Cleo Ice Queen Biography Introduction

Cleo Ice Queen is a dynamic Zambian hip-hop artist, television and radio presenter, model, and entrepreneur, celebrated for her vibrant