Nandi Bushell
Nandi Bushell is a South African-born, UK-raised drummer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter sharing rock covers, original songs and a growing love of saxophone.
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Latest
Nandi’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus their backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
- The Only One2025 · Songwriter, vocalist and drummer with Blu Reflection
YouTube - Magic CatThe Life-Changing Magic of Drumming2024 · Author; illustrated by Andrea Stegmaier
- Sweet Nightmares2023 · Writer and performer; featuring Josh Brolin
YouTube - The Shadows2022 · Writer and performer
YouTube - The Children Will Rise Up2021 · Co-writer, lead vocalist and drummer with Roman Morello
Cartoon Network - Everlong drum challenge2020 · The cover that challenged Dave Grohl
YouTube
Overview
- Roots
- Born in Durban, South Africa; grew up in Ipswich, England.
- Work
- Drummer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and author.
- Started
- Began drumming at five and shared early videos with her dad.
- Breakout
- Her 2020 online drum battle with Dave Grohl led to a live Foo Fighters appearance in 2021.
Mini bio
How it started.
Nandi was born in Durban and grew up in Ipswich. She began drumming at five. Early videos were a family project: she and her dad wanted to share the fun they were having making music. Alongside drums, she learned guitar, bass, keys and saxophone.
The drum battle.
In August 2020, Nandi posted an “Everlong” cover and challenged Dave Grohl to a drum battle. Their exchanges brought her to a much wider audience. In 2021, she joined Foo Fighters at the Forum in Los Angeles to play “Everlong” live.
Finding her own songs.
Her original work includes “The Children Will Rise Up,” co-written with Roman Morello, “The Shadows,” and “Sweet Nightmares,” featuring Josh Brolin. In 2024 she published a beginner’s drumming guide. “The Only One” followed in 2025, performed with Blu Reflection and made with producer and co-writer Steph Marziano.
What she is making now.
Nandi’s official site offers previews of new songs and full listening for fans who join. It credits her with writing, arranging and performing the songs, with David Bottrill producing. Her first headline show is listed for 6 December 2026 at The Church in Ipswich.
Creditschronological, newest first
Music
- 2025The Only OneSongwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist; performed with Blu Reflection
- 2023Sweet NightmaresWriter, performer and music video co-director
- 2022The ShadowsWriter and performer
- 2021The Children Will Rise UpCo-writer, lead vocalist and drummer
Books
- 2024The Life-Changing Magic of DrummingAuthor; illustrated by Andrea Stegmaier
Documentary
- 2025My Life: Nandi BushellDocumentary subject
Awards
- Young Musician of the Year competition win2026 · Nandi announced a win alongside her Phil Woods alto saxophone performance. Her post does not identify the competition organiser.
- Drumeo Tony Williams Award2021 awards · Recognised for making a memorable impact as a young drummer. Drumeo’s industry panel selected the Legacy Award winners.
Quotes
I love that I can express myself through drumming. Everything about it makes me really happy!Nandi Bushell, The Life-Changing Magic of Drumming
From the book excerpt published by Magic Cat: https://www.magiccatpublishing.co.uk/products/pre-order-the-life-changing-magic-of-drumming
Trivia
- She remembers watching the Beatles’ “Hey Jude” while making pancakes with her family.
- Her custom purple guitar used leftover paint from a Prince guitar build, she told Guitar World.
- Her “Sweet Nightmares” video was directed by Nandi and her dad, John Bushell.
- Her looping cover of “Every Breath You Take” brings guitar, drums and saxophone into one performance.
Find Nandi
Follow Nandi for new songs, covers and moments behind the kit.
Are you Nandi Bushell?
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