Saxophonist, composer and broadcaster YolanDa Brown has been awarded an OBE for services to music, music education and broadcasting in the latest UK New Year honours list.
Alongside her performing and broadcasting career, Brown was appointed chair of national charity Youth Music in 2018, and launched the London Saxophone Festival during the same year. She has been a National Council Member at Arts Council England and chair of the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) since 2022. She also won the MOBO award for Best Jazz in 2008 and 2009, the first musician to have been nominated for the award in two consecutive years.
Matt Griffiths, Youth Music CEO, said, ‘I’ve worked with YolanDa Brown since 2018 when she joined Youth Music as our Chair. Her enterprise, creativity and care is second to none and I’m proud of our Chair / CEO dynamic. Big congrats on your OBE from me, the team, board and our partners across the UK.’
YolanDa Brown said, ‘Really honoured to receive an OBE for services to music, music education & broadcasting. My career continues to be eclectic & doesn’t fit in a box, so I’m grateful to everyone that continues to walk with me as a musician, broadcaster or campaigning for children & access to music.’
Photo: YolanDa Brown and Matt Griffiths
