Lira excited to perform for Obama

Johannesburg - South African singer Lira is excited to perform at an inauguration ball for American president Barack Obama in January, she said on Wednesday.

"I'm very excited. I got the invite about three weeks ago," she said in Pretoria.

"The president will be present during my performance and I hope I get to meet him."

During the inauguration taking place in Washington on 21 January, Lira will perform two sets for about 200 people at the African-themed ball -one of the 10 official balls.

She said December had been a busy month and she had not had the time to think of which songs to sing.

"I kind of have to exist one week at a time... I have some ideas, but I have not really planned it, I wouldn't want to lie."

Lira and her band are expected to leave on 19 January.

The songbird was chosen from a shortlist of African musicians nominated to perform at the ball.