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Yolanda Brown the inspiration behind Soul Mama

YolanDa Brown isn’t just a musician, she’s a powerhouse of creativity in every area of her life, whether she’s bringing a room to life with her saxophone or accompanying your commute. YolanDa seamlessly blends her role as a musician, broadcaster, author, and now co-owner of Soul Mama, a vibrant music venue and restaurant in Stratford, London.



YolanDa opened Soul Mama in September alongside creative entrepreneur Adetokunbo “T” Oyelola. The venue reflects Adetokunbo & YolanDa’s deep-rooted passion for music. Soul Mama is an eclectic musical venue where culture, food and creativity collide.


Like any endeavour, launching Soul Mama had its challenges. YolanDa & Adetokunbo turned to Kickstarter to fund the venue. The campaign raised just over £248,000, setting a global record for the largest sum raised by a restaurant on this platform. This alone is a testament to their creativity, determination, and the community’s belief in their vision.


Soul Mama caters to families, with various shows for all ages, reflecting YolanDa’s passion for children’s entertainment and music education

Inside Soul Mama, the main stage commands attention, perfectly designed for the live performances that fill the venue and bring YolanDa’s love for performance to life. Beyond music, Soul Mama caters to families, with various shows for all ages, reflecting YolanDa’s passion for children’s entertainment and music education.


Chef Aleandro Brown, who trained under Gordon Ramsay, leads the kitchen with a menu that blends African, Caribbean, and South American flavours. Highlights include one pot creamy coconut chicken curry, mango jerk cauliflower and creative cocktails such as their signature rum punch.


Off stage, YolanDa is a familiar face on TV and radio, presenting shows like BBC Proms and Gospel Choir of the Year

Soul Mama is a natural extension of YolanDa’s incredible career. As the first artist to win two consecutive MOBO Awards for Best Jazz, she’s known for her unique fusion of reggae, jazz and soul. Her love for music began young, but the saxophone stole her heart, captivated by its rich sound and the magic of creating rhythmic patterns.


Off stage, YolanDa is a familiar face on TV and radio, presenting shows like BBC Proms and Gospel Choir of the Year. In 2022, she was appointed Chair of the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), the UK’s voice for record labels and her contributions to music, education and broadcasting earned her an OBE in 2023.


Soul Mama is a love letter to YolanDa’s life and work, bringing jazz, soul, and joy to Stratford

Her passion for music education shines through her role as Chair of Youth Music, inspiring young people to discover the power of music. During the pandemic, she collaborated with Sony Music to create online music lessons that reached 30,000 children. Soul Mama carries this mission forward, offering a welcome space for families and nurturing young artists.


Soul Mama is a love letter to YolanDa’s life and work, bringing jazz, soul, and joy to Stratford. Whether you’re after a rum cocktail, some soulful tunes, or a family-friendly performance, it’s a place where music, food, and community come together. So next time you’re in the area, make sure to stop by and experience the magic of Soul Mama for yourself.


Visit the Soul Mama website at https://www.soulmama.co.uk

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