Award-winning musician YolanDa Brown, OBE, whose music is featured on Jools’ Holland’s latest album Pianola, as well as appearances on BBC One and Channel 5, will perform in Aberdeen next weekend.
YolanDa, who is the UK’s premier female saxophonist, will travel from London to the Granite City to perform live at Spirit of Africa on Saturday, April 29.
YolanDa has toured with The Temptations, Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Billy Ocean and collaborated with artists such as Dave Stewart from Eurythmics, Snarky Puppy’s Bill Laurance, Kelly Jones from Stereophonics and Rick Astley.
She is currently composing music for the iconic Sesame Street and an animated series called Bea’s Block, as well as the Netflix Series CocoMelon Lane.
The world-renowned saxophonist’s headline act in Aberdeen will include an eclectic mix of reggae, jazz and soul, as YolanDa joins a talented team of musicians and performers at the event set to take place at International School Aberdeen (ISA).
Hosted and sponsored by ISA, Spirit of Africa will take the evening’s 120 guests on a journey through the rich history and culture of the African continent featuring a vibrant evening of performances to mark the socio-historical connection between Africa and Scotland.
The event, the first of its kind in Aberdeen, is the launchpad for The Africulture Network – a group of passionate professionals dedicated to showcasing African heritage at its best in Scotland.
“We are beyond excited and honoured to be welcoming the amazingly talented YolanDa Brown to Aberdeen,” said Mavis Anagboso, Vice-Chair of The Africulture Network.
“YolanDa is a double MOBO Award winning artist, who wears multiple hats as a musician, broadcaster, author, philanthropist, wearing them all with passion and vigour.”
International School Aberdeen, which is celebrating its landmark 50th anniversary this year, said it was honoured to work in collaboration with The Africulture Network to bring an event promoting cultural infusion to Aberdeen.
Nick Little, Head of School, ISA, said, “Spirit of Africa is a major intercultural event for both the city of Aberdeen and the wider region. As an international school with a global growth mindset, strengthened by our core values of diversity, respect and community, ISA is delighted to be supporting this wonderful celebration of African culture and diversity.
“Spirit of Africa will offer a wider audience an ideal platform to experience a different way of life and will open up many more conversations surrounding the understanding and acceptance of other cultures and traditions.”
The full Spirit of Africa
line-up includes a host of talented cultural groups featuring the Aberdeen African choir and a journey through Africa with music and by the cast of Shona the Musical.
Guests will enjoy a fusion of African and Scottish cuisine with a three-course dinner followed by a presentation of African fashion with models showcasing a variety of clothing.
Spirit of Africa will be held on Saturday, April 29 in the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, International School Aberdeen, from 6pm – 11pm.
Individual tickets and tables are available.
For more information on how you can get involved to support this event, and for ticket enquiries, visit, www.africulture.org.uk or email info@africulture.org.uk
For more information on YolanDa Brown, visit, www.yolandabrown.co.uk