Childhood......

Illana was born in Masvingo, Zimbabwe (then known as in Fort Victoria, Rhodesia) on 11th February 1976.

She comes from a very close knit family and is the youngest of four sisters. Her mother, and father still live in Zimbabwe. Two of her sisters live in Mozambique, and one in the United Kingdom. Illana visits her parents every month, and spends time online chatting with them a few times a week.

Being the youngest, Illana has had the full support of her family in her creative ventures.

A Spirit of Song

From an early age Illana played at entertaining her family and friends with musical performances and concerts.

At school Illana sang in the school choir, and performed the solo for her peers at their farewell function.

At the age of 15, she joined the "Bosveld Boere Orkes", and performed at gigs around the Far North region of South Africa, and into Zimbabwe, until she was 23. Illana played keyboard and handled vocals. The band repertoire included rock, pop, country western and boere-musiek.

Living, Loving and Learning......

In 1994, shortly after completing her schooling, Illana married her school sweet-heart. The years of marriage were a time of personal development for both her and her husband, and, sadly, in 1998 Illana separated from her husband. They divorced in 1999. Never again will she stand behind another person, or feel anything less than equal to others.

Later in 1999, Illana married the new love in her life. Brian is a "40 something" father of three sons, so Illana became a step-mother to three boisterous boys, Shannon, Tristan and Dustin.

In February 2004, when the mother of her stepsons passed away suddenly, Illana opened her arms and heart to the three boys, who from that day on, have lived with Illana and Brian as their children. That her stepsons love, respect and cherish Illana, is a tribute to the wonderful person she is.

Where and When......

In 1984, her family sent her to Eric Louw High School in Messina, South Africa. As a boarder, she learned a degree of independence at an early age. In 1993 she completed her schooling at Messina.

Her school friends now scattered around the world, still keep in touch via e-mail and her guestbook. Roots are very important to Illana, and she enjoys the contact with her mates from her school days.

In 1997, Illana had baby girl, named Isla, and sadly, Isla died 4 days after birth, shortly before Illana's 21st birthday. Instead of celebrating her passage into adulthood, she was in a time of mourning.

Sadly Illana experienced another tragedy on 18 April 2005, when her eldest stepson, Shannon, was killed in a car accident 1 mile from home. Holding the family togther during a terrible time, Illana and her husband paid a final tribute to Shannon in a way that he would have enjoyed. The day before his funeral, with tears flowing, Illana sang the song to be played at his funeral, whilst Brian recorded it.

Illana has known the joys of love found and love lost. With her loved ones fully supporting her passion for music, she is firmly established in the ranks of the professional musicians.

Enough Talking, lets do it!!!

In 2003, Illana entered the world of professional musicians. As a solo artist, she now earns her living on stage. Her husband and her relocated to Harare in August 2008.

As Illana succinctly puts it, music is her passion in life, and the reality of paying bills and buying groceries is always at hand as in any other profession. The fundamental difference here, is that Illana is doing what she loves. No show is too small to be considered, no venue "beneath her". Life for African musicians has never been easy, and in all likelihood, will become more difficult in the future. Only the dedicated will survive. Illana is determined to being among the select few that the public enjoy and support.