Cleo Ice Queen

Last updated

Cleo Ice Queen
Cleo on stage.jpg
Born
Clementina Mulenga

(1989-06-14) 14 June 1989 (age 34) [1]
Lusaka, Zambia
Other names
  • Cleo Ice Queen [2]
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • Singer
  • Songwriter
  • Model
  • Entrepreneur
Spouse
Kalale Masengu
(m. 2019)
Musical career
Genres
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
Years active2011–present
Labels Def Jam
Website www.cleoicequeen.com

Clementina Mulenga Masengu (born June 14, 1989), popularly known as Cleo Ice Queen, [3] [4] is a Zambian musician and television personality. To her music career, she has two successful albums and affiliations with international labels such as Def Jam Records, [5] Cleo has earned numerous accolades, including the Best Female Rapper Southern Africa at the 2021 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) [6] and Best Female Artiste Southern Africa at the 2022 All Africa Music Awards (Afrima).

Contents

Cleo rose to prominence in 2013 when she participated in the eighth season of the reality television series Big Brother Africa, [7] known as The Chase. She has won several awards, including the 2015 AFRIMMA Best Female in Southern Africa and the 2017 Best Female in the SunFm Kwacha Music Awards.

Early life and career

Born on June 14, 1989, Cleo grew up in a family of five with two brothers and two sisters. Her passion for hip hop music started at the young age of six, and by the time she was 11 years old, [8] she had already begun her music career. Cleo's interest in the entertainment industry was evident from a very young age, as she used to perform at her own parties starting from her fourth birthday.

At Banani International School, where the principal had built a recording studio, Cleo had her first studio experience. At the age of 16, she recorded and released her first single "Hands Up."

Cleo's moniker "Ice Queen" originates from her love for jewellery, which is commonly referred to as "ice" in hip hop slang. [1] In addition to her musical and brand ambassador work, Cleo has been featured in various publications. She was the cover story for the March 2014 issue of the Nigerian magazine VL! Magazine. [9] [10]

Engaging in humanitarian work, she served as a Global Citizen Ambassador, contributing to initiatives aimed at ending extreme poverty. Cleo is currently a Softcare ambassador, endorsing affordable and comfortable baby and women’s essentials. Her partnerships reflect her selfless commitment to assisting underprivileged individuals, guided by the motto, "To whom much is given, much is required." Cleo Ice Queen continues to break barriers in the entertainment industry, promising more success with each project. She is currently working on her third studio album.

Beyond her musical pursuits, she holds a certificate in Digital Marketing from the University of Zambia (UNZA) and currently pursuing a Marketing Degree at the University of Lusaka (UNILUS).

Professional music

In 2011, Cleo started her music career, and the following year, she released a single titled "Big Dreams," featuring JK, which became a nationwide hit. She was also featured in the official remix of Khuli Chana's "Tswa Daar" song, which featured other popular African artists like Ice Prince, Maggz, Navio, AKA, and Reason. Cleo's debut album, "Geminice," was released in December 2016. [11] [12] The album has 14 songs, and the theme is inspired by her Gemini star sign. One part of the album comprises seven sentimental and lyrical songs, while the other seven songs are fun-loving and upbeat, including party anthems like the Urban Hype-featured "Turn Up," "Addicted," and "Autobahn."

In December 2016, Cleo released another single titled "Soldier, [13] [14] " produced by Kekero. On September 22, 2016, Cleo was the first Zambian artist to be selected for Season 2 of Coke Studio, a popular music television series in Africa. Together with Bucie and Mr Kamera, she created the song "Simunye" ("We are one"), which was a massive hit. The song celebrates African unity and oneness with a mix of Cleo's native tongue, Nyanja, and South African native tongue, Xhosa. It showcases how music has no language barriers.

