London’s Soul Mama seals Ticketmaster partnership

Ticketmaster has been announced as the exclusive ticketing partner of YolanDa Brown’s latest venue, Soul Mama.

The London-based Afro-Caribbean restaurant and music venue will open this September at The Gantry in Stratford after Brown and music manager Adetokunbo “T” Oyelola set a Guinness World Record for the most money pledged on a Kickstarter restaurant project, raising £248,148.

The venue will regularly host local and emerging artists, with a strong focus on jazz, soul, gospel and reggae. MOBO Award-winning British saxophonist Brown will perform a three-night headline run this October, with the launch programme also including Omar, Bill Laurence from Snarky Puppy, YellowJackets and Terri Walker.

“We look forward to bringing Soul Mama to life, supporting independent artists and championing a venue that truly cares about diversity,” says Tim Goom, Ticketmaster client development director – music. “YoLanda and T have done incredibly with their record-breaking Kickstarter campaign, and we can’t wait to see how Soul Mama will change the game for live music.”

Soul Mama’s fundraiser launched last year with a selection of packages available to purchase – from tickets to Brown’s first concert at Soul Mama to pre-booked meals and memberships.

“We aim to create a space where diversity in music and venue ownership thrives”

“Having Ticketmaster as our venue ticketing partner is a significant boost for Soul Mama,” adds Brown. “This collaboration not only underscores the importance of supporting grassroots music venues but also amplifies our mission to provide a platform for emerging artists.

“We aim to create a space where diversity in music and venue ownership thrives, ensuring that every artist and visitor feels a sense of belonging and community as we build this special venue together.”

Brown, who toured with the likes of The Temptations, Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Billy Ocean, Dave Stewart, Kelly Jones and Rick Astley. is chair of the BPI, a member of the Arts and Media Honours Committee and a broadcaster on BBC Radio 4.

Oyelola is a manager and promoter who owns entertainment management and consultancy brand Black Grape Global.

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