YolanDa Brown, a British jazz contemporary saxophonist, and composer, was born in Barking, London to Jamaican parents (4 October 1982). She was a former student of Bancroft’s School and Beal High School as well as the University of Kent, Kent Business School, Canterbury, England. Her Master’s Undergraduate Dissertation focused on “Combining SSM and DESM (Discrete Event Simulation) in an Athletics Club.” She was also a host on Sky Channel’s TV talk show and appeared in inspirational idents on the BET network. (Black Entertainment Television) She was a 2008 MOBO “Best Jazz” winner as well as a UMA nominee. YolanDa was the first musician to be nominated for the MOBO’s “Best Jazz” category in consecutive years. She also became the first person to win the award twice in a row. She was also awarded “Best Jazz” at UMA’s 2009. YolanDa has collaborated with many musicians, including Ramon Valle and Michel Camilo, Hilarioduran, Dean Fraser, Sonny Bradshaw. Otis Williams, Otis Williams, and Shelly Berger. Solo artist/saxophonist, she has performed in a variety of genres, including straight ahead jazz and grime. She also performs front and center alongside many artists, such as Sway DaSafo and Bashy, Omar Lyefook, Soweto Kan, Mica Paris and Desi Jones. She opened for The Temptations in the UK in late 2008. One of YolanDa’s most important performances in 2010 was an invitation to PanJazz 2010, which took place at the Lincoln Center in New York. She performed alongside Leon Foster Thomas and Etienne Charles. Indig02, London’s 02 Arena, was her 19th November concert. This continued her track record of selling out concerts that are musically exceptional and unique. YolanDa received an honorary doctor of the arts from the University of East London on 2/12/10 in a ceremony at London’s Barbican Theatre. Music has been a powerful tool for YolanDa’s healing and empowerment. YolanDa is a Celebrity Ambassador for HRH The Prince of Wales and His Prince’s Trust Charity. YolanDa, a Yamaha endorse artist, was also named the UK’s class-band ambassador in February 2011. Yamaha Class Band, a whole-class teaching method for wind bands, is currently being piloted by Yamaha UK and two leading music services in the UK. YolanDa is also a patron of The Mayor for London’s Fund for Young Musicians. This fund provides exceptional progression and development opportunities for young musicians who have demonstrated significant musical talent and dedication. From Wikipedia