Television

In 2013 Mulenga gained national recognition as a participant in the eighth season of the reality television [15] series Big Brother Africa, which was produced by Endemol for M-Net. The show, which began on 26 May 2013, ran for 91 days and concluded on 25 August 2013. Mulenga spent the entirety of the season in the Big Brother house and emerged as the runner-up to Dillish Mathews, who won the 2013 season. [12] [4]

In 2015, Mulenga was chosen to host Bola Yapa Zed, a SuperSport football magazine show that exclusively focuses on Zambian football. The show is dedicated to bringing fans up-to-date information on all aspects of Zambian football, including news, interviews, and highlights. [12] As the presenter of Bola Yapa Zed, Mulenga has become a well-known figure in the Zambian sports community.

Coke Studio

On 22 September 2016, Cleo made history as the first Zambian artist to participate in Season 2 of Coke Studio, [16] a popular music television series in Africa that gives artists the opportunity to create new and innovative music. Cleo, also known as the "lady of rap," collaborated with Bucie, the "lady of house music," as well as super producer Mr Kamera, singer-songwriter Les-Ego, and master sound engineer Wilson. Together, they created the chart-topping hit, "Simunye" ("We are one"), which celebrates African royalty, unity, and oneness. The song features elements of Cleo's native Zambian language, Nyanja, as well as South African native tongue, Xhosa, and demonstrates the universality of music by transcending language barriers.

Introducing Coke Studio at a glittering preview event in Lusaka, Cleo said: "Making music is an amazing journey, and Coke Studio really shows the talent, effort and fun that artists put into their craft. I’m just so pleased that Zambian music fans can now have a chance to share that passion on QTV." [17]

— Cleo speaking in an interview.

African Hip-Hop Awards

On 21 May 2017 Cleo was a special guest at the official launch of the African Hip Hop Awards 1 July [18] at Chez Intemba in Lusaka. [19]

Personal life

Relationships

Cleo is married to Kaladoshas and the couple has three children.

Postgraduate Education

She is currently pursuing her Degree in Marketing at the University of Lusaka (UNILUS) and is an example to the youth of how education is still valuable in a “fast life, fast money” social media-oriented world.

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryResult
2012South African Hip Hop AwardsBest FemaleNominated
2013Born & Bred AwardsBest Female Up comingNominated
2014Zambian Music AwardsBest New ArtistNominated
2015African Muzik Magazine AwardsBest Female Southern AfricaWon [20]
2016African Muzik Magazine AwardsBest Female Southern AfricaNominated
2016Zambian Music AwardsBest FemaleNominated
2017African Muzik Magazine AwardsBest Female Southern AfricaNominated
2017Zambia Kwacha Music AwardsBest Female ArtistWon [21]
2019Zambia Kwacha Music AwardsBest FemaleWon
2021African Muzik Magazine AwardsBest Female Southern AfricaWon
2023African Entertainment Award USABest Female AfricaWon

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Queen Latifah</span> American recording artist and actress (born 1970)

Dana Elaine Owens, better known by the stage name Queen Latifah, is an American rapper, actress and singer. She has received various accolades, including a Grammy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two NAACP Image Awards, in addition to a nomination for an Academy Award. In 2006, she became the first hip hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lusaka</span> Capital and largest city of Zambia

Lusaka is the capital and largest city of Zambia. It is one of the fastest-developing cities in southern Africa. Lusaka is in the southern part of the central plateau at an elevation of about 1,279 metres (4,196 ft). As of 2019, the city's population was about 3.3 million, while the urban population is estimated at 2.5 million in 2018. Lusaka is the centre of both commerce and government in Zambia and connects to the country's four main highways heading north, south, east, and west. English is the official language of the city administration, while Bemba, Tonga, Lenje, Soli, Lozi, and Nyanja are the commonly spoken street languages.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vanessa Mdee</span> Tanzanian recording artist and television personality

Vanessa Hau Mdee, is a Tanzanian singer, rapper, television personality and radio host. Mdee is popularly known for being the first ever Tanzanian MTV VJ. She later rose to prominence as a radio and TV host, hosting Epic Bongo Star Search and Dume Challenge for ITV Tanzania before signing to B'Hits Music Group in late 2012.

Daniel Lubwama Kigozi is a Ugandan rapper and record producer. Starting off his career, he was part of the award-winning hip hop group Klear Kut, along with fellow rappers The Mith & JB, that introduced the term "Ugaflow" to describe Uganda's hip hop scene. Navio is best known for his successful solo career with hits such as "Ngalo", "Bugumu", "One & Only", and "On and On".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mampi</span> Zambian pop and R&B singer (born 1986)

Mirriam Mukape, popularly known as Mampi, is a Zambian singer, actress and songwriter. Her music is kwaito and reggae inspired. She is one of the most viewed Zambian female artists on YouTube.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Macky 2</span> Zambian singer & Rapper

Mulaza Kaira, also known as Macky II, Macky 2, MK Macky 2, DJ Bugar, and Flava Boy, is a Zambian hip hop musician, singer, songwriter, record producer and Actor. He is known for participating in the ninth season of Big Brother Africa, where he placed third in the competition. Kaira is from Chingola, Zambia, and runs the Macky 2 Hope Foundation, which supports orphans and vulnerable children.

Katongo Temba, known mononymously as Katongo or "KT", is a Zambian-born British singer, songwriter and model. Her genre of music is Afropop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chef 187</span> Zambian hip hop musician (born 1986)

Kondwani Kaira, known professionally as Chef 187, is a Zambian hip hop musician, a former Infinix ambassador and former Proflight ambassador from the Copperbelt Province signed under Alpha Entertainments Music. A younger brother to Macky 2.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pilato (rapper)</span> Musical artist

Fumba Chama, known professionally as Pilato, is a Zambian hip hop recording artist from Ndola. The name Pilato written as pilAto is an acronym for People in Lyrical Arena Taking Over. Born and raised in the Copperbelt province, pilAto commenced his career as a poet at the age of 10, before formally moving into the music industry in 2010, when poetry became his music. Pilato has released three studio albums.

Sandra Nankoma, previously known as Sandy Soul, is a Ugandan recording artist, singer-songwriter, composer, actor and performer of Afro-soul and jazz music. She is well known for her single Kaddugala from her debut album Ye'nze for which she won an award for Best Female Artist in African Inspirational Music at AFRIMA Awards in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Buffalo Souljah</span> Zimbabwean musician

Thabani Ndlovu, known professionally as Buffalo Souljah, is a South Africa-based Zimbabwean reggae recording artist and songwriter. He won ten times at the Channel O Africa Music Video Awards, Soundcity Music Awards, and Zimdancehall Awards and Nominated for Afrimma, Afrima ,IRAWMA. He owns the record label U.N.A..

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mulenga Kapwepwe</span> Zambian author and museum founder

Mulenga Mpundu Kapwepwe is a distinguished Zambian author and social activist. Kapwepwe has garnered widespread recognition for her remarkable contributions in the field of women's history, having co-founded the Zambian Women's History Museum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sampa the Great</span> Zambian rapper and musician

Sampa Tembo, known professionally as Sampa the Great, is a Zambian singer, rapper and songwriter. Between 2014 and 2020, she was based in Australia. Her debut solo album, The Return, peaked at No. 12 on the ARIA Albums Chart. At the ARIA Music Awards of 2019 she won Best Hip Hop Release for her second single, "Final Form". In the following year she won the same category for The Return, as well as Best Female Artist and Best Independent Release. In March 2020 Sampa became the first artist to win the Australian Music Prize twice: for Birds and the Bee9 and The Return. The artist was based back in Zambia from late 2020, where she issued her second studio album, As Above, So Below.

Mwila Musonda, known professionally as Slapdee, is a Zambian hip hop and rap musician. Having won multiple awards since his debut in 2006, he is often regarded one of the pioneers of Zambian hip-hop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KB Killa Beats</span> Musical artist

Yahya Kaba, known professionally as Killa Beats or just KB, is a Zambian hip hop record producer and songwriter. KB is also the chief executive officer (CEO) of his own label imprint, K-Amy Studio. His music career started in 2004 but his full recognition came in 2009 after the song Doubting for the singer Judy which featured P Jay. KB is also best known for his role as one of the judges on the MTN Music Scorer and Dreams Zambia. He was once co-host for Muvi TV's The Breakfast Show and was once a radio presenter for Rock FM. He was also the National Treasurer for the Zambia Association of Musicians.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cassie Kabwita</span> Zambian actor and film director

Cassie Kabwita is a Zambian actress and film producer and rotarian. She is known for her works in the Zambian and Tanzanian film industries. Cassie is the Ambassador for The African Film Festival(TAFF) in Dallas

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Latto</span> American rapper (born 1998)

Alyssa Michelle Stephens, known professionally as Latto or Big Latto, is an American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. She first appeared on Jermaine Dupri's reality television series The Rap Game in 2016, where she was known as Miss Mulatto and won the show's first season, but rejected signing to Dupri's So So Def Recordings label of which was offered as a result.

Mulenga Jestina Mulenga is a Zambian painter, writer, sculptor and photographer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bomb$hell Grenade</span> Zambian singer

Bwalya Sophie Chibesakunda, better known by her stage name Bombshell Grenade which is written as Bomb$hell Grenade or simply Bombshell, is a Zambian rapper, singer, actress and the 2021 AFRIMMA Best Female Rapper in Africa. She first gained public recognition after the release of her single "The Berg" featuring Jay Rox. Grenade subsequently provided guest vocals for the Kaladoshas song "They Don't Know".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roberto (musician)</span> Musical artist

Robert Chindamba Banda, better known by his stage name Roberto is a multi-award winning Zambian artist, singer and songwriter.

References

  1. 1 2 "Ice Queen Artist Profiles". Coke Studio. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  2. "UP CLOSE WITH CLEO THE ICE QUEEN". Times of Zambia. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
  3. "UPDATE: Upcoming female rapper Ice Queen". Lusak Times. 19 March 2012. Retrieved 30 May 2017.
  4. 1 2 "Cleo Ice Queen Shows Off Her Adorable Daughter". BBA Fan Club. Archived from the original on 23 August 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  5. "Cleo Ice Queen". Def Jam Africa. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  6. Jere, Joshua (22 November 2021). "CLEO WINS AN AFRIMA AWARD". ZNBC News.
  7. "Cleo Ice Queen Delivers a Bouncing Baby Girl". Zedhypemag.com. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  8. "Cleo Ice Queen". Hip Hop African. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  9. "Cleo Stuns on the Cover of VL! Magazine March Issue". Afrika Daily. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  10. "VL! Magazine Exclusive Interview With Big Brother Finalist Cleo". Jaguda. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  11. "Cleo Ice Queen releases "Geminice" Track-list". Lusaka Times. 4 December 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
  12. 1 2 3 "Album Review : Cleo Ice Queen -Geminice". Lusaka Times. 30 January 2016. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
  13. "Cleo Ice Queen – "Soldier" (Prod. Kekero)". Zambian Music Blog. 2 December 2016. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  14. "Behind the Scenes of Cleo Ice Queen's new video "Soldier"". Lusaka Times. December 2016. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
  15. "Sheer Publishing rapping sensation joins Big Brother Cast". Cleo Ice Queen Blogspot. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  16. "Cleo Ice Queen shooting for Coke Studio season 2". Lusaka Times. 26 July 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  17. "STARS ROCK TO COKE STUDIO BEAT". Lusaka Times. 23 September 2016. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
  18. "African Hip Hop Awards To Be Launched in Lusaka". Palesa Mokoena. Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  19. "Cleo Ice Queen to host the official launch of the African Hip Hop Awards". Lusaka Times. 22 May 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  20. "Cleo Ice Queen 'Turns Up'". Lusaka Voice. 29 January 2016. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
  21. "2017 Kwacha Music Awards Complete Winners List". Zambian Music Blog. October 2017. Retrieved 2 October 2017.