If an idea lives in your mind, it becomes a dream and you
put in work to make it a reality. If you are really passionate about something,
explore its avenues and remember that even impossible spells I’m possible. God
will never lead you to where his grace won’t carry you.
Today is the last day on our feature in Lira. Day one we
spoke of finding your purpose, and living a purpose driven life. Day two, we
went on to say that a joy in your journey will take you further. And today on
our last feature we outline what Lira’s passion has led in terms of
achievements and inspirational life journey, which is what has inspired us to
feature and share what we have about her in the past two days.
As an undergraduate student, Lira studied Accounting and
used her skills to exchange for recording time at a local studio, resulting in
her first demo at the age of 18. Upon graduation, Lira continued in accounting
for two years. With ambitions to be a singer she turned in her letter of
resignation and created a five-year plan for her music career.
In 2000 she was discovered by musician/producer Arthur
Mafokate, who signed her to his record label, 999 Music, and helped with the
release of her debut album, All My Love (2003). The album earned her accolades
at the Metro FM Awards, South African Music Awards and Channel O Reel Music
Awards. The title track even knocked Beyoncé's single "Dangerously in
Love" off the charts. The following year, she left 999 Music and teamed up
with keyboardist Victor Mngomezulu, bassist Tshepo Sekele, and producer Robin
Kohl, subsequently she was signed to Sony Music Africa and released her first
major label album Feel Good (2006). A huge success, it led to multiple
nominations and wins at the South African Music Awards (SAMA). In July 2007 the
album was released in Italy, where its title track gained massive airplay.
In summer 2010, she joined a lineup of artists that included
Alicia Keys, Shakira, K'Naan and John Legend, at the FIFA World Cup Kick-Off
Concert performing a rendition of "Pata Pata," a hit song originally
recorded by the late Miriam Makeba. Later that summer, she was selected to take
part in the 92nd birthday celebration of former South African president Nelson
Mandela. Telecast live in 3D directly to Mandela, her performance of the
popular Labi Siffre anti-apartheid tune and Mandela favourite "(Something
Inside) So Strong" with the Soweto Spiritual Singers proved to be one of
the most prominent performances in her career.
According to The Star Newspaper, she's currently considered
the foremost adult contemporary female solo artist in South Africa. She has
appeared in major ad campaigns and been an Ambassador for Audi, Shield,
Samsung, MTN,Blackberry,Bobbi Brown and Johnnie Walker. She has appeared on the
covers of over thirty magazines worldwide.
In December 2011, she was named one of the "Five Unique
Artists to Change Music in 2012" by Essence Magazine. In May 2012 she
appeared in L'Uomo Vogue's "Re-Branding Africa" issue featuring
General Ban Ki-Moon on the cover where she said, "We're a young democracy,
and we're accustomed to an image of Africa as a place that expects outside
help. We must instead take stock of our situation, become autonomous, and find
our identity and independence."
She lends her time and resources to causes that matter to
her the most. She remains active with and has received awards from various
grassroots organizations, outreach groups, and advocacy programs such as the
Student Sponsorship Programme – which presented her with the Inspiration Award
in 2011.She has also participated in numerous activities for The Southern
Africa Trust. In 2015, she was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the richest
female singers in Africa. She is currently a member of the coaching panel of
The Voice South Africa.
With no doubt and much confidence, she is definitely one of
our inspirational Women Wealthy in
Christ (WWC),we hope that this feature has somehow moved you to a better place
in your life. Do Look out for our next feature next month (May).
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