Episode Overview

In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha Tank sits down with YolanDa Brown, the UK’s premier female saxophonist, during her debut Asia tour. From sold-out performances in Tokyo and Singapore to her deep passion for music education and mental health advocacy, YolanDa shares how music can be a force for change, connection, and joy.

She discusses everything from growing up in a Jamaican-British household and earning an OBE from King Charles, to the global rise of K-Pop — and even how she can solve a Rubik’s Cube in just three minutes.

Featured Voices

Host: Manisha Tank

Guest: YolanDa Brown OBE

Key takeaways from YolanDa

• YolanDa highlights how musical collaboration can bring cultures together and technology can empower artists everywhere to build audiences beyond borders.
• YolanDa notes the importance of nurturing creativity, confidence, and emotional wellbeing in the next generation, with music offering a safe outlet for emotions and connections.
• From the Commonwealth to K-Pop, YolanDa champions collaboration over division and community over anger.
• She believes in being “unapologetically yourself.”

Chapter heads

0:00 - Welcome to Tank Talks Asia

Manisha introduces the show and this episode’s featured guest, YolanDa Brown.

1:02 - Jazz, Reggae & Asia

YolanDa discusses performing in Tokyo and Singapore.

2:14 - A Musical Homecoming with Yamaha

YolanDa talks about working with Yamaha.

3:25 - Roots & Upbringing

How family, culture, and confidence have helped to shape YolanDa’s outlook.

5:01 - Honored by the King

YolanDa tells us about receiving her OBE and what it truly means.

7:39 - Reframing the Commonwealth

A discussion about how history can be used as a platform for change and unity.

9:34 - Championing Children’s Mental Health

YolanDa talks about her Band Jam TV show and Sesame Street collaborations with Elmo.

13:18 - The Healing Power of Music

YolanDa shares a personal story about how music can be incredibly emotional.

14:56 - Making Music Joyful

YolanDa talks about teaching improvisation and how to find the heart in music performances.

16:23 - The Global Language of Jazz

Manisha and YolanDa chat about how jazz is having a renaissance across cultures.

16:50 - K-Pop, Authenticity & Generational Connection

They go on to discuss the K-Pop phenomenon.

19:41 - India, Bollywood & Beyond

YolanDa shares her thoughts on what drives global music success.

22:05 - Breaking Barriers in the Industry

She also talks about the power of collaboration, independent artists and the importance of “finding your tribe”.

25:02 - Dreaming Big in Asia

YolanDa discusses future tour plans and potential collaborations.

26:44 - Fun & Quirky Facts

YolanDa shares some light-hearted facts with Manisha.

28:29 - Closing Thoughts

Manisha and YolanDa talk about amplifying Asia’s creative voice.

Don’t miss out

We’re on a mission to bring the real Asia — its thinkers, builders, dreamers, and disruptors — to global ears. So if you know someone who would be a great guest or want to contact the team, please email:

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Tank Talks Asia is an AsiaWorks production