Lira Biography: Bringing Love Through Music

Lerato Moipone Molapo, known by her stage name Lira, is a South African singer whose soulful voice has touched the hearts of many. Born on March 14, 1979, her name, which means “love” in Sesotho, perfectly reflects the passion she pours into her music.

Lira

Lira’s musical journey is a tapestry of soul, funk, jazz, and African rhythms, woven together to create a unique sound that resonates with audiences worldwide. With multiple platinum-selling albums and eleven South African Music Awards (SAMAs) under her belt, she has carved out a place for herself as one of Africa’s most celebrated vocalists.

Beyond her music, Lira is known for her involvement in various causes close to her heart. From grassroots organizations to outreach programs, she lends her time and resources to make a difference in her community. Her dedication to these causes has earned her recognition, including the prestigious Inspiration Award from the Student Sponsorship Programme in 2011.

In addition to her philanthropic work, Lira has graced the covers of over 30 magazines globally and has been the face of major ad campaigns for brands like Audi, Shield, Samsung, MTN, and BlackBerry. Her influence extends beyond the stage, making her a role model for aspiring artists and young people alike.

Personal life

On a personal note, Lira’s marriage to music manager Robin Kohl in 2009 captured headlines, but in 2019, she announced their separation after nine years together. Despite the challenges in her personal life, Lira’s resilience shines through.

In April 2022, Lira faced a health scare when she suffered a stroke during a trip to Germany. The incident affected her ability to speak, leading to a pause in her music career as she underwent treatment and recovery in South Africa. However, true to her indomitable spirit, Lira made a triumphant return to the public eye in September 2022, attending the launch of fellow musician Tamara Dey’s new single.

Despite her struggles with Aphasia resulting from the stroke, Lira continues to inspire with her courage and determination. Through her music and her resilience, she reminds us all that love and perseverance can conquer even the greatest challenges.

Lira career: The Journey of a Soulful Songstress

Lerato Moipone Molapo, known to the world as Lira, was born on March 14, 1979, in Daveyton, Johannesburg, amidst the complex tapestry of South Africa’s apartheid era. Raised by her mother Buyi Radebe and father Khanyapa Molapo Sr., Lira’s childhood was colored by the rich melodies of Miriam Makeba, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Nina Simone, igniting her own passion for music.

At just 16 years old, Lira took her first steps onto the stage, enchanting audiences with both covers and original compositions. While pursuing her undergraduate degree in Accounting, she utilized her skills to trade for precious recording time, resulting in her first demo at the tender age of 18. Determined to pursue her musical dreams, she penned a five-year plan, resigning from her accounting job to embark on her journey as a singer-songwriter.

In 2000, fate intervened when musician and producer Arthur Mafokate discovered her talent and signed her to his record label, 999 Music. Her debut album, “All My Love” (2003), catapulted her to stardom, earning accolades at the Metro FM Awards, SAMAs, and Channel O Reel Music Awards. The title track even dethroned Beyoncé’s “Dangerously in Love” from the charts.

Venturing into new territory, Lira parted ways with 999 Music and joined forces with keyboardist Victor Mngomezulu, bassist Tshepo Sekele, and producer Robin Kohl. Under the banner of Sony Music Africa, she released her breakthrough album, “Feel Good,” in 2006, captivating audiences with its soul-stirring melodies. The title track became a radio favorite and the album achieved triple-platinum status, setting new records for local artists.

With each subsequent release, Lira continued to captivate audiences, earning critical acclaim and international recognition. Her live concert DVD, “Live in Concert: A Celebration,” became a cultural phenomenon, reaching three-times platinum status and winning awards at the SAMAs. She even graced the stage at the FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Concert, performing alongside global icons like Alicia Keys and Shakira.

In the midst of her musical journey, Lira made her cinematic debut in the Antonio Falduto-directed drama “The Italian Consul,” showcasing her talents on the international stage. Her fourth studio album, “Return to Love,” further solidified her status as a powerhouse vocalist, earning double-platinum status and spawning hits like “Phakade.”

As her star continued to rise, Lira expanded her horizons, releasing her debut American album, “Rise Again,” in 2014 and sharing the stage with Neo-Soul sensation Jill Scott in a memorable concert in Johannesburg.

Despite the highs of her career, Lira faced adversity in 2022 when she suffered a stroke during a trip to Germany. Undeterred, she embarked on a journey of recovery, making a triumphant return to the spotlight and inspiring fans with her resilience.

Discography

Studio Albums:

1. All My Love (999 Music, 2003)
2. Feel Good (Sony/BMG Africa, 2006)
3. Soul in Mind (Sony/BMG Africa, 2008)
4. Lira Live in Concert: A Celebration (Sony/BMG Africa, 2009)
5. Return to Love (Sony/BMG Africa, 2011)
6. CAPTURED IN TOUR (Oratel Music, 2011)
7. The LIRA EP (2011)
8. LIRA: The First Decade (Oratel Music, 2014)
9. Rise Again (Shanachie Records, 2014)
10. Born Free (Otarel Music, 2016)

Singles:

1. “All My Love” (2003)
2. “Good Lovin'” (2003)
3. “Feel Good” (2006)
4. “Ixesha” (2007)
5. “Wa Mpaleha” (2008)
6. “Rise Again” (2009)
7. “Phakade” (2010)
8. “Get into Action” (2010)
9. “Mali” (2012)
10. “Be My Friend” (2012)
11. “Eduze Kwami” (2013)
12. “Listen” (2015)
13. “Rhythms of your Heart” (2015)
14. “Let There Be Light” (2016)
15. “Be About It” (2016)
16. “Sekunjalo” (2016)