One year after suffering a life-altering stroke, which particularly affected her ability to speak, multi-award-winning singer Lira, real name Lerato Molapo, says she has learned to be happier.

Lira suffered a stroke while in Germany for a performance. News of her health scare was shared on her social media almost a month later, with her team saying she was undergoing treatment led by the "best medical team" available in South Africa.

"In the year that I've needed to learn how to speak – I've enjoyed listening and the silence," she wrote as she reflected on the past year's journey. "I've learnt to be happier. I've learnt to enjoy the simple things."

On the road to recovery, the Soul In Mind hitmaker said she had to learn how to say each letter and form a sentence.

"I did so joyfully, though; I had no anxiety, no stress – just peace and calm," she continued. "I have made such huge progress, and I gave a speech at my birthday party. I'm almost there."

Click 'read more' to see more details of Lira's recovery.