I went to the highly anticipated launch of Soul Mama, and it was a vibrant celebration of food, music, and a dream come true.

On Tuesday, September 10, my mum and I went to Stratford to Soul Mama on the ground floor of The Gantry where the atmosphere was nothing short of electric.

This unique space, dedicated to blending live music with Afro-Caribbean cuisine, delivered an unforgettable experience, proving that the years of preparation and passion behind it were well worth the wait.

As the night kicked off, we were treated to trays of delicious canapés, offering a tantalising preview of Soul Mama’s bold and diverse menu.

Each bite was a fusion of flavours that reflected the venue’s Afro-Caribbean roots.

(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand)One of the most intriguing dishes of the evening was a surprising combination of salmon and banana.

The rich, savoury salmon paired with the sweetness of banana created a unique contrast that left me eyeing the waiters’ trays.

This inventive pairing was just a glimpse of the menu combining the authentic tastes of Africa, the Caribbean, and South America.

One of the most memorable parts of the night was meeting the team behind Soul Mama, including YolanDa Brown and Adetokunbo "T" Oyelola, the pair who brought this vision to life.

(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand)

As they shared the story of Soul Mama’s journey—from its inception in 2014 to the successful record-breaking Kickstarter campaign—it became clear that this venue was born from a deep passion and commitment to both music and culture​.

Their message to everyone was simple: “Don’t let anyone get in the way of achieving your dreams.”

I even got to meet Adetokunbo and was drawn by his warm character.

Soul Mama's opening night was not just about the food; it was a full sensory experience.

The live music set the tone for the evening, with a mix of jazz, reggae, and soul filling the space.

(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand)

Although I’m not a massive fan of loud music, I found myself tapping my foot and unintentionally nodding to the beat.

As if the night wasn’t already buzzing, we were treated to a live feature of Soul Mama on BBC News while we were there.

We watched the venue and its team celebrated on national television.

The coverage highlighted the venue’s opening as a significant moment for east London’s cultural scene, reinforcing that Soul Mama is set to become a go-to destination for both food lovers and music fans alike.

Overall, the opening of Soul Mama was an unforgettable event.

From the great canapés, like the salmon and banana combo, to the foot-tapping live performances, the evening was a celebration of creativity, culture, and community.

Soul Mama is much more than just a restaurant or music venue and I can safely predict this venue will become a London favourite.