This was Lila's first major performance since suffering a stroke while on tour in Germany in 2022.
Lila made her long-awaited official return to the stage at Baseline Fest over the weekend, and before leaving the stage, the songstress urged people to vote in the upcoming elections.
Before leaving the stage, Lila performed songs from her 2016 album. Born Free.
title let's try itThe song is a call to action for voters to create the change they want to see in their country.
In the song, Lila sings: A beautiful world in crisis / A turning point for all humanity / What are you going to do / About what surrounds you / What are you going to do / About where you are now.
Lila, whose real name is Lerato Molapo, urged the crowd to go and vote as the power was in their hands.
Related article: Lira denies any ties to MK Party
In March, Lira distanced himself from posts claiming to support the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) party in the upcoming elections and said he was considering his legal options.
Africa Day
In celebration of Africa Day, the Baseline Festival took place at Constitution Hill on Saturday, with a lineup celebrating musicians from across the continent.
In addition to Lila, performers included Mare from Lesotho, UK-based Moroccan artist Rita Kamale, and Tanzanian artists Kadirida and Jay Mitta.
Each artist performed that night to positive reviews, but all the attention was on Lila, with throngs of fans screaming her name at every opportunity.
“I wasn't planning on crying tonight but it's so amazing to be performing in front of you all. I'm so emotional. I'm still recovering but I'm here now. It's a miracle…I never thought I'd be able to sing so soon. Thank you all for making time. I love you.”
Related article: “I'm so grateful to be alive” – Lila expresses gratitude two years after stroke
Rising Again
She began her performance with an emotional performance. Rising againIt was emblematic of the journey she has been on over the past few years.
In 2022, Good vibes The singer suffered a stroke while on solo tour in Frankfurt, Germany.
“People have been asking me to share my story but I wasn't ready because I couldn't speak and I wasn't ready to be in the conversation. But now I'm ready and my speech impediment doesn't bother me, it used to. I'm here to share my story,” said Lila, boldly in her first interview of 2023.
Visibly emotional, Lila told the audience that it was a miracle to even be on stage, before singing along. Something inside is so strong.
This was not Lira's first performance since suffering her stroke. In 2023, she was in the audience at RMB Starlight Classics when Katlego Maboe invited her onstage for an impromptu performance.
This Mother's Day, Lila performed with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra at the NIROX Sculpture Park.
It was a touching moment when Marais came on stage and presented Lila with a bouquet of flowers.
Marais' own performance was mesmerizing, as she was draped in a traditional Basotho red blanket, or sheenamalena, on the chilly grounds of Constitution Hill.
Murray also paid tribute to the late South African legend Lucky Dube. You leave it to me.
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