Lerato “Lira” Molapo, a South African musician has made history by becoming the first African woman to have a Barbie doll made in her likeness.
The ‘Lira Doll’ was made as part of the 60th Anniversary of the Barbie Shero campaign that aims at honoring extraordinary women from around the world and inspire young girls to break boundaries.
The singer announced the exciting news on Wednesday August 7, saying it is an enormous gesture and affirmation that the world is celebrating Africans for who they are.
“I’m deeply honored to be Barbie’s first African role model and am excited to align with a brand that is on a mission to show girls more diverse role models. I have always been someone who endeavors the celebration of my skin tone and natural hair, and it is amazing to see this reflected in my doll which I hope will inspire girls across the African continent. This is an enormous gesture and affirmation that the world is celebrating Africa for who we are.” Lira said.
Other role models selected to form part of this collection include Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, British supermodel Adwoa Aboah, actress Yara Shahidi and tennis star Naomi Osaka.
“We’re committed to highlighting empowering role models as a key part of the Dream Gap Project–our ongoing global initiative aimed at giving girls the resources and support they need to continue believing that they can be anything. By introducing girls to stories of women from all walks of life, they begin to see more opportunities for themselves.” Barbie said in a statement.
Lerato Molapo, popularly known as Lira, is a South African multi-platinum album selling artist.She is also 11-time Award-winning Afro-Soul vocalist. Her music is “a fusion of soul, funk, elements of jazz and African.”
