NEW BARBIE
LIRA IS DOLL’S FIRST AFRICAN ROLE MODEL
SOUTH African musician Lerato “Lira” Molapo is the first African to have a Barbie doll in her honour.
“I am proud to announce that I have been awarded a one-of-a-kind Lira Barbie doll, as part of Barbie’s 60th Anniversary Shero campaign, celebrating role models who inspire young girls to be all they can be,” Lira announced on her Instagram page. The singer, popularly known as Lira, said she was “thrilled to be honoured in this way”.
Lira’s doll is an addition to Barbie’s 60th anniversary Shero campaign created to inspire girls across a wider spectrum.
Following the announcement, celebs such as Bonang Matheba, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Brenda Mtambo flooded Lira’s timeline with congratulatory messages.
“Unreal!!! This is HUGE. Congratulations, Lira. How can we purchase it?” wrote Queen B.
“Very proud of you, baby girl,” said legendary singer and actress Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
“Lee, I am super excited for you,” added singer Brenda Mtambo.
Even Barbie congratulated Lira on her great milestone.
“You CAN be anything!” wrote Barbie. Other role models who have been selected to form part of the collection include Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, British supermodel Adwoa Aboah, actress Yara Shahidi and tennis star Naomi Osaka.
“The Barbie brand believes girls should never know a world, job, or dream women haven’t conquered. Through our global role model programme, we are shining a spotlight on inspiring women, such as Lira, to show girls they can be anything” said Lisa McKnight, the general manager and senior-vice president of Barbie.
Lira said she was honoured to be Barbie’s first African role model.
“I’m excited to align with a brand that is on a mission to show girls more diverse role models,” said Lira. “I have always been someone who endeavours the celebration of my skin tone and natural hair and it is amazing to see this reflected in my doll.
“This is an enormous gesture and affirmation that the world is celebrating Africa for who we are, and I am very grateful.”
Lira is a multiplatinum selling and an 11-times Sama-winning Afrosoul vocalist.
She was discovered by Arthur Mafokate in 2000, who then signed her to his record label, 999 Music.
In 2003, Lira released her début album, All My Love.
The offering was well received, with the title track making it to the top of the charts on radio stations and earning her accolades at the Samas, Metro FM Awards and Channel O Reel Music Awards.
Lira left 999 Music and teamed up with keyboardist Victor Mngomezulu, bassist Tshepo Sekele and producer Robin Kohl. Subsequently, she signed to Sony Music Africa and released her first major-label album, Feel Good, in 2006.