By Marley
I’ve been lucky to have known Andra’s music for the longest time. Ever since I saw her the first time, she has held my memory captive with her song and words. This Namibian born lady has captivated Nelspruit once again with her performance at The Pub on Friday 09 March.
The Pub filled with eager as well as new fans who were attending their first Andra show. In classic Andra style, the stage was beautifully decorated with scarves and fairy lights. A trademark Andra has made over the years. I was at ease because I know what this lady can do on stage. And as the people were trying to find a seat, more tables and seats added under roof, the more the excitement grew.
As Andra and Brenda took to the stage, the crowd was still loud and talking but the minute they started with their set The Pub was quiet. People’s jaws dropped! Most sat and smiled while others closed their eyes. Her vocals soothed them, like a spell. Voodoo ladies with guitars in hand, that laid their spell over us. It was a moment that I still remember and still get gooseflesh from. Like they say “When the music is good”.
The team of ladies had the crowd eating from their hands with songs like “Broken Spanish” and covers like “Mercedes Benz” that did give Janis Joplin a run for her money. It was young and old that sang with, the crowd of strangers had suddenly become friends. Kids were in awe with Andra and her hat. Adults were completely powerless for Andra and Brenda.

(photo by Small Town Music)
The rain that fell over Nelspruit wasn’t even noticed during the show and just had people huddled more under the roof. It’s like the magic of Andra was all over us and it was a bubble none of us wanted to leave soon. And when all the red wine was gone and Andra laid down her guitar it was like “can I start this set from the start again?” It was that good. It was a perfect mix of her old and new songs. Covers like you never heard them before.
What really made it amazing, was her passion for music. Andra told the crowd that she was supposed to take a break, but she didn’t want to – the response to this was, of course, glorious cheer and encouragement.
Andra will always be welcomed by Nelspartans with open arms. A fantastic turnout, fantastic voice and beyond amazing guitar skills: we love Andra!
To view the full album of Andra live at The Pub, please visit our Facebook page