Two things: The Voice Nigeria has hit its fourth week, we’re still in the blind auditions phase and we’re growing weary. Then with all the political drama in the country and an absentee president, surely the last thing anyone wants to hear is the National Anthem.

Then came Sandra Osamor, 25-year-old graduate of Covenant University and one-time winner of Miss Ideal Nigeria, who boldly climbs the stage ready to wow a group of judges who have heard it all – the great, the just okay and the downright awful.

Ten seconds into Sandra‘s rendition of the National Anthem and she had the judges on their feet. Yes, out of respect and patriotism for our dear Nigeria but more in awe of what she offered. There was not much to do from here than to hit the buzzer, all four of them and the rest they say is history.

Sandra, who was introduced as a classical singer, is the founder of music platform, Vocal Chords Nigeria. She uses Vocal Chords to create awareness for social causes and assist less privileged Nigerians. Her passion for Nigeria led her to the daring choice of song for tonight’s performance. She told YNaija, “I did the National Anthem as a reminder to the problems we are currently facing from flood to bad roads, lack of electricity and high illiteracy rate. Our Anthem is a power prayer”

On how she started her musical journey, Sandra who currently works as an engineer said, “I’ve been a classical singer all my life starting from my days in Holy Child College, Ikoyi. I joined the choir at age 12 and that’s how I got introduced to classical music. Then I got to Covenant University where I won the first Covenant University Got Talent as an Opera singer. I never thought I would win as an opera singer. It was a good start for me”.

After the judges’ pitch, Sandra opted for #TeamTimi and for those who were probably surprised by her choice, she says her decision was fed by her patriotism for Nigeria. On that level, she’s able to relate to Timi Dakolo, his song Great Nation and his genre which she believes is closest to hers.

Watch her thrill the audience:

Tolu

Your pop culture/entertainment go-to. Music head. Wallflower. I do not like to write. On a mission to decipher covfefe.