Thokozani 'L'vovo Derrango' Ndlovu (44) is back and taking bookings after suffering a stroke after a performance in December 2022. He was hospitalised for more than a month and lost mobility and he took two years off from performing to focus on his recovery.

TAKING IT EASY    

He slowly got back into making music but he cancelled his Cotton Fest gig last year when he felt he wasn't strong enough to perform, but he is now back on stage performing. In January, he made his debut after the stroke and has had a few bookings including a recent concert in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal. Although he struggled with articulating lyrics and mobility, the audience members said he performed his classics, though he was not the same. "He tried," an attendee said, adding that,."We enjoyed the show, he was with Tzozo and he made him a bit lively. His voice is still the same, but the body has been affected."

DOING WHAT HE LOVES

Audience members were excited to see his friend and musician Tzozo assisting L'vovo on stage. "He has to work, but we wish there was a way our artists get taken care of when something like this happen." 

L'vovo told ZiMoja that he is taking things easy. "I missed performing and getting a warm reception from the audience who love my music was amazing. But I am also taking my recovery one day at a time," he said. "I can walk, there was a time when I could not walk at all. I know some people still want to see me perform on stage, but I also know I should not put pressure on myself." L'vovo added that his lifestyle has changed and that he eats well. "I watch what I eat, where I go, I get rest and I take care of myself. I have been receiving a lot of support from close friends who have been there for me since day one." T'zozo said that L'vovo is like a brother to him. "We've come from far and brothers don't abandon each other. We are working together."