In a bold new addition to East London’s cultural scene, Grammy-nominated saxophonist, broadcaster, and philanthropist YolanDa Brown OBE, alongside creative entrepreneur Adetokunbo “T” Oyelola, has launched Soul Mama, a live music and dining venue that has quickly become a dynamic destination for both music lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
Officially opening its doors in September, Soul Mama occupies the ground floor of The Gantry in Stratford. It offers an exciting blend of live performances and culinary excellence, with a community-driven ethos at its core. The venue's music program features an eclectic lineup spanning jazz, soul, gospel, reggae, and more, bringing in top-tier talent such as UK soul legend Omar, Bill Laurance from Snarky Puppy, jazz icons Yellowjackets, and soul singer Terri Walker.
YolanDa Brown herself is set to headline a special three-night run in October, marking an emotional highlight in the early days of the venue’s success.
Reflecting on the launch, YolanDa Brown shared, “Soul Mama was a dream come true. This journey was filled with passion, belief, dedication, tears, laughter, perseverance, and a lot of hard work. I was thrilled to see the vision come to life, providing a platform for both emerging and established artists while giving people a space to celebrate diverse voices.”
But Soul Mama isn’t just about the music. The venue also promises an immersive dining experience, with a menu curated by Executive Head Chef Aleandro Brown, who brings his Michelin-trained expertise to the kitchen. Inspired by Afro-Caribbean and South American flavours, the dishes at Soul Mama are as much a celebration of culture as the music itself. Signature offerings include creamy coconut chicken curry with rice and peas, Ghanaian kelewele plantain, and mango jerk cauliflower, all of which guests can enjoy while taking in the live performances.
The drinks menu is equally enticing, with Soul Mama’s signature cocktails—like the venue’s rum punch and the playfully named “Sax on the Beach”—completing the experience, blending Caribbean, African, and South American influences in every sip.
For YolanDa Brown, the journey to bring Soul Mama to life was especially meaningful. As a Black woman entrepreneur in the creative industries, funding her vision was a challenge, but she overcame the odds by launching a highly successful Kickstarter campaign. The campaign raised a record-breaking £248,148, earning Soul Mama a Guinness World Record for the most-funded music venue on the platform.
“Grassroots music venues are the heartbeat of our cultural landscape, nurturing talent and fostering creativity. Soul Mama was about giving artists a space where creativity could thrive, and connections could be made,” Brown explained.
With its unique blend of live music, culinary delights, and community spirit, Soul Mama has quickly made its mark on East London. It is more than just a venue—it is a hub for connection, creativity, and joy.
For Brown and Oyelola, Soul Mama represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream to create a space that celebrates the power of music, culture, and diversity.
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