Ilano

Ilano
Born
Langelihle Gumede

2003 (age 22–23)
Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Other nameIlanó Sky
Occupations
  • Makeup artist
  • activist
Years active2025–present

Langelihle Gumede (born 2003) known mononymously as Ilano or Ilanó Sky, is a South African makeup artist, activist and television personality. She is best known as the first openly transgender in Big Brother Mzansi history and she gained prominence as a housemate of Big Brother Mzansi season 6.

Early life

Gumede was born on 2003, in Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.[1] She grew up with her twin brother which they both attended the same school and she has shared that their relationship was strained during their youth.[2][3] Her family treated her as a girl and used to wear girl's clothes when she was growing up.[4]

Career

Gumede started her journey as a makeup artist when she was in Grade 8, developing a talent for beating faces and styling hair long before her public debut.[5][6] She established herself as a hairstylist and makeup artist, specifically known for wig installations.[7] Her career reached a new level when she joined Big Brother Mzansi season 6 as the first openly transgender housemate in the history.[8][9] She used the platform as a live portfolio and showcasing her makeup and styling skills to a national audience daily.[10][11] On the 49th, she was the 11th housemate to be evicted from the house.[12][13]

Personal life

Gumede is an openly trans woman.[14] She uses she/her pronouns.[15]

Controversy

During her time on Big Brother Mzansi season 6, Gumede was involved in a controversy after several housemates made transphobic remarks about her.[16][17] The comments drew widespread criticism from viewers and sparked discussions about representation and respect for LGBTQ+ individuals on reality television.[18] In response, the production issued strikes to the housemates responsible, including Thandeka and Ramona, and some family members publicly apologized for their remarks.[19][20]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
2026 Big Brother Mzansi season 6 Contestant Evicted, week 7

References

  1. ↑ Tlhoaele, Kgalalelo (2026-01-03). "BBM's Ilano shares trans journey!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  2. ↑ Seleme, Rae (2026-01-13). "Big Brother Mzansi Fans Comment on Ilano's Transformation Journey: Her Body is T". Briefly. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  3. ↑ "Big Brother's Ilano Opens Up About Life,Challenges as a Trans Woman". Central News. 2026-01-13.
  4. ↑ Tlhoaele, Kgalalelo (2026-01-13). "BBM's Ilano shares trans journey!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2026-07-13.
  5. ↑ Gwala, Nompilo (2026-03-03). "I Don't Have Regrets, Ilano Sky on Being Big Brother Mzansi's First Trans Housemate". Mamba Online. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  6. ↑ Mphande, Joy (2026-03-02). "Ilano leaves 'Big Brother Mzansi' after making history as the first transgender contestant". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  7. ↑ Seemela, Masego (2026-03-02). "Ilano unpacks 'snatching wigs' as Big Brother Mzansi's first openly trans contestant". Sowetan. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  8. ↑ Sithathu, Nomathamsanqa (2026-03-04). "The Ilano legacy: how the first openly trans housemate changed 'Big Brother Mzansi' forever". IOL. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  9. ↑ "Meet Ilano Sky, Big Brother Mzansi's Proudly Transgender Housemate". Mamba Online. 2026-01-13. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  10. ↑ Komana, Itumeleng (2026-03-04). "'I was top 2 material' - Ilano sets her sights on acting and building her Gadlaza brand". News24. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  11. ↑ Nkonki, Anita (2026-03-02). "Fearless trailblazer Ilano bids farewell to Big Brother Mzansi S6 housemates and fans". IOL. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  12. ↑ Nxumalo, Lethu (2026-03-01). "Tears flow as Big Brother Mzansi eviction locks in Top 10". The Witness. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  13. ↑ Chiraag (2026-03-04). "Ilano makes Big Brother Mzansi history as first openly trans housemate". Joburg ETC. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  14. ↑ Magagula, Nompumelelo (2026-03-06). "'My sexuality is not my personality' Big Brother Mzansi's Ilano". News24. Retrieved 2026-07-13.
  15. ↑ Tlhoaele, Kgalalelo (2026-01-13). "BBM's Ilano shares trans journey!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2026-07-13.
  16. ↑ "Three strikes issued to Big Brother Mzansi housemates". Inside Politic. 2026-02-08. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  17. ↑ Tebele, Mbali (2026-02-06). "Big Brother Mzansi Fans React to Transphobic Comments Made About Ilano "Ramona Is Evil"". Briefly. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  18. ↑ Magagula, Nompumelelo (2026-03-08). "'My sexuality is not my personality' Big Brother Mzansi's Ilano". News24. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  19. ↑ Gwala, Nompilo (2026-02-06). "Big Brother Mzansi Under Fire Over Transphobic Remarks Directed at Ilano Sky". Mamba Online. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  20. ↑ Komana, Itumeleng (2026-02-06). "Where is the wig? 5 Big Brother Mzansi highlights". News24. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
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