YolanDa Brown and Adetokunbo “T” Oyelola have announced a new opening of Soul Mama, the entrepreneurs’ grassroots music venue and restaurant concept.
The second Soul Mama restaurant opens next month in Angel Central, Islington, following the 2024 launch of its first destination at Stratford’s The Gantry hotel.
Brown, who is chair of the BPI as well as a musician and broadcaster, joined forces with music manager and entrepreneur Oyelola to open a space where people can sample authentic “mamma” food from Africa, the Caribbean and South America, while acts spanning jazz, soul, gospel, reggae and more play live.
Islington was originally planned for Soul Mama’s launch a couple of years ago before taking up a home at The Gantry. That restaurant spot is moving to a new location in Westfield Stratford City this August.
Following a Kickstarter and Guiness World Record-breaking campaign to launch the first Soul Mama, Brown and Oyelola have also announced a new crowdfunding target of £1 million in 60 days.
Our very first Soul Mama location was originally meant to be in Islington – this feels like a homecoming
YolanDA Brown
YolanDa Brown OBE DL said: “With Soul Mama, we are on a mission to spread love one venue at a time, and we see Angel Central as the perfect home for our next chapter. Our very first Soul Mama location was originally meant to be in Islington, so in many ways this feels like a homecoming.
“Having received so much love for Soul Mama in Stratford, we cannot wait to bring that same energy to the heart of north London and continue growing our community. It will be a real joy to bring more music, culture and connection to such a vibrant and spirited destination. Islington is about to get even more soul.”
Simon Prince, Asset Manager at CBRE Investment Management, added: “Soul Mama will be a key addition to Angel Central, diversifying an already vibrant line-up of retail and F&B brands.
“This unique concept provides an amazing audience experience, reflected by its popularity and expansion. It will be a musical hub on the first floor, driving footfall, encouraging all-day visitation and bringing new visitors to the centre.”
Artists who have performed previously at Soul Mama include Mica Paris, Katherine Jenkins, Rebecca Ferguson, and the Syd Lawrence Orchestra.
