Young British drummer Nandi Bushell, known internationally for her viral performances and star-studded collaborations, is featured in a new episode of My Life on CBBC. The 14-year-old musician from Ipswich shares the story of her rapid rise from a five-year-old behind her first drum kit to sharing stages with global icons.
The documentary provides an intimate look at Nandi’s life, both on and off the stage. While she has performed with artists like the Foo Fighters and Lenny Kravitz, Nandi describes herself as “just a normal kid” who balances school, friends, and regular practice sessions with occasional extraordinary opportunities.
Reflecting on the program, she said, “When I watched the documentary back, I was like, yeah, I have had some pretty incredible experiences.” She added that outside of those moments, her daily routine involves going to school, spending time with friends, and rehearsing, much like any teenager.
The musical journey of Nandi Bushell began when she received her first drum kit at the age of five. Her father, John Bushell, started recording her practice sessions and sharing them with family online. Those early clips eventually caught the attention of professional musicians, leading to remarkable opportunities.
At just nine years old, Nandi Bushell played alongside Lenny Kravitz ahead of his performance at London’s O2 Arena. Two years later, at age 11, she famously challenged Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl to a virtual drum-off, an online exchange that captivated fans around the world. That digital rivalry eventually turned into a live collaboration when Nandi joined the band on stage at the LA Forum in California.
In the documentary, Nandi Bushell shares her approach to performing, saying, “The music takes over me. I just let it all out. I was not afraid, I was just me.”
Her profile continued to grow as she appeared at major events, including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Taylor Hawkins tribute concert at Wembley Stadium. She has also been a guest on several American TV shows, such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Good Morning America, and CBS Mornings.
Outside of music, Nandi Bushell has explored acting, taking on a role as Emerald in Andy and the Band on CBBC. More recently, she has been creating content for her social media followers and filming a music video with her band.
Her father described watching the documentary as an emotional experience. “The first edit I saw, I could not keep myself from crying. Seeing it condensed into 30 minutes was quite an amazing experience,” he said.
Looking ahead, Nandi Bushell is focused on writing more music, performing with her band, and continuing to grow as an artist. “I’m excited for what is to come,” she said. “I’d love to write more songs, perform more gigs, and just go with the flow.”