The Early Years

 

Andrea grew up in Greenwich, London. Her interest in music started from the young age of eight while still in primary school where she was exposed to classical music and learned how to play brass instruments such as the trumpet and tenor horn. Performing opportunities, through her music teacher, arose during this period with the school band, school choir and youth section of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. At the age of eleven, she joined her church gospel choir singing lead and supporting vocals. By the age of thirteen Andrea had started writing songs and poems and was involved in secondary school musical events as well as continuing to sing in her church choir.

 

Now aged fifteen, Andrea and two close friends formed a group called ‘Dynamite’ and performed at local music events singing lovers rock covers and original songs penned by the group members. They also attended local jam and vocal training sessions practising to the likes of Roberta Flack and Betty Wright.

 

Taking A Break

 

During 1992, musical ambitions were put on hold whilst seeking a professional career and then concentrating on family life. This included a move to Barbados and the continuance of song and poem writing keeping a passionate interest in the creative arena.

 

In 2014 having the time, inspiration and confidence coupled with life experiences and the encouragement of family and friends Andrea rekindled a relationship with her music and art, both songwriting and performing after seeing her son (singer/songwriter) and brother (singer/songwriter/producer) thrive musically.

 

A New Beginning

 

Re-launching her musical career and using the appellation ‘Sahrya’, Andrea recorded her début single “Looking for Diamonds” which was released in June 2015. The song was promoted, following relocation to the UK, through live performances in England and Spain. In the following year Sahrya worked behind the scenes with the ‘Britain’s Got Reggae’ annual event team and in the October she was engaged by Errol Kennedy's 'Imagination' to provide backing vocals at the Indigo o2. March 2017 saw her heading off to Spain to perform backing vocals for Otis Redding III at a show in Malaga.

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During 2018, work was completed on a second single “It’s My Time” penned by Layton Cook Music with Sahrya assisting in the arrangement. Sahrya Music was formed in April 2019 as the official company handling her creative work and output. A third single “Midnight Alone” was released in March 2021. Following periods with Mark De-Lisser's ‘Singology Choir’ and the B.I.G gospel training choir, Sahrya joined the IDMC Gospel Soul Choir in September 2021. In July 2022 a return to Spain resulted in performing a little solo feature and providing backing vocals for 'Sister Sledge' support act 'Mr. MAPH' held at the Marbella Arena.