By Iyabo Aina

One time popular reggae singer from Opoji, Esan central , Sandra Odiahi, who formerly went by the stage names, Sandra, then BlessinDra but now known as BDRA, has announced her new upcoming single entitled Shubby ByeBye, to be released on the 2nd of June.

BDRA

The anticipated track will also be part of the upcoming album, entitled Summer Dra.

BDRA was (born on 27th November 1976) in Opoji, Esan central local government, Edo state (Nigeria). She was first famous in the late 90’s for her music style (Ijeleghe vibes) – It was a mix of traditional Nigerian music, Jamaican Dancehall and Esan highlife fused with chanted vocals. She used it to revolutionize the musical structure in Nigeria with lyrics that focused on social issues, like campaigns against women’s circumcision in the country and child labour.

She has been absent from the Nigerian music industry for a decade. In that time, she left for Belgium to perform as a lead vocalist with Zionyouth reggae band but later left the group to further her recordings as a solo artist.

Sandra, was inspired by her grandmother who passed away in the early 90’s at the age of 61, famous for producing and publishing mainstream traditional singers like Obilu sounds, a local music band known for releasing series of highlife hit songs in the 70’s. Sandra emerged to inherit complete entertainment knowledge, she started professionally as a chorister of Baptist church, Oghagbo community, Opoji, where she developed her music writing skill.

In 2001, she collaborated as a lead vocalist with Africa accusations cultural group dance Belgium.
In 2002, she attended music academy Borgerhout muziek-woord Belgium to study musical notes and electric guitar.
In 2003 – 2004, she performed at the main stage of Reggae Geel Festival in Belgium, alongside with Zion youth crew and Abo Afro group for the very first time in Belgium.
In 2008, she released her debut EP, entitled “Life is a Journey” the song was mixed and mastered by Timis production to later gain air waves in the norther part of Nigeria, selling thousands of units . The EP took her on tour from 2008 to 2011, performing at important festivals in Belgium and Nigeria.