Durban Kwaito veteran L’vovo Derrango is turning one of the darkest chapters of his life into an opportunity to rebuild, revealing that part of the more than R300,000 raised by South Africans following his emotional account of his stroke recovery has gone towards starting a mobile toilet business in Durban.
The move marks another chapter in the musician’s journey to regain his independence after a stroke in December 2022 dramatically changed his life and brought his music career to an abrupt halt.
L’vovo, whose real name is Thokozani Ndlovu, collapsed while performing at the Indwedwe Music Festival in Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal. He was rushed to hospital and spent weeks in intensive care before beginning a long rehabilitation journey. Reports at the time and during his more recent interviews have detailed how the stroke affected his speech, mobility and ability to work.
The musician recently opened up about the devastating period during an emotional interview with Linda “Mr Magic” Sibiya on Gagasi FM. He spoke candidly about losing his income, cars and some of the people he considered friends, while being forced to return home as he concentrated on his recovery.
“I suffered financially because I wasn’t working or receiving any bookings. I had to move back home,” L’vovo said. “My real friends would come, cook for me and take care of me. I received words of support. I also lost many people.”
His story sparked an extraordinary response from the public. A fundraising campaign was launched by Yenziwe Qiniso Ndimande after listeners were moved by his interview, with Ndimande stressing that L’vovo had not asked the public for money.
“Many people were touched by his interview, and from there, we decided to come together and support him,” she said.
The fundraising total climbed rapidly, passing R200,000 within days and later exceeding R280,000. L’vovo subsequently expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support, while explaining that the money would help him with his recovery and medical needs.
Now, with the amount having grown to more than R300,000, L’vovo has revealed that he is using part of the support to create an income-generating business rather than simply relying on the donations to survive.
The mobile toilet venture, which he is setting up in Durban, is intended to give him another source of income as he continues rebuilding his life and works towards returning to music.
The business decision comes after L’vovo previously explained that the stroke left him unable to work for an extended period. His speech was affected and he struggled with mobility, making recording and performing virtually impossible.
“There were moments when everything felt uncertain, but I refused to give up. Healing and recovery begin in the mind. Once you decide that you’re going to fight, your body follows,” he said.
A friend close to the musician has also revealed that L’vovo used some of the money to buy himself a vehicle, allowing him to move around more independently as he continues with his recovery and builds his new business.
For a musician who once enjoyed the success that came with being one of the country’s best-known kwaito stars, the decision represents a significant shift. L’vovo has previously spoken about losing his independence after the stroke, including having to depend on other people for everyday activities.
“That was the toughest moment for me. Relying on people to help me dress, cook and eat. In the beginning it was tough. But I never once wanted to give up. I wanted to fight,” he said.
The donations have therefore become more than a financial lifeline. They have given L’vovo an opportunity to address some of the immediate costs of his recovery while also creating a potential pathway towards financial independence.
He has previously said his journey is no longer only about making music. Instead, he wants to use his experience to encourage other people facing difficult circumstances, particularly around mental wellness, depression, healing and resilience.
“My journey extends further than music now. I have a bigger calling of sharing my testimony and educating people on mental wellness, depression, healing and mental strength,” he said.
The Kwaito star has also described surviving the stroke as a second chance at life.
“I am one of the few people who were blessed enough to wake up from the ICU and be able to tell my story. This is truly my second chance at life,” he said.
