• Mon. Oct 20th, 2025
Musician Lira hugging her mother's friendLira honours her late mother while celebrating Mom’s friend Aunty Khanyi's birthday. Picture: Instagram@MissLira

Birthdays have a way of tugging at the heartstrings — they don’t just mark another year; they remind us of where we have been, what we have survived, and who we have loved along the way.

For award-winning musician Lira, a recent celebration hit close to home. Attending Aunty Khanyi’s 60th birthday, Lira was overcome with emotion as the milestone brought back deep memories of her late mother, who couldn’t be there — at least not physically.

But this was no ordinary celebration. Aunty Khanyi, a long-time friend of Lira’s mom and a true pillar in her life, made a special request: she wanted Lira to represent her late mother at the party — a deeply symbolic gesture, especially given that Khanyi was by Lira’s side on the day her mother passed.

Taking to Instagram, Lira opened up about how powerful and emotional the moment was for her, sharing with fans how the experience brought both tears and healing.

Here’s what she wrote:

“My mother was meant to be here to celebrate her dear friend Khanyi’s 60th birthday, but Aunt Khanyi asked me to represent her instead.

It was so emotional — Aunt Khanyi was with our family the day my mom left her body, and being there brought back so many feelings. But I did it… wearing my mom’s skirt, carrying her love with me.

“All through this month, I have felt my mother’s spirit so strongly. I know she’s with me — guiding me, loving me, celebrating with me,” wrote Lira.

Not one to keep special moments to herself, Lira treated her fans to a heartfelt glimpse of the celebration, sharing a few beautiful snaps from Aunty Khanyi’s 60th birthday.

The woman of the hour! Aunty Khanyi looked radiant as she celebrated her 60th birthday in style. Picture: Instagram@MissLira
The woman of the hour! Aunty Khanyi looked radiant as she celebrated her 60th birthday in style. Picture: Instagram@MissLira
Lira poured her heart and soul into her performance, looking stunning as she honoured her late mother by wearing her skirt in a touching tribute. Picture: Instagram@MissLira
Lira poured her heart and soul into her performance, looking stunning as she honoured her late mother by wearing her skirt in a touching tribute. Picture: Instagram@MissLira
Guests were filled with smiles, tears, and pure joy as they watched Lira’s heartfelt performance at Aunty Khanyi’s 60th birthday celebration. Picture: Instagram@MissLira
Guests were filled with smiles, tears, and pure joy as they watched Lira’s heartfelt performance at Aunty Khanyi’s 60th birthday celebration. Picture: Instagram@MissLira

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By Asanda Mbayimbayi

Asanda Mbayimbayi is an award-winning Lifestyle News Editor and Journalist celebrated for her dynamic voice in digital lifestyle, entertainment, and hard news journalism. Honoured with the Galliova People’s Hero 2025 Award for her authentic storytelling and powerful connection with audiences, she continues to redefine journalism with purpose, empathy, and impact. With an instinct for uncovering stories that resonate and a deep understanding of audience engagement, Asanda brings clarity, depth, and heart to every piece she crafts. Beyond the newsroom, she wears many hats — Researcher, Qualified Bible Teacher, Content Creator, Producer, Motivational Speaker, and Book Editor to name a few — using her creative and spiritual insight to inspire transformation through words. Whether leading editorial teams, producing meaningful content, or motivating audiences, Asanda stands as a storyteller driven by faith, purpose, and the power of narrative to connect and inspire.

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