‘Yoh! Lira! She’s like that kid in your class who fails all year and then gets an A for the end of year exams’
That’s what my friend, Kemong, said the first time I played her Lira’s sophomore album, Feel Good. Until then, Lira was a middling (and that’s being kind) RnB singer in Arthur’s 999 stable. One of a crop of one-name divas – think Chomee, Nestum, Purity etc – she wasn’t viewed as anything remotely special.
Then she got smart, left 999 (or was she escorted out? Can’t remember), went soul, went SonyBMG and went big. I remember the first time I heard the single Feel Good - I was like ‘who is this? I must have this’ and was just as floored as Kemong to hear it was Lira.
Her new album (ok, not that new) Soul in Mind is fire. Although she doesn’t deviate too far from Feel Good territory (if it ain’t broke…), it still sounds fresh. Admittedly, Lira doesn’t have a massive voice, but she works with what she has. It also helps that she sings with absolute conviction – she’s really into what she sings. Her sound – afro-soul, with latin and jazzy influences – is all about positivity, self-awareness and inspiration.
My fave tracks: Wa Mpaleha; Celebrating Life; It’s Alright and Rise Again. It’s really worth shelling out the cash if you wanna support local.
Another thing I dig about Lira: she just seems too damn smart. I doubt there’ll be those died-as-a-pauper stories about this one – she was clever enough to step out of that mould early in her career. She’s also good with brand extension – everything about her resonates with her music, down to the styling on her album sleeve. It shows me she doesn’t take her fans for granted by giving them slap dash shit – we see way too much of that around these parts.
I can’t believe you remembered something that I said 2 years [I feel soooooo special, LOL]..Arthur Mafokate must be kicking himself for ever letting Lira go…I’ve had Soul In Mind on repeat for hours now
What a nice informative little post about an artist that i have been rummaging for information to find about.
I am far away and dying to get a copy of Soul in Mind. I wonder if it is sold as an mp3.
thank you. Nice blog.
Hi Loft .. thanks so much! Glad you like the blog and post. Check Lira’s website, there are such nice clips of the songs (www.misslira.co.za). I’ll try to find out about international distribution. Where are you based?
haaallo “Lira”to I wish you were close to me to see how much Love I have 4 you…eish but maybe some of the good days I will see you “eye to eye” then you believe me I like everything about you and your voice/music in my ears it feels like you are talking 2 me…keep it up woman and even if they demote you don’t care because there are people who likes what you are doing..never ever stop what you doing and keep your behaviour the way it is…because the world is your playground:-)….GOD BLESS YOU cheers…
im happy for jamali too wow
u author was wasting her time indeed. she is one of the best female artists on my list i just love the Latin and jazz feeling in her music.although her voice is not big it never fails to move me know i love south african RnB
yho!!! lira, i have met you a couple of times… during MIAGI jazz concerts… girlfriend… wa ntlatsa!!! I am RISING AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God bless you in everything that you are to do further on.
Hey gal, I just wanna let you know that you are the most fav artist not only in S.A but on the entire universe. My coleagues even feel jealously of your Pics on my office. I can’t wait to see you in Durbs on the 12th of Dec and on the 26 Dec. Everytime time when I’m depressed, I just take both of your Album in order to “Feel Good” and “Rise again”. I also can’t wait to hear another album but please give us some time because we are still pampered with “Feel good” and Soul in Mind”. Keep it up Sister, you Roooooock, and my Beeeeest.