Award winning Saxophonist and Broadcaster YolanDa Brown OBE DL dropped by Guinness World Records HQ this week for a special celebration.
That’s because her upcoming music venue Soul Mama, an ambitious restaurant opening that’s seen her working alongside her music manager Adetokunbo “T” Oyelola, officially smashed the record for the most money pledged for a Kickstarter restaurant.
The saxophonist, who first won a MOBO Award in 2008 for “Best Jazz Act” and doubled that success in 2009, racked up a record-breaking £248,148 while aiming to create more music venue diversity with eclectic music programming and a vibrant menu.
During her visit to the Guinness World Records office, YolanDa also attempted some fun records with Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday.
She broke the record for fastest time to stack 20 Welsh cakes in just under 20 seconds, taking home not one but two official Guinness World Records certificates!
With a record already under its belt and a food-meets-music nature, Soul Mama mirrors YolanDa’s artistic vision: an eclectic space blending different waves of reggae, jazz, soul, classical, pop and everything in between.
“I'm so passionate about music education," says YolanDa.
The saxophonist, who is just starting out in the world of venue ownership, has always been passionate about music.
YolanDa is a Yamaha artist (an artist endorsed by Yamaha) and was appointed chair of the British Phonographic Industry in 2022 (organises the BRIT Award and Mercury Prize), but she is also heavily involved in several music-related charities and organisations.
In 2018, the artist was appointed Chair of Youth Music, the charity dedicated to creative and music-oriented projects for young people in challenging circumstances and has just completed a six-year term.
Among several other appointments, the artist sits on the Arts Council National Council and the advisory board of the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
More recently, in the 2023 New Year Honours, YolanDa was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to music, music education and broadcasting.
After a long string of successes, the London-based Soul Mama venue is certainly starting its adventure on the right foot – and with a Guinness World Records title!
YolanDa wants it to be a comforting culinary experience nestled in a hub for both emerging and established artists, in an eclectic blend of music, art and delicious food inspired by Africa, the Caribbean and South America.
All ingredients used in Soul Mama, YolanDa insists, will be sourced ethically.
A community first and foremost, the record-breaking restaurant also aims to offer a platform to underrepresented chefs and musicians across the globe.
Although the venue will open in spring, YolanDa shares regular updates on her platforms, enthusiastically involving her fans and followers in the project.
What is certain so far is that Soul Mama - a “home for dreamers and believers,” in YolanDa's own words – is the most successful restaurant Kickstarter ever.
Speaking about the Kickstarter, YolanDa comments: “In setting a Guinness World Records title, Soul Mama didn't just secure funds; we wove a tapestry of dreams shared by thousands."
A testament to what we can achieve when we unite and believe - YolanDa
“This record is not just a number - it's a promise to fill every visit with laughter, comfort, and a sense of belonging,” YolanDa says.
“At Soul Mama, we're more than a music venue and restaurant; we're a home for dreamers and believers who see the world not just as it is, but as it could be, full of joy, connection, and shared moments that linger in the heart long after the night ends.”
“A big thank you to everyone who supported us so far and the new people who will discover us along our journey and jump on the Soul Mama Train."
Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor also praised the crowdfunding success, dubbing it an “incredible feat.”
"What we've seen YolanDa Brown and ‘T’ Oyelola achieve with their Kickstarter project is a perfect example of what we want for every creator that comes to our platform: to be brave enough to pursue a dream and in return, get the community, support and funds they need to bring that dream to life," continues Taylor.
The project will also hopefully inspire more independent creators of colour to thrive.
“Thank you to everyone who pledged," said YolanDa about her restaurant. "Look what we did! A fantastic start for the Soul Mama journey."
"This is an astonishing achievement, and a testament to the passion, drive and determination it takes to make a game-changing project like Soul Mama come to fruition,” added Craig.
And how exciting that this is just the start for this ambitious fusion of food, music and culture - I can't wait to see what happens next! - Craig Glenday
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