Young, gifted, elegant and soulful, her beautiful voice has been making waves in South Africa with her self-described Afro-soul sound since the year 2003. More recently, in 2010, her rich voice was heard at the FIFA World Cup kick-off concert amongst a list of entertainment celebrities like Alicia Keys and John Legend. With the release of her newest EP in July 2011 and her debut American LP “Rise Again,” Lira is making her name in the world, not just Africa.
In the midst of a world tour whirlwind, Obaasema’s Nya Lewis was able to conduct an e-mail interview with the South African songstress:
Nya Lewis: How do you feel about being compared to legendary female musicians like Miriam Makeba and Sade?
Lira: It is an honor to be compared to the two women I idolize. Miriam is the epitome of African beauty and glamour and Sade is feminine and sultry, both of them are timeless musicians. They have given me an image of what I wanted to become and have both influenced my music.
N.L.: In other interviews I’ve read and in your own bio, it is mentioned repeatedly that you seek to uplift, to quote “raise the consciousness” of people through your music. How do you get this accomplished? Is it specifically uplifting South Africans? Africans? Women?
Lira: I saw the power of music at work among my family members and within my community. I observed what music could do to a people, but did not understand how. There were songs of struggle that seemed to give words to what people were feeling but could not articulate. It seemed to comfort those who could not express their pain. It seemed to give people an escape from their undesired reality. I was intrigued by this and wanted to be able to do the same. Through my own path I learned to face my fears, heal my hurts, and through the strides I have made I have learned many a life lesson and I choose to work this into my music as a means to encourage others to be all they can be. I’m striving to lead by example. I sing what I believe and what I have experienced. I want to be able to relate, to touch people’s lives.
N.L.: Whenever I read anything about you, the articles are full of superlatives such as best, first, only, etc. How does this make you feel and how did you get to be so awesome?
Lira: I always had the intention to bring change somehow. I always thought I would do it but it got so hard at some point that I thought I was crazy for even thinking it. I guess intention goes a long way. Along with lots of persistent hard work!
N.L.: Who are your musical inspirations? Who or what are your inspirations for living a good life in general?
Lira: Nelson Mandela and Oprah are at the top of my list. I am inspired by the fact that these two individuals have done so much with their lives and impacted so many. I recently was moved by Steve Jobs’ achievements in a similar way. I’d like to be remembered for having impacted the world positively.
N.L: You are from South Africa, a place known for its history of apartheid. Did you experience apartheid first hand? How did it affect you? Has it affected your music? Has it affected your aspirations for yourself and your career?
Lira: Great question. This is exactly what informs my perceptions and also influences my life’s experience. I saw the last few years of apartheid but the effect was deep enough for me to be affected by it. I had to forgive, to heal, to integrate and choose how I would move on with my life. Nelson Mandela set the tone for a peaceful transition and integration. My generation has to define and determine how we move forward. I’m playing my part.
N.L.: In the midst of what appears to be a whirlwind that is taking you from celebrity in Africa to celebrity everywhere, how do you stay grounded or how do you plan to stay grounded?
Lira: I’m on a mission with my path, it’s not about just the music but it’s about building something bigger than me, about bringing about possibility for those of my peers who are watching me. My mind stays on the goal so the hype does not really affect me.
N.L.: Do you write your own songs? If so, where does the inspiration to write come from?
Lira: Yes, I write all my songs, and [I]’m inspired by life in South Africa and I’m also inspired by life in general. I think it’s beautiful!
N.L.: If you could say only one thing to Obaasema’s readers, what would it be? What words would you leave them with?
Lira: We never choose how we start out, where we come from does not determine where we will end up. Life in itself is beautiful. When it gets tough, it’s usually trying to tell you to focus on a certain area or change course. However, life is always trying to direct you to your best destination.
For more information on purchasing Lira’s newest EP, please visit: http://itunes.apple.com/album/lira-ep/id453302685.