Lira's concert on August 21 at Carnival City's Big Top Arena dazzled a sold-out audience with her brand of African soul.

"The only other people who have sold out that venue are white, male artists, internationals and multi-artist events," she says. "It was amazing to be sold out two days before the show, especially because this was my first show of this size. I don't think I ever really stop to recognise how much support I have and this event was a huge reminder," she says. A live recording of the show was released on disc in October and the Live DVD was released earlier this month.

Lira already has two successful studio albums under her belt. Feel Good was released in 2006 and Soul in Mind last year. In this live album, Lira attempts to expand her creative horizons.

"The live album is merely an extension of the Lira experience. There's a different energy to a recorded studio album and one which captures a live performance. I wanted to capture that energy. And most importantly, the live album is a celebration of where my journey has taken me thus far. There is still much to do, but this year has been so awesome, it felt appropriate to look back and take stock."

Listeners can look forward to a journey that only Lira and her band can conjure up. The performance includes tracks from her two previous studio albums. Fans will be glad to relive Ngiyazifela and Ixesha from the debut album, Feel Good. Tracks from Soul in Mind also make their presence felt. Wa Mpaleha stands out as a crowd favorite.

Lira confesses to having a favourite song of her own. "Dance of Life. I love it! It's one of the best songs I ever wrote. It's dynamic and evolves into quite an energetic Latin rhythm."

The DVD is the first in the country to be recorded on Red, high-definition camera. And it will include bonus material such as music videos and interview footage.

Fourteen years ago, a 15-year-old Lira stepped on stage for the first time after winning a talent show. It was then that her love of live performance was ignited. With the release of this live album and DVD, she hopes to follow in the footsteps of Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker, and the late Michael Jackson, artists she considers great live performers.