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After a stroke nearly ended his life, Kwaito artist L’vovo Derrango is turning his comeback into something bigger than music. The performer says he plans to channel what he’s learned from his recovery into a mental-wellness initiative, using the financial help he has received to support the next phase of his journey.
L’vovo, whose real name is Thokozani Ndlovu, shared that supporters have rallied roughly R200,000 to assist him. He explained that the funds will be directed toward therapy, recovery needs, and a project he intends to announce soon, centered on mental health support.
The singer’s life changed after surviving a near-fatal stroke in 2022 while he was onstage at the Indwedwe Music Festival in Ndwendwe, KwaZulu-Natal. He described his upcoming chapter as more than a return to performing—he wants to use his experience to motivate people who are facing their own battles during dark periods.
“My journey now reaches beyond music. I have a bigger purpose in sharing my testimony and helping educate people on mental wellness, depression, healing, and mental resilience,” he said.
L’vovo also opened up about the progress he has made since the stroke, explaining that his health has improved considerably. He said his rehabilitation includes physiotherapy and counselling, and that he has regained his ability to speak, walk, and work out—capabilities he initially struggled to manage, particularly due to difficulties with speech and movement.
“My recovery has been going well. In the beginning, I struggled with my speech, but I can communicate properly now. I’m able to walk and exercise,” he added.
He addressed worries from fans about the arm affected by the stroke, saying he believes continued effort and therapy will help him keep improving. While he acknowledged that the road ahead remains demanding, he emphasized that progress is still possible.
“My arm still needs a lot of work, but I am recovering.”
Behind the rehabilitation progress, however, the artist said his personal journey was far more challenging than many people realized. He revealed that he had to return to his home environment, lost his car, and ultimately had to rely on others for everyday tasks such as getting dressed, cooking, and eating.
“That was the toughest time for me—having to depend on people to help me dress, cook, and eat. At first it was really difficult. But I never wanted to give up. I wanted to fight,” he said.
One of the biggest turning points in his healing, he explained, came when he stopped dwelling on self-pity and shifted his mindset. He described moving from being unable to speak or walk to being able to do both again, framing that mental change as the moment when challenges stopped feeling insurmountable.
“I moved from not being able to walk and speak, to speaking. For me, the day I chose to change my thinking—from feeling sorry for myself to believing I will recover—everything felt different, and there was no real challenge,” he said.
During that difficult stretch, L’vovo said encouragement from friends played a major role in helping him stay strong. He noted that many of them stepped in to support hospital visits, help with cooking, and provide emotional reassurance, keeping him uplifted through the hardest days.
“Most of my friends were there for me. They took me around, brought me to hospital checks, and cooked for me. They visited me on weekends to lift my spirits and help me feel better,” he shared.
Even though he appreciated the help, the musician said he never wanted others to view him as a victim. He described moments when people felt sorry for him, but insisted that he wanted his focus to remain on fighting and recovery rather than playing the role of someone helpless.
“There were moments where I saw people felt sorry for me, but I never wanted to play victim.”
He said the experience has reshaped how he thinks about life, achievement, and personal relationships. In his view, the support he received reinforced how important it is to give back—particularly when it comes to helping others who may be struggling privately.
L’vovo indicated that fans will hear from him again, but for now his priority is sharing his story and directing attention toward mental health, healing, and strength for people who need support the most.
