Yola (musician) Biography: Height, Parents, Songs, Net Worth, Age, Wikipedia, Albums, Music Group, Awards

Yolanda Claire Quartey, professionally known as Yola, is a British singer-songwriter and actress. She rose to prominence with her debut album Walk Through Fire (2019), which earned her four Grammy nominations.

Her subsequent album, Stand for Myself (2021), also garnered widespread critical acclaim. Yola made her acting debut in 2022, portraying the legendary “Godmother of Rock and Roll,” Sister Rosetta Tharpe, in Baz Luhrmann’s biopic Elvis.

In 2024, she expanded her artistic range by starring as Persephone in the Broadway production of Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown. Yola’s music blends elements of country, soul, and R&B, showcasing her exceptional vocal ability and distinctive sound.

Profile

• Full Name: Yolanda Claire Quartey
• Stage Name: Yola
• Born: 31 July 1983
• Age: 41 years old
• Birthplace: Bristol, England, United Kingdom
• Nationality: British
• Occupation: British singer-songwriter and actress
• Height: 1.65 m
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Quartey
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Unknown
• Children: Unknown
• Relationship: Unknown
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life And Education

Yolanda Claire Quartey, known professionally as Yola, was born on July 31, 1983, in Bristol, England. Raised by her mother, a Barbadian registered nurse, after her father left when she was under two years old, Yola’s family background is rooted in her Barbadian and Ghanaian heritage.

While it is not publicly known whether she has siblings, little is shared about her family beyond her immediate mother. Yola attended grammar school and later pursued higher education in London, though she ultimately dropped out to focus on her burgeoning music career.

She is of mixed-race identity, influenced by both her Barbadian and Ghanaian roots. While details about her religious beliefs remain private.

Career

Yola’s music career began with her contributions as a guest vocalist for several prominent British acts, including Massive Attack and Bugz in the Attic. She later became the lead singer of the band Phantom Limb, which released its debut album in 2008 before disbanding in 2012.

During this time, Yola honed her vocal abilities across various genres, including jazz and rock, setting the foundation for her future solo career. After the death of her mother in 2013, Yola decided to pursue music independently, releasing her debut EP Orphan Offering in 2016, which introduced her signature blend of country, soul, and Americana.

Yola’s breakthrough came with her debut album Walk Through Fire in February 2019, released on Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound label. The album earned critical acclaim and four Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist.

The title of the album reflects a personal tragedy, as a fire had destroyed her home, symbolizing both resilience and renewal. Her follow-up album, Stand for Myself (2021), continued to elevate her career, receiving praise for its storytelling and powerful vocals.

NPR even named it one of the best soul albums of the past two decades, and it earned two more Grammy nominations.

In addition to her music career, Yola ventured into acting, portraying Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 biopic Elvis. Her performance garnered significant attention, showcasing her versatility as an artist.

In 2024, she made her Broadway debut in the critically acclaimed musical Hadestown, playing the role of Persephone. Yola’s artistry, marked by her commanding voice and genre-blending style, has led to collaborations with artists like Kacey Musgraves and Brandi Carlile.

She continues to captivate audiences, with her 2024 single “Future Enemies” and her performances in major venues, including Madison Square Garden.

Awards and Nominations

Yola has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career:

Grammy Awards

• 2020:
• Nominated for Best New Artist
• Nominated for Best Americana Album (Walk Through Fire)
• Nominated for Best American Roots Performance (“Faraway Look”)
• Nominated for Best American Roots Song (“Faraway Look”)
• 2022:
• Nominated for Best Americana Album (Stand for Myself)
• Nominated for Best American Roots Song (“Diamond Studded Shoes”)

UK Americana Awards

• 2017: Won UK Artist of the Year
• 2019: Won UK Album of the Year (Walk Through Fire)
• 2021: Won UK Artist of the Year
• 2021: Won UK Album of the Year (Stand for Myself)

Americana Music Honors & Awards

• 2019:
• Nominated for Emerging Artist of the Year
• Nominated for Album of the Year (Walk Through Fire)

Country Music Association Awards

• 2021: Nominated for International Achievement Award

NAACP Image Awards

• 2023: Nominated for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @iamyolaofficial
• Facebook handle: Yola Official
• Twitter handle: @iamyola

Personal Life

Yola is currently single and has been open about her dating life. In a 2021 interview, she confirmed that she is not in a committed relationship, expressing the value of exploring connections without the limitations of traditional relationships. There is no public information available regarding any past spouses or long-term partners.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Walk Through Fire (2019)
• Stand for Myself (2021)

Extended Plays

• Orphan Offering (2016)
• Apple Music Home Session: Yola (2020)
• My Way (2024)

Singles (as lead artist)

• “I Don’t Wanna Lie” (2019)
• “Diamond Studded Shoes” (2021)
• “Future Enemies” (2024)

Net Worth

Yola’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million as of 2025. This reflects her successful music career, which includes Grammy nominations and the release of critically acclaimed albums like Walk Through Fire and Stand for Myself.

In addition to her music, Yola’s acting roles, including her portrayal of Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Elvis and her Broadway debut in Hadestown, have also contributed to her financial success.