Condolences have been pouring in for multi-award-winning musician Lira (real name Lerato Molapo) following the death of her mother, Buyi Radebe.
She passed away on Wednesday, November 20, at the age of 68. According to reports, her death came less than two years after surviving cancer.
The “Feel Good” hitmaker took to Instagram to post a picture of her hugging her mother with the caption: “M♥️M 🕊️.”
In the second slide, she uploaded a black and white image of her mother as well as her birth date and death date: “7 March 1956 to 20 November 2024.”
Local celebrities took to the comments to sympathise with Lira, who is affectionately known as Africa’s queen of Afrosoul.
This included @shashinaidoo who wrote: “I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you love.”
@linda_mtoba added: “I’m so so sorry ❤️ deepest condolences to you and your family.”
@salaminamosese wrote: “🫂💔So sorry for your loss, sis. Sincere condolences 💐 sending you love and strength at this difficult time.”
@tbotouch wrote:”May the Lord almighty comfort you 💔🕊️.”
@bridgetmasinga also commented: “Oh sweetheart @miss_lira keeping you in prayer. uMama was such an incredible soul, so full of life and energy. May God cover you in love at this time ❤️❤️❤️🕊️🕊️.”
The death of the 45-year-old singing sensation’s mother comes after Lira was forced to take a two-year break from music after she suffered an ischemic stroke two years ago.
The medical setback left her unable to read, write or even speak.
She has since made significant strides in her recovery and returned to the stage in May to perform at the Africa Day celebrations at Constitution Hill in May.
She also previously explained to Kaya 959 author and presenter, Thabo T-Bose Mokwele, that while the overall experience was frustrating, learning how to communicate again fascinated her.
“Who gets to go be grown up and experience themselves as a child again? That doesn’t happen. I felt lucky. I lived in gratitude. Seeing the things that I get to do, I’m excited about life, and the kind of life I get to live now,” she said.
Meanwhile, “ZiMoja” added that Lira revealed her mother’s illness at a women’s event in August 2023.
The publication reported her as saying at the time: “Eight months after I had a stroke, my mom was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer.”
She added: “This is a woman who is a health fanatic, spends hours at the gym, takes care of herself, and eats well. The cancer was a shock to us. The cancer took away her livelihood. She spent three months in the hospital; she was so sick.”
Details on Radebe’s memorial service and funeral are yet to be announced.