Today, we shine a light on YolanDa Brown OBE DL – a multi-talented musician, broadcaster, venue owner, and Chair of the BPI. With a career spanning 20 years, YolanDa has paved her own path in live entertainment, championing independent artistry and music education. As the owner of Soul Mama, a live music venue and restaurant, she is dedicated to creating a space where music, culture, and community come together. From her early dreams of being a racing driver to building a career on her own terms, she shares her journey, inspirations, and insights into leadership, resilience, and legacy.
Let’s dive into her story.
1. What did you dream of doing when you were younger?
“Growing up, I had dreams of becoming a racing driver. I was absolutely fascinated by motorsports – the speed, precision, and sheer adrenaline of it all. There was something about the way drivers navigated the track with such skill and determination that truly inspired me. While my career took a different path, that love for movement, rhythm, and energy has certainly found its way into my music and live performances.”
2. How did you get started in live entertainment?
“My journey into live entertainment wasn’t planned in the traditional sense. I was all set to begin a PhD in Management Science, but during a summer break, I started playing gigs to earn some extra money.
Gigs got gigs, and before I knew it, my management team and I were booking venues and promoting our own shows, allowing me to perform on my own terms. That organic and independent approach to building my career has shaped everything I do to this day.”
3. Can you share a memorable moment in your career that has had a significant impact on you?
“One of the most unforgettable experiences of my career was touring as a support act for the legendary Temptations. Watching them perform every night was like attending a masterclass in artistry, excellence, and showmanship. Their ability to captivate an audience and create magic on stage was beyond inspiring. But what touched me the most was their kindness and generosity – how they welcomed me and my band with open arms and treated us as part of the family. That experience has stayed with me, shaping the way I approach emerging artists and the support I offer to the next generation.”
4. What advice would you give to young women who want to enter the entertainment industry?
“Never let anyone else define your journey or limit your ambitions based on preconceived notions about your gender.
The entertainment industry can be challenging, but the most important thing is to stay true to yourself and your vision. Be fearless in pursuing your dreams, and don’t be afraid to carve your own path.
Opportunities are created, not just given – so keep pushing forward and making your mark.”
5. In your opinion, what are the key qualities that make a great leader in live entertainment?
“For me, a great leader in live entertainment is someone who can create a space where audiences feel safe, engaged, and transported into another world – whether through music, storytelling, or artistry. It’s about crafting an experience that leaves people feeling uplifted, inspired, and connected.
A great leader also understands the importance of collaboration, empowering others, and constantly evolving with the industry.”
6. Who has been your biggest mentor in your career and what were some of the most valuable lessons you learned from them?
“My family has been my rock throughout my entire career. The entertainment industry can be unpredictable, full of highs and lows, but they have always provided me with a sense of balance and perspective. They remind me of what truly matters and keep me grounded, no matter what challenges or successes come my way. Their unwavering support and belief in me have been invaluable.”
7. Is there a particular female figure that inspires you?
“There are so many incredible women who inspire me, but if I had to choose one, Oprah Winfrey’s career stands out. She has seamlessly transitioned from being a talk show host to an actress, then a producer, and now the owner of her own television network. Her ability to continuously evolve, break boundaries, and create opportunities not just for herself but for others is truly admirable. Her journey is a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of storytelling.”
8. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve had in your career and how did you overcome them?
“One of the biggest challenges I faced was building a career without the backing of a record label or major investment. Everything we did had to be self-funded and self-driven, which required a lot of creative thinking and perseverance.
We had to dig deep, find alternative ways to make things happen, and remain resilient in the face of setbacks. Looking back, I realise that this independence has given me the freedom to shape my career exactly how I want it, allowing me to explore different avenues, from broadcasting to venue ownership, on my own terms.”
9. How do you measure success, and what are some of your proudest achievements?
“Success is deeply personal and varies from one person to another. For me, success isn’t about money or accolades – it’s about the impact you have on others. If I can inspire someone, uplift them through music, or help create opportunities for others, then that’s what I consider success.
I am incredibly proud to be the Chair of the BPI, as it allows me to play a role in shaping the future of the music industry. Being appointed Chancellor of my alma mater, the University of Kent, is also a huge honour, academia has always been close to my heart, and to be able to give back to the institution that shaped me is a privilege.”
10. If you were to give your younger self some advice, what would that be?
“Just be yourself. There is only one ‘you’ in the world, and that uniqueness is your greatest strength.
Don’t try to fit into someone else’s mould or follow a predefined path, create your own and trust that everything will unfold as it should.”
11. How would you like to contribute to the evolution of the live entertainment industry, and what impact do you hope to leave behind as your legacy?
“I founded Soul Mama, a live music venue and restaurant, with the dream of creating a space that celebrates music, culture, and community. My vision is for Soul Mama to become an international platform for artists from all over the world. A place where musicians can share their craft and audiences can experience the magic of live performance.
Beyond that, music education is incredibly important to me. I strongly believe that every child should have access to music, not just as a subject, but as an experience.
Music has the power to transform lives, and I want to continue advocating for greater access to musical education, ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to create, feel, and enjoy music in all its forms.”
