It's a great time to be South African right now; artists, producers and music fans from around the world are loving our sounds and our artists and we couldn't be happier. Once again, it's been announced that our very own local artists are expected to fly the South African flag high at another set of international awards.
Several top Mzansi artists have been nominated for the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) to be held on the 26th of July at Dallas, Texas in the United States of America.
AFRIMMA is the sole award ceremony in the Diaspora that caters for all music genres. It also creates a platform that promotes the diversity of African music by bringing influential artists from different African Countries.
Toya De Lazy will battle it out with Lira and Zahara in the category of Best Female in Southern Africa, while AKA is nominated in the best rap and as well as the Best Male in Southern Africa category alongside Khuli Chana. Mafikizolo is leading the way with most nominations at the awards including nominations in Best African Group, Best Video of year, Song of the year and Best Collaboration.
The very versatile Oskido is nominated as Music Producer of the year while first lady of house DJ Cndo is nominated as the best Africa DJ and Ntokozo Mbambo in the category of Best Gospel artist.
Siphelele Buthelezi spoke to the talented Lira who is no stranger to the international stage. She has previously been nominated for Canadian awards, BET awards and MOBO wards in the UK.
“I don't actually know what to expect. I just know AFRIMMA celebrate talent from the African continent. It will be good to get a better understanding of who is making waves in the continent and hopefully it will provide an opportunity to network and expose my music to a great audience,” She said.
When asked about her secret on becoming an international star, she emphasized that her efforts were more about getting her work out there as best as she could.
“The international scene appreciates the full package. Sure the music makes a great difference but it's also about how an artist presents themselves in the market and all their efforts to market themselves,”
Lira is currently promoting her album, Rise Again which is available around the US. She is also scheduled to perform in twelve states along both the East and West Coasts of America.
“I'll be getting to areas in the States that I have never been to. The schedule is intense but nothing we are not accustomed to. My team and I are very excited,” said Lira in closing.