The lure

She started out in accounting, but she is now South Africa's queen of song, writes Itumeleng Motuba

We all know her as Lira but her real name is Lerato Molapo. She is a sweet lady from the dusty streets of Daveyton, east of Johannesburg.

With her beautiful voice she serenades the world with her African influenced music.

Singing was a mere dream when she was studying financial accounting and auditing at Vaal Technikon. She became part of the music scene in 2000 when she met Arthur Mafokate, who spotted her talent and nurtured it.

Lira released her first album All My Love in 2003 and is now a household name.

What was you first car?

Ford Fiesta - the cutest little thing, I tinted the windows and put 15-inch alloy wheels on the poor baby. I lived in the township and often travelled alone late at night returning from gigs. I wanted people to think a dangerous guy was driving.

What did it cost?

It cost me R42000. I managed to get it financed and paid it off in a year.

What attracted you to it?

Other than the fact that it was cute? It was what I could afford at the time, so I couldn't be too picky.

How long did you have it?

I kept it for a year and then bought a larger car that could fit in more equipment when we travelled to gigs. It was a Chevrolet Aveo sedan and also great value for money.

What is your current car ?

Audi A7 Sportback. It's gorgeous and it can take luggage and golf clubs. It's also super comfortable and spacious.

What is the most surprising thing about your current car?

I really enjoy the technology in my Audi.

Tell us about your first big accident?

Sigh ... I'd just fitted the 15-inch alloy wheels and I was about to overtake a car ahead of me, when the driver decided to indicate right. It was too late for me to miss the car, so I hit the door but managed to completely miss oncoming traffic. I was car-less for two weeks. No one was hurt and thank goodness I was insured.

You are driving down the Cote d'Azur in a Ferrari Daytona, who would be your dream passenger?

Oprah, just because I'd like to get to know her with her guard down, when there are no fans or media around and we could just chat casually.

That would be the perfect opportunity to get to know what the woman behind the name is really like.

What is your dream car and why?

I have always been a fan of the Audi TT and now that I am an Audi Ambassador I have had the opportunity to drive almost every other vehicle in their model range.

A drive to remember?

We were once given the Audi R8 for a weekend and wow, what a drive. Vorsprung at its glorious best.