Lira exclusive interview

Lerato Molapo, known professionally as Lira, is a South African singer. She was born in Daveyton, on Johannesburg's East Rand. Her name translates to "love" in Sesotho and she sings about love, hope and peace. Having starred in the international movie ‘Italian Consul’ and being the voice behind the soundtrack to the Disney Movie ‘Moana’ called ‘How Far I’ll Go’, she was In Kenya recently to grace the Koroga Festival with an electrifying performance, I caught up with her to find out what she’s been up to and how her life and musical career has taken a complete turn and this is what she had to say: Would you like to tell me more about your new song with Waje-'Mountain'?

Waje and I have wanted to collaborate for many years and this desire was strengthened further after I worked with her and the other coaches as a guest on The Voice Nigeria. We had an opportunity to know each other better and so late last year she sent me the song Mountain and asked I feel it is suitable for the collaboration and I was immediately moved by the song. In no

time at all we met in South Africa at our studio and recorded the song. It is wonderful to collaborate on such an important song with such a powerful message.

You also have an autobiography book about your life-A Decade Of Achievement, kindly tell me more about it?

My biography is called MAKING HERSTORY - A decade of Achievement and |I co-authored it with Clyde Meela and Robin Kohl. I wrote most of the book and I take the reader through the start of my career and most importantly the challenges that I faced and how I overcame them. I share the secrets to my success. Clyde interviews people in my life from family to colleagues who give an unbiased opinion on me depending on what their relationship is to me. Robin writes mostly about the business side and all the people it takes to make brand LIRA work.

How was it working with Walt Disney on the movie soundtrack-'How Far I’ll Go' from Moana?

This was an incredible opportunity for me. I was honored that Disney Africa asked me to sing the song which was used in the end credits of the movie. The song was also nominated for an Oscar.

The last time you spoke about being in an Italian movie plus other acting projects. Kindly tell us how they went?

The Italian film was a co-production between South Africa and Italy and gave me my first acting role and a support to the lead character. It was very challenging but very expanding experience.

It was wonderful to discover something else I could do and I especially enjoyed the role because it had nothing to do with music. I played a woman who had survived human trafficking and it was emotionally demanding. I loved spending time touring Italy to promote the film.

What were your expectations for Koroga Festival and were they met?

To be quite honest I was just thrilled to be back in Kenya but it really exceeded my expectation.

Everything from how well we were taken care of to the production of the event was impressive.

The Kenyans showed me great love.

How was it performing at the just concluded AMVCAS in Lagos Nigeria?

It was amazing to be back in Nigeria, probably my most favourite visit, the energy was incredible and of course Waje and I were promoting Mountain so I got to move around a lot. I loved performing at the awards and it gave us an opportunity to make a statement of tolerance between nations which is what music has the incredible power to do.

How do you manage to look this good and stay so fit?

Thank you. I'm not sure, I think it’s mostly because I inherited great genes from my mother, who is absolutely stunning. I do however eat well and lead a rather healthy lifestyle. This is something my parents instilled. I'm not a fan of gym but I lead a very active lifestyle. I also think being happy makes you pretty.

Have you worked on any new albums and tours?

MY latest album is called BORN FREE and it explores the idea of freedom and a state of being in modern days. The song "Let there be light" which is the first single off the album was so well received in Nairobi that several people tweeted about it.

The album is my 6th studio album release and it was released under my label Otarel Music and it the first album that I released WORLD WIDE. IT is available on iTunes globally.

How does the term 'Beyonce Of Africa' sit with you?

IT was weird because I'm happy to be the LIRA of AFRICA but I soon realized that the comparison came from the scale of concerts I have produced and recorded on DVD. How do you always manage to stand out with your fashion statements be it with your hair, outfits and so on?

I love Afro-fashion and wearing my hair in a way that celebrates my African heritage. This is something I am passionate about and I'll always retain.