Interview: YolanDa Brown OBE on New Restaurant & Music Venue Soul Mama
We caught up with jazz talent YolanDa Brown to find out all about new venture Soul Mama in Stratford’s Olympic Park.
The Soul Mama kitchen is led by Executive Head Chef, Aleandro Brown, serving up a menu inspired by mamas from around the world who have passed their recipes down through the generations. It’s also one of the official music venues for the London Jazz Festival taking place in November 2024, and will also host the Afro Jazz Festival on Soul Mama’s opening night on 31st August.
Hi YolanDa, thanks for taking some time to chat with us about Soul Mama! We can’t wait to get stuck in to the food – what menu highlight should we make sure to try?
The Soul Arepas are a definite! A fusion of Venezuelan Arepas and Doubles from Trinidad, we have 3 flavours braised beef with suya seasoning, bbq chicken and a jerk mushroom. Thank me later!
The Afro Jazz Festival on opening night sounds like a blast – what else is coming up at Soul Mama in the first few months?
We’re thrilled to present a diverse lineup of live music, spanning genres like Jazz, Soul, Gospel, and Reggae. Soul Mama’s launch will feature performances from UK Soul legend Omar, Bill Laurence of Snarky Puppy, Jazz icons Yellowjackets, award-winning classical singer Katherine Jenkins, Reggae queen Etana, and beloved choirmaster Gareth Malone with his sing-along show, as well as soulful vocalist Terri Walker, known for her collaboration with Goldie. I’m also excited to announce my own Soul Mama debut, headlining a special three-night run in October, which will be an emotional experience for me. But Soul Mama isn’t just about music; we’ll also have comedy, fireside chats, concerts for kids and families, and much more.
What are your biggest inspirations, for your music or your life in general?
Bob Marley, his music, his song writing, his message and the timelessness of it all. What a legacy.
What are you favourite Things To Do in London?
I love London! At the moment I am loving Mare Street Market, I was there for dinner and next thing I was considering getting a tattoo!!! I almost did, then I chickened out.
I love Babylon Park in Hawley Wharf with my daughters, and walks around Alexandra Palace are so uplifting.
I am Joint Editor at To Do List. I like: nice pubs, film marathons, not doing real marathons, bad comedy, plays/musicals with shorter second halves, and the Oxford comma.
