I was watching Channel O’s TOP 10 countdown, okay I only caught the end because of switching channels after American Idols. I was just in time for the number 1 video: Lira – Ixesha. I found myself singing to every tune and every lyric, every beat, every --- …sigh. I guess what I’m trying to say is I love the song, but most of all; I LAHV Lira!!!! She’s definitely the lady of the moment. She's the queen...!!!
Welcome to Lahvee da Loca’s closer look at Lira.
Lira - Looking like a goddess
Lira (real name Lerato) was born in the East Rand eDaveyton. She’s my home girl (fellow East Rander), I know its Ekurhuleni but I still prefer East Rand. Lira was introduced to us by Arthur Mafokate. So I guess it’s thanks to him that we have the beautiful Lira blessing us with her music. Back then when you heard the name Lira, her song “Alllll my love is youuurrrsss” came to mind. When she was with 999 music I felt that she was neglected. We saw a lot of Arthur’s kwaito artists and I felt he didn’t give Lira the exposure she deserved. So when she finally left 999, South Africa let out a deep sigh of relief. I know we all see 999 as Lira’s biggest mistake, but in a twisted kind of way it was a blessing in disguise. She had to go through that depression and be at her lowest low, to appreciate her highest high. Truly inspiring! We can all learn from her: Gaad doesn’t put you in situations that you can’t handle!! Everything happens for a reason! Hallleeellluuuyyyahhh (ala Reebs)!! Hehehe
Her latest album “Feel Good” is nothing but that: A feel good album – this is one album that should be in your collection (Please go buy it - don’t copy it from a friend). She has 2 videos out at the moment (Feel Good and Ixesha); the same songs are getting radio airplay as well as “Iris”. The whole album is special in such a way that I cant single out a song that is not good. This is how I judge if an album is any good. I switch off everything from phone to lights (it’s important to have total silence and darkness); I select an album I want to listen to on my iPod. Lie on my bed, press play (like Diddy), close my eyes and listen. That’s what I did with Lira’s Feel Good. All I heard was her clear beautiful voice. I was hanging to her each and every word. She told a story and painted a picture and I could see and hear it clearly. She took me through a spiritual journey and I felt like I wrote some songs. I got goose bumps and there’s a point I felt like I was floating. Not once did I feel like skipping a track! Her album is a masterpiece – which is why I was angry when she wasn’t nominated for a SAMA. But I know she’s definitely taking Metro Fm awards this year. Unfortunately I missed her Cape Town International Jazz Festival performance, but people who saw her could (and still cant) stop singing praises. Watch out for this girl people.
Dressed by Stoned Cherrie - LAHV this dress!!
Since this is a TV website, I’ll mention that I love both her videos – simple and to the point. Feel Good clinched a SAMA – which is why I was wondering how a video gets nominated and not the artist? But there are too many questions about the SAMAs – their selection process should be more transparent. I also caught an interview with Bassie Kumalo who was a guest presenter for Motswako (SABC 2 on Monday evenings). When Lira spoke, you wanted to listen to what she says. I’m proud at how she turned her misfortunes around and fine tuned herself into a ball of positive energy. I could feel she was speaking from the heart; she dealt with her past pain and moved on to a happier more positive woman.
Lira is going places; she also mentioned (in her interview with Aza) that Feel Good is the fastest growing song (climbing charts) in Italy. (heyyyyyyy…. Feel Good just came on TV now….!!! Just when I was writing about it. Clearly Channel O is giving her well deserved Airplay). Yah so she’s international now! Before we know it, she’ll be nominated for a Grammy.
When I listen to her “Ixesha” lyrics, I cant help but wonder if she’s not referring to Arthur. “Suk’undimoshel’ixesha – ndiyahamba mna – Sendivile, ndidikiwe “??? Arthur must be kicking himself for neglecting this precious gem, and now that she's polished and beautiful he must not even shine in her radiance.
Lira you are a true inspiration and I just had to do this article to give props to where it’s due!!
Lahvee Da Loca on a Local tip:
So are you lahveeng Lira??
Why do you think Arthur never gave her the marketing she needed??
Holla at playa, holla at playa (Kellz & Snoop on TV, I was singing along…)
Lahvee is out
- Lets celebrate our local artists!!
(Thanx to Media24 for the pics.)
6 Comments
Only TVSA members can reply to this thread. Click here to login or register.