Let the adventure begin: Award-winning saxophonist makes Royal Marines Band history

YolanDa Brown, an award-winning saxophonist known for her unique fusion of reggae, jazz and soul, has made history by becoming the first Honorary Colonel in the Royal Marines Band.

"I embrace this honour with an open heart, enormous gratitude, lots of energy and of course plenty of music," she said.

The musician has worked with artists such as The Temptations, Kelly Jones from Stereophonics and Rick Astley - and was awarded an OBE in the 2023 New Year Honours List.

• Young jocks from 4 Scots take on British Army-style bagpipe boot camp in Cyprus
• Beyond the bagpipes: Meet the performers whose real Army jobs take them far from Edinburgh
• Welsh Guards Band performs anthem to mark 50th anniversary of the UAE Armed Forces

Colonel Brown will perform alongside the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines on HMS Prince of Wales while she is alongside in Oslo.

The Royal Navy flagship is in the Norwegian capital to host meetings of European military and political leaders discussing future collective security.

The musician said being appointed the first Honorary Colonel in the Royal Marines Band – an appointment approved by the King – was "a privilege beyond words".

Col Brown said she felt "incredibly proud and genuinely humbled" to be joining the Royal Marines family.

"Our Armed Forces do extraordinary work protecting us, serving our country and bringing hope to people around the world," she said.

"While music and military service may seem like two very different worlds, I believe they share something incredibly powerful: both bring people together, lift spirits, inspire courage and remind us of the strength of the human spirit.

"I cannot wait to champion the Royal Marines' extraordinary talent, inspire the next generation, build bridges between the military and music worlds and contribute to the wider Royal Navy family.

"Let the adventure begin."

Best known for combining military duties with a professional music career, Royal Marines Band musicians are skilled at all musical genres and can now infuse a unique blend of jazz, reggae and soul on occasions when they're joined by their new Honorary Colonel.

Lieutenant Colonel Huw Williams, the Band Service's Principal Director of Music, said: "As a leading light in the arts with a passion for connecting people through music, she will bring so much to the service.

"She is a brilliant performer and an inspiring leader with a fresh perspective and inexhaustible energy.

"She has already made a big impact on the Royal Marines Band Service and I'm excited to see where the adventure takes us."

First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said the service's Honorary Officers were "carefully selected for the experience, expertise and inspiration they can bring to the Royal Navy" – all distinguished individuals who share its values and contribute to society across the board.

He added: "YolanDa Brown will be a tremendous asset to Admiralty Squadron, bringing huge talent and a whole raft of achievements in the arts, the music industry, as well as in business and advocacy.

"She is the first musician to be appointed as Honorary Colonel and I am very much looking forward to working with her."

Col Brown, a double MOBO Award-winning artist, is chair of the British Recorded Music Industry, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London and presents on Jazz FM and BBC Radio 4.

During the Covid pandemic, when schools were shut, the musician worked with Sony Music and Twinkl to create bespoke online music lesson plans for teachers, parents and pupils in primary schools, supporting an estimated 30,000 children.

And in spring 2024 the musician launched Soul Mama, a crowdfunded grassroots music venue and restaurant, with her husband Adetokunbo "T" Oyelola.