Ilanda

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Ilanda (sometimes mistakingly spelt Islanda) is a 3 piece band from Melbourne. The members, however originate from Auckland, New Zealand, though their heritage is of Samoan background. They were originally known as Past to Present, but changed their name in 1999 to Islanda because they are, in fact, Islanders. They first debuted in 1995 with their song "Crazy" but it wasn't until 1996 that their career took off with the cover song "September" (which reached the Australian Top 50 charts). Ilanda, however, are most known for their 3 Top 50 Australian hits - "It's our time", "Tasty" and "Breakin': There's No Stoppin' Us" (with Joanne).

It is unknown if the band has disbanded. It is known, however, that ever since the release of "Tasty" they disappeared from the music scene mysteriously. They also teamed up with popular Melbourne dance artist Joanne to release the song Breakin' There's No Stoppin' Us in which was featured as the theme song of the movie The Wog Boy.

[edit] Members

Frank Laga'aia

Lennie Keller

Norman Keller

Leighton Hema was formerly in the group, until he left due to personal problems. Originally, Ilanda was a four piece band.

[edit] History

Despite being natives of Samoa, they were in fact born in New Zealand, and all four members grew up with each other as kids, primarily because they lived in the same neighbourhood for many years. They also went to the same church together where they were members of the choir. However, the fates of the four would come to a halt, when Norman and Lennie migrated to Melbourne for good. Eleven years later, however, they would discover that Frank and Leighton were in Melbourne as well, so they reunited once more and formed the group known as Past to Present.

As the members of Past to Present, they achieved moderate success and even recognition, although they were classified as another R&B band by local critics. Their single "September" was somewhat of a popular hit, yet the success of the song didn't last for long, and public mall appearances did little to help them gain immeasurable success. Feeling that things felt a little too rushed, they took a year's hiatus from the music industry and refocused on what they wanted to do in their music careers. Losing Leighton Hema had the group at a disadvantage, but simultaneously it seemed to be a blessing in disguise.

They would reappear in the music scene in late 1999 to early 2000 as a three piece band known as Ilanda (in reference to not only being born in New Zealand and being descent to Samoan parents, but also to represent who they really are). The band would become much more popular and a marketing success with their single Breakin' There's No Stoppin' Us in which singer Joanne performed with. The success began to increase with the success with chart songs like "It's our time" and last of all "Tasty", which gained great immediate success. The band was also noticeable by young female fans whom recognised them previously as Past to Present.

As of 2000, the band was nowhere to be seen and nowhere to be heard of.^{[citation needed]} In 2007, the band reformed using their original name "Past to Present" with the addition of Joanne Accom.[1]

Ilanda is one of many Samoan bands to date. The most successful and popular Samoan band that is in existence today is The Katinas, who served as an inspiration for Ilanda to form.