Artist awarded Freedom of Newcastle

An award-winning musician and broadcaster is set to receive one of Newcastle’s highest civic honours in recognition of her contribution to the city and her impact on music, education and communities.

YolanDa Brown OBE DL has been approved by Newcastle City Council to receive the Freedom of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne. 

The award recognises YolanDa’s long-standing commitment to the city and the North East, alongside her national leadership in music and advocacy for young people, women and underrepresented communities.

YolanDa, who is a huge Newcastle United supporter and was recently announced as a patron of the Newcastle United Foundation, has strong ties to city and regularly works with local charities while promoting music education across the region. 

She was also instrumental in bringing the Mercury Prize to the city in 2025, marking the first time the event had been hosted outside London and generating significant economic and cultural benefits. 

YolanDa said: “Newcastle is one big family, a city that oozes love. 

“Every time I arrive it feels like a warm hug. 

“I love the people, the humour, the energy of the city and I absolutely love the football club.

“To be awarded the Freedom of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne is deeply meaningful.

“Newcastle is a city that believes in community, champions talent and shows up for its people no matter what age or background. 

“I have seen first-hand what can happen when partners across music, education, business, culture, government and sport come together with shared ambition. 

“This honour strengthens my commitment to keep building opportunity, amplifying local voices and helping the next generation believe their future can be extraordinary.  

“I can’t wait to continue working closely with everyone in Newcastle and bring more exciting new opportunities to this wonderful city.”

Internationally acclaimed as a double MOBO Award-winning artist, YolanDa has also built a distinguished career beyond performance. 

She serves as chair of the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), the body representing the UK’s record labels and responsible for the BRIT Awards and the Mercury Prize. 

Her wider contributions include senior roles with Youth Music, Arts Council England, PRS Foundation and advisory positions within higher education and the orchestral sector.

A passionate champion of music education, YolanDa has played an influential role in shaping national policy and supporting access to creative opportunities for young people. 

During the pandemic, she helped deliver free online music lesson plans with Sony Music and Twinkl to tens of thousands of primary pupils, as well as co-founding the Drake YolanDa Award to support emerging musicians aged 16-30.

The Freedom of the City is the highest honour the council can bestow, with a formal ceremony to be confirmed later this year.

YolanDa’s nomination was proposed by councillor Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, and seconded by councillor Alex Hay. 

Karen added: “YolanDa’s contribution to Newcastle has been real, recent and transformative. 

“In 2025, through her leadership and partnership building, our city hosted the first‑ever Mercury Prize outside London.

“Working with Generator, she helped create the ‘Mini Mercury Choir’, giving 68 children from across the North East a unique platform to learn, perform and be inspired.

“By honouring YolanDa Brown with the freedom of our city recognises her outstanding service to the arts and young people, and celebrates her commitment to Newcastle and the North East. 

“It also underscores our ambition as a Music City – supporting inclusive growth, inspiring our young people and championing female entrepreneurship.”

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