Some beautiful sounds from down south for you.

Sweet and sultry, Lira’s fourth full-lengther develops the sounds that we have gotten so used to and have grown to love. Here, you are taken to an African landscape lush with life and colors – a great soulful feel that her oeuvre is characteristic of. The video is also breathtaking and gives you an aura of serenity and warmth. This is just a lovely song that you can play on repeat forever.

Lira’s fourth album.

South African moodiness

at its greatest prime.

Lira’s fourth album Return To Love just made it to our desk last night and we are very excited to review this South African soultress’s latest.

Lira has just tweeted that her new single from her fourth full-length album is going to be titled “Phakade.” Sony Music Africa is readying it up. Let’s hope that it gets a great video treatment, which is what we are used to from our South African export. For those of you who do not know this great chanteuse, she is probably one of the greatest vocalists of our time and has a brand of music that will put you in a lovely mood instantly. Last April we stopped by South Africa on our way to Zambia only to find out that her live CD/DVD was sold out from all stores. It’s been a while since we heard of a music release that has been sold out in its physical form. Check her out, you won’t be disappointed.  Also, we need some Sesotho translators to tell us what the title means.

This was the only thing we were looking forward to about the whole opening ceremony. The performance by Johannesburg native  and personal favorite Lira. We love her and we hop she gets more exposure because she is one of the best artists in South Africa right now.

They had to pick Shakira to represent Africa? Why? is Africa short of beautiful women with great voices? Lira should have done this and if she doesn’t open the games then this is just an African event by name, at least for us music fans who don’t give two shits about football.

Lira’s new DVD is being worked on right now and its degree of quality is the first that South Africa has seen. Lira herself dropped us a message to clarify the status of the DVD and give us some delicious details on the is special project. Click below for Lira’s message to Loft965.com:

Lira: “The DVD cover attached. would you believe that because we shot HD: even the best Grading studio in the country is ill-equipped to handle the file size of the DVD. Its over 3000 cuts in HD and these guys although briefed months ago, suddenly find themselves overwhelmed with the project. Now new software has to brought in from London to start the process. Our current DVD release date is 9th November 2009. I’m praying that this will not be affected. This project is unprecedented for South Africa.”

We are all bracing for this project and hope it makes the release date. Exciting!

South African chanteuse and one of Loft965.com favorite artists at the moment – Lira – is about to release a a live album titled Live In Concert: A Celebration on October 5th.  The live album is to be followed with a DVD sometime  in December. The album is bound to include raw renditions of her greatest songs. Click here to purchase it. If you pre-order the DVD now, it will be personally autographed by Lira herself.

As with most artists that happen to reside outside of the western realm, recognition is the hardest obstacle to overcome. The bigwigs of the music industry rarely bat an eye eastward (unless it’s for a “World Music” compilation), which makes it difficult for magnificent and talented artists like Lira to reach an audience that would appreciate their true genius. 

Songs like optimistic “Feel Good” and the wandering “Ixesha” prove the splendor of her work. And her newest single “Wa Mpaleha” cements Lira’s presence, not only as a great vocalist but also as a great visual artist. Click here to download her latest album and discover a true gem in the rough.

This song is absolutely gorgeous. I wish I knew SeSotho.

Can someone translate the title?

I want summer back now! I can’t get enough of Lira. I posted before about her song “Ixesha” and now “Feel Good” is gaining ground per listen. It’s so breezy and sexy. I wish I had heard of her when I was in South Africa.

Album: Feel Good 

Artist: Lira

Released: Only in South Africa.

Singles: “Feel Good” and “Ixesha.”

Sound: Zulu queen re-interprets Jazz.

Listening Time: While having a daytime glass of white.

Highlights: “Ixesha,” “Feel Good,” “Crush” and “Ngiyazifela”

Loft965 Rating: B