Yolanda Charles

Quick Facts

Yolanda Charles
  • Name
    Yolanda Charles
  • Role
    Bassist
  • Date of Birth
    1 Dec 1970 (55 years old)

    • Summary

    Yolanda Charles MBE is a British bassist, songwriter, and producer born in December 1970. She toured with Robbie Williams from 2000 to 2003 and has worked with Paul Weller, Mick Jagger, Hans Zimmer, and Squeeze. She leads the funk-fusion band Project pH and runs Mamayo Records. Her career spans pop, soul, film, and jazz.

    Biography

    Personal Life

    Yolanda Christina Charles was born in December 1970 in the United Kingdom. She began playing bass professionally in 1989 and quickly became one of the UK's most in-demand session musicians. She studied music formally and has taught at institutions including the Royal Northern College of Music and Trinity Laban Conservatoire. Yolanda runs her own label, Mamayo Records, and co-produces with guitarist Nick Linnik under NLYC Productions. She was appointed MBE in the 2020 Birthday Honours for services to music.

    The Robbie Williams Band

    Yolanda Charles was a member of the Robbie Williams Live Band from 2000 until 2003. She played bass guitar during the Sing When You're Winning and Escapology eras, contributing to live arrangements and ensemble performances. She appeared in televised specials and concert recordings, including The Robbie Williams Show and Live at Knebworth. Her playing added groove and rhythmic depth to Robbie's evolving sound during a peak period of his solo career.

    Yolanda was part of a rhythm section that included drummer Chris Sharrock and guitarist Neil Taylor, and her contributions were noted for their precision and feel. Her background in funk, soul, and jazz brought a distinctive edge to Robbie's live band.

    Other Projects and Appearances

    Outside of her work with Robbie Williams, Yolanda Charles has performed and recorded with Paul Weller, Mick Jagger, BB King, Eric Clapton, Roger Daltrey, Van Morrison, David A. Stewart, Anastacia, Sinead O'Connor, Daryl Hall, and Hans Zimmer. She played bass on film soundtracks including Alfie, A Knight's Tale, Home, Boss Baby I & II, and Dune. From 2017 to 2020, she toured and recorded with Squeeze.

    Yolanda leads the funk-fusion band Project pH, which released its debut album Acid Funk in 2024. She also founded The Deep MO and released solo material under the Mamayo collective. Her work includes mentoring, music business consultancy, and writing essays and poetry on Substack. She continues to perform, compose, and advocate for creative independence and artistic integrity.