Lerato Molapo, known professionally as Lira (born 14 March 1979) is a
South African singer. Her name translates to "love" in Setswana and
she speaks four languages. She is a multi-platinum selling and an
11-times South African Music Award-winning Afro-Soul vocalist, who
refers to her music as "a fusion of soul, funk, elements of jazz and
African."Lira's world was shaped by the harsh realities of South
Africa's formerly racial and socioeconomic apartheid. She grew up
listening to Miriam Makeba, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Nina
Simone, who would eventually inspire her own songwriting. She began
performing live at the age of 16, singing both cover versions and
self-penned songs.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.
South African singer. Her name translates to "love" in Setswana and
she speaks four languages. She is a multi-platinum selling and an
11-times South African Music Award-winning Afro-Soul vocalist, who
refers to her music as "a fusion of soul, funk, elements of jazz and
African."Lira's world was shaped by the harsh realities of South
Africa's formerly racial and socioeconomic apartheid. She grew up
listening to Miriam Makeba, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Nina
Simone, who would eventually inspire her own songwriting. She began
performing live at the age of 16, singing both cover versions and
self-penned songs.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.
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