1. YolanDa Brown's musical sound is a fusion of reggae, jazz and soul.
19 Facts About YolanDa Brown
1. 2.
YolanDa Brown grew up in Gants Hill in the London Borough of Redbridge.
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YolanDa Brown was a student at Bancroft's School and Beal High School, where she became Head Girl.
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YolanDa Brown went on to study at the University of Kent, Kent Business School in Canterbury.
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YolanDa Brown spent a year as an Erasmus student at the University of Oviedo in Asturias, Spain.
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YolanDa Brown gained a further master's degree in Methods of Social Research, followed by four years of Ph.
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In 2008, YolanDa Brown was a MOBO "Best Jazz" and UMA winner.
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In 2009, YolanDa Brown became the first musician to not only be nominated in the "Best Jazz" category of the MOBOs in consecutive years, but the first to win it two years running.
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In February 2012, YolanDa Brown released her first album April Showers May Flowers.
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YolanDa Brown is a regular guest presenter on BBC Radio 4's programme Loose Ends with Clive Anderson She presented a documentary on Williams Syndrome for the station.
11.
The Department for Education and DCMS in 2021, invited YolanDa Brown to sit on the advisory panel for the National Plan for Music Education, In June 2022, she was appointed by the Secretary of State Nadine Dorries, as National Council Member at Arts Council England In July 2022, YolanDa Brown was appointed chair of the British Phonographic Industry.
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October 2022 saw YolanDa Brown receive a BAFTA nomination in the Best Presenter category.
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In 2023, YolanDa Brown made plans to open an Islington music venue and restaurant called Soul Mama, after raising funds on Kickstarter.
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In January 2018, YolanDa Brown was appointed Chair of Youth Music, a national charity investing in music-making projects for children and young people experiencing challenging circumstances.
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In May 2018, YolanDa Brown launched the London Saxophone Festival, an annual celebration of the saxophone through concerts, film, workshops and more.
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In 2024, YolanDa Brown became a member of the Blue Plaques panel.
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YolanDa Brown was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to music, music education and broadcasting.
18.
YolanDa Brown was one of eleven individuals appointed a Deputy lieutenant of Greater London on 11 October 2022.
19.
YolanDa Brown was brought up with Christian values, and became a born again Christian in her teenage years after attending a friend's youth convention.