Da L.E.S on Life After a Stroke: ‘You Don’t See It Coming’

One of SA’s biggest names in hip hop is finding purpose in survival

At a glance, Da L.E.S seemed untouchable. Flashy cars, packed-out shows, fashion-forward, and living large. But in July 2024, behind the scenes of the glitz, something unthinkable happened: the Johannesburg-born rapper suffered a stroke that would leave him in hospital for over a month.

“I should have died,” he admits in a raw, unfiltered video shared with fans on his YouTube channel. And for a while, many thought he would.

What happens when life forces you to pause?

That’s the question Da L.E.S is asking, not just of himself, but of the thousands watching his latest video. This isn’t a press run. There’s no new single to sell. He’s just telling his truth, and it’s hitting hard.

In the 15-minute video, he reflects not just on the stroke itself but on how quickly your entire world can change. One day you’re cool, he says, and the next you’re unable to speak or move without help.

“It came out of nowhere. And suddenly, I was fighting for my life.”

From party anthems to purpose-driven posts

If you’re familiar with Da L.E.S’s career, you’ll know he helped shape a generation of SA hip hop, working alongside the likes of AKA and achieving chart success across Africa. But the man behind the music is now tapping into a deeper mission: educating and inspiring.

Rather than retreat from the spotlight, he’s using it. He’s sharing moments from rehab, lessons in patience, and honest thoughts about vulnerability.

The message? No one is too young, too famous, or too fit to face a health crisis.

Fans respond with love and reflection

Support for Da L.E.S has flooded in from across Mzansi and beyond. Comments on his YouTube and social media are filled with gratitude for his openness.

One fan wrote, “This reminds us that we’re all human. Thank you for being real.” Another added, “I know AKA would’ve walked this journey with you.”

The video feels less like content and more like a conversation, one that many South Africans, especially men, rarely have: about health, fear, and how fragile life can be.

Healing abroad, grounded in family

Following his hospitalisation, Da L.E.S quietly relocated to the United States to continue his recovery under the care of his mother. Born in the US, the rapper says being surrounded by family and receiving consistent medical care made all the difference.

That move allowed him to step away from the high-pressure world of showbiz and focus on the basics: breathing, walking, resting, and healing.

Image 1: Fakaza News

The bigger picture: why stroke awareness matters

According to Lizeth Kruger, Dis-Chem Pharmacies’ clinic executive, stroke is one of the most common medical emergencies in South Africa and it doesn’t discriminate by age.

“Strokes can happen at any age. They often stem from silent conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes or cholesterol buildup.”

She recommends:

• Regular health check-ups

• Managing stress and blood sugar

• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol

• A balanced diet

• Daily movement or exercise

If a stroke is suspected, call 084 124 immediately. Early treatment can make all the difference.

This is more than survival; it’s a reset

Da L.E.S isn’t just recovering. He’s re-evaluating. There’s a new clarity in how he speaks: more measured, more grounded, and more intentional.

He’s not trying to be a hero. He’s just trying to live and help others do the same.

“I’m here. I’m alive. And I want to give back.”

For fans who grew up on his music, this new chapter might be his most powerful yet.

Also read: Semi-Soeter on Netflix: Parenting Chaos, Baby Pitches and Big Laughs in this Local Romcom

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Source: IOL

Featured Image: News24