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Watch - Nandi Bushell, 8, performs Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody for new John Lewis advert
Nandi Bushell who is in the John Lewis advert Picture: EDDY PEARCE - Credit: Archant
An Ipswich schoolgirl is following in the footsteps of Radiohead, Clean Bandit and Take That after recording at RAK Studios.
Eight-year-old Nandi Bushell, who attends St Margaret’s Primary School, recorded a version of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody alongside three other talented young musicians at the famous London studios.
The soundtrack appears on the new John Lewis advert and Nandi can also be seen drumming along to the iconic tune.
The advert has already had more than 500,000 views on YouTube.
Her father, John Bushell, said: “It was an amazing opportunity to be in a John Lewis advert. You know the production quality on something like that is going to be amazing. Everyone who Nandi worked with on the advert had won an award for what they do.
“It was a once in a lifetime experience, how often does an eight-year-old get the opportunity to go into a recording studio and work on an amazing production? I can’t put into words how proud I am. She is so talented, she has a real gift.”
RAK Studios, where the soundtrack was recorded, has played host to some of the biggest names in the music industry including the likes of ultimate boyband Take That and soul star Sam Smith.
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Nandi’s proud father said staff told him it was extremely rare to have school children recording there.
And Nandi loved the experience so much she didn’t want it to end. Her dad said she was actually disappointed when producers called a break for lunch.
It was a tough challenge securing her place in the John Lewis band, and Nandi had to go through three rounds of auditions before finding out she had been successful.
But the hard work was worth it for Nandi, who hopes to make a career out of drumming.
She said: “It was really exciting and I met loads of friends. If I could, I would play the drums everywhere. I practice every single day before and after school.”
The advert may be her first foray into the world of television, but Nandi now has her sights set on a famous children’s TV show.
“I want to be on Blue Peter and get all of the badges,” she said.
Dad John, who is a software development manager, is keen that Nandi is also successful in her education as well as her TV and musical aspirations. He said: “Nandi’s schooling is most important, if more opportunities come up they need to fit in with that.”
“Nandi loves to perform it is her happy place. She takes everything in her stride, she finds it all really fun but I don’t think she realised just how much fun it was going to be.”
This isn’t the first time the youngster has been in our spotlight. Back in January Nandi and her dad made a music video in Thetford Forest. You can watch it here.
If you want to see more of Nandi Bushell check out her YouTube channel here.
Nandi Bushell and band mates Joseph Sheppard, Lois Jenkins, Angelina Martin. Picture: JOHN BUSHELL - Credit: JOHN BUSHELL
