Benonian writes Lira’s book
Former Benoni City Times journalist and Lakefield resident Clyde Meela has co-written Lerato Molapo's (Lira) autobiography, Making Herstory.
Meela’s contribution to the book focuses on the Daveyton-born singer’s life; from her birth, to the influences in her career as well as aspects of her personal life.
Meela conducted in-depth interviews with the singer’s family, friends and colleagues, as well as the owner of her first record label, Arthur Mafokate.
The other 60 per cent of the book was written by Lira and her husband, Robin Kohl.
Meela, who was born in the same hospital as Lira (Tambo Memorial Hospital) and also spent his early childhood in Daveyton, said he was honoured to write the singer’s story and felt his coverage of her career at the City Times stood him in good stead to be commissioned for the book.
“I have been a follower of her career since I started as a journalist at the Benoni City Times and my understanding of her career aided me in writing the book and my proposal to them to pen it,” said Meela.
“They could have chosen anyone to write the book, but perhaps my history and background gave me a different, competitive edge.”
He said he found it difficult to balance his nine to five job with the writing of the book, but was inspired by Lira’s work ethic.
Meela said it was an honour to have contributed to Lira’s book; describing her as a national treasure.
“As a journalist you always worry about your penmanship and I’ll always be in debt to her for giving me the opportunity to trust me with her life,’’ said Meela.
He said he could not contain his excitement when he got his hands on the book after collecting it at Lira’s residence.
‘‘I drove to her house to pick it up and, on the way home, I stopped in the middle of nowhere just to read it and appreciate it,’’ he said.
” I couldn’t wait to unwrap it.’’
He is in talks with Charlene Wittstock, Princess of Monaco, and her father, Michael, to write a book on Charlene.
