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Double MOBO Award-winning saxophonist and broadcaster YolanDa Brown has worked with the likes of Billy Ocean, Beverley Knight and The Temptations, as well as fronting YolanDa’s Band Jam on kids’ TV channel CBeebies and being a regular voice on Radio 2 and Radio 4. At present, she’s full of busy composing music for Sesame Street but, earlier this week, kindly found the time to write for UNITED about how the Magpies came to capture her heart…
Growing up I loved all kinds of music and so it was a task to find one favourite band, same with sport and more specifically football. I loved football, the fans, the stories, the euphoria and heartbreak, but I didn’t support a particular team and as a neutral it was more passive viewing.
All that changed in December 2009 when my soon to be husband took me to St. James’ Park for my first game. Walking towards the stadium I realised that the entire city was buzzing. At the time, Newcastle were in the Championship and playing Derby, so I was definitely not a glory hunter! The moment I stepped into the stadium my heart was instantly synced to this beautiful club. It was instant, almost like coming home, I can’t explain it!
The atmosphere was unlike anything I have ever experienced, and I am a musician who has toured the world playing at venues like the O2 Arena and Royal Albert Hall. St. James’ Park was jumping, the fans, their smiles, the banter, the passion and of course the sea of black and white. Then the team were about to come out and Local Hero played. ‘A SAXOPHONE SOLO’ – are you kidding me?! My instrument of choice! Deal done, I didn’t care if the team won or lost – I was in love, they had my heart. The game ended 0-0 but I loved every minute of it.
I am a fan who found the club later on in life, not during the magical Kevin Keegan era or the legend Bobby Robson coming home. I missed the Champions League matches, beating Barcelona especially. I wish I was able to experience one of Alan Shearer’s goals, Asprilla’s back-flip celebrations, the silky passes of Ginola, the pace of Dyer or even Shay Given’s crucial saves, all of which I have seen on recordings and YouTube since.
I am grateful to have found this unique club and the magic it holds. My husband is constantly educating me about the history and he keeps me updated on all the latest happenings. We both get to as many games as we can, usually the away games close to London due to my schedule, so we are regularly at Spurs, West Ham, Arsenal etcetera. My daughters Jemima (eight) and Adelphi (two) have also bought into the magic of the club. Although they have never been to a game at St. James’ Park, we plan to make it happen this year.
As much as celebrating the past of Newcastle, I am excited by the future. I feel our new ownership will allow this great club to finally reach its true potential. I am excited by our manager too and his ideas; the team will naturally evolve and grow.
The joy that this club brings to millions around the world cannot be underestimated or taken for granted. With the team entering a very defining part of the season, I wish them well and if any of them read this message I want you to know that every single fan will be kicking and heading every ball with you, whether we are in the stands, watching on TV or listening on the radio.
We are United! Toon Army!
