Hi. I’m Ilana Sheli, AKA “Ilana Banana”, award winning children's musician, entertainer, educator and songwriter.

I have 20 years experience in this beautiful and creative field providing fun, celebration, silliness and education for our smallest friends and their families.

Throughout my journey as an entertainer and educator, I have run weekly toddler music groups and led kids parties and discos as well as after school clubs (teaching art and music). I have worked in nurseries leading weekly music sessions and hosting special events, I have also performed at corporate and charity events, community festivals and I have designed and delivered musical workshops for nurseries and primary schools.

As a songwriter, I have written songs for both children and adults and performed jazz and my original music nationwide (Lana Shelley). I wrote all the songs for acclaimed childrens book series, Jungle Jam as well as recording and releasing two children’s music albums: “Music Time with Ilana Banana”- a collection of beloved nursery rhymes- and “It’s a Mitzvah”- celebrates Jewish culture and teaches basic Hebrew, both available to listen or purchase across all digital platforms. My version of Baa Baa Black Sheep has more than 50,000 streams and my Music Time album enjoys nearly 1000 listeners per month.

I also have a level 3 certificate in education and two children of my own who continue to inspire, challenge and accompany me throughout my work. I am based in North London.

Across the years, the number of times I have witnessed a child's first steps or first words, the feedback that ABCs were learnt from coming to my music sessions and that someone's little one had 'the best party ever' makes me feel proud, humbled and privileged to be able to do the job I do. On top of all this, my work keeps me fit too!

Life can be serious for sure, especially in these turbulent and changing times and I hope I provide some sweet relief when the grown ups need it, engaging stimulation for the little ones and the opportunity for families to bond through fun and music.

For further adventures with me please subscribe to my You Tube channel, follow me on Facebook and Instagram and enjoy my albums, available to buy on Itunes and Amazon or stream.

Please contact me for a copy of my safeguarding policy.