FANS of award-winning songstress Lira got a sneak preview of what to expect on her "10 years in the industry tour", when she performed at the Moretele Tribute to Heroes Concert on Saturday.

Now in its 17th season, this year's concert featured South African musical giants including Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Jonas Gwangwa, Thomas Chauke, Letta Mbulu, Johnny Clegg, Bhudaza, Mafikizolo, Zonke and Mi Casa.

Lira, real name Lerato Molapo, who dazzled the crowd with hits like Ixesha, Hamba and Feel Good, also paid tribute to women to end off Women's Month.

She had a successful tour to the USA earlier this year - she played at gigs in 13 US states - where she also released an album titled RiseAgain for the American market.

The album is a collection of her previous hits and has some songs reworked - some with high tempo - to suit American and European audiences.

The Afro-pop singer became the first South African musician to have a song on the VH1's Top 40 Chart, with her hit Feel Good.

Speaking to Sowetan after her performance at Moretele, Lira said she is focusing on making inroads into the international market, including Asian countries such as Japan and Malaysia, where she said her music was well received.

She plans to collaborate with US veteran R&B musician Kenny Lattimore, who is working on a new music project.

The pair met at the inauguration ball for US President Barack Obama in Washington DC last year. Lira and Mi Casa performed at the ball alongside a contingent of international stars.

"I am preparing for the Her Story Tour which kicks off on October 3 at Montecasino. Because I am celebrating 10 years in the industry, I am giving away a free DVD that I shot last year to every fan who buys a ticket to the show," she said.

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