Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Ilona – Bulgarian rock girl in UK

Photo: private library

More than a decade ago Ilona Toteva went to Britain to live there with her mom. She got lucky enough to meet music producer and composer Tony Moore, known from the cult Iron Maiden:

“I rediscovered my passion for music when I came to the UK and that was why I opted for staying here,” Ilona recalls. “It all changed completely after my meeting with Tony four years ago. Music used to be a dream for the long future for me, but when Tony Moore heard my voice he discovered an unusual blend. He also liked my Bulgarian origin and Russian roots. We formed a band, we began writing songs, touring and concerting. I write my own lyrics, I also write for other performers. Singer is actually my second occupation.”

The band of Ilona consists of 5 people and has been named after her. One of their first compositions was It’s 1966, inspired by their first tour to America and combining elements of music, typical for Texas. The text consists of the titles of all hits, created there back in1966. “People from Texas and Florida heard the piece and decided to include it in a contest. It won the top prize there,” the singer is proud to say.


Ilona’s eclectic taste has been formed by the variety of her music preferences. She says Shania Twain was her major artistic inspiration. The Bulgarian also combines completely different styles – one can tell that from her Move Together as One song that kicks off with electric beat.


Despite her young age Ilona has already had her own collection of star moments. In 2012 she had a 45-minute-long concert in front of the athletes at the Olympiad. The concert in Hyde Park remained as an unforgettable moment in her career, where Ilona and her band warmed up legendary Tom Jones at the British Summertime festival.

The singer has now two mini albums and is currently preparing her debut CD with 13 pieces.

“I hope that it will be released by the end of the year”, Ilona explains. “So far we have several singles in the iTunes and YouTube social networks. At the moment we are recording the album, as some of the recordings will be made in the USA. 13 is a special number that brings me luck – my first concert took place on May 13, I met my producer on the 13th too… That is why I opted for that symbolic number of songs in the album.”


The latest single of Ilona – Beautiful Country was released in April, which is included in the forthcoming CD.

Last year Ilona and her band were the exclusive guests at the Discovery festival. “I felt wonderful, since it was our first concert in Bulgaria,” she says. “I hope that we will come again soon, I simply can’t wait…” the singer says in conclusion.


English version: Zhivko Stanchev




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

"Never stop searching" – the message in Zhivko Vasilev’s music

An extraordinary journey between musical genres and geographical locations awaits us on November 14 in Sofia. The soft sound of Bulgarian folk instrument kaval will meet the classical sound of the Sofia Soloists Chamber..

published on 11/14/24 8:44 AM

"Prituri sa planinata" - Deep Zone pass on beautiful Bulgarian music to the next generations

The lords of good vibes DEEP ZONE Project are preparing their top event of the year. For the first time they are organizing DEEP ZONE All Stars, bringing together all their vocalists and collaborations over the years. For the past 25..

published on 11/13/24 9:21 AM

An amalgam of arts at SoFest Autumn

The autumn edition of SoFest will attract fans of various arts with interesting events and participants from different countries. From November 14 to 17, Sofia Live Club will host two theatrical performances and various concerts. SoFest Autumn 2024 is..

updated on 11/12/24 11:13 AM