recovery. She had to learn to talk again as she couldn't talk or move her mouth but has managed to get her speech back. "I speak slower and need to learn to stay calm as stress affects my ability to communicate. I'm still recovering, and I will get better with time and I'm so grateful for that."

BACK ON STAGE

She will be performing at the Bassline Fest Africa Day on 25 March at Constitution Hill alongside other artists. The event happened after two years of recovery from a stroke suffered in Frankfurt, Germany. "I have been practising to perform as part of my recovery and have come to accept that the old Lira is gone," she said. "I was wondering who the new Lira would be and have been getting to know her and feel ready to share her with the public. But I want people to accept her and welcome the change. I have come to accept that the old Lira is gone." she added. "What makes this performance extra special is that not only are we, in South Africa, celebrating 30 years of democracy, but we are also celebrating the new Lira, as well as the Bassline's 30th Anniversary."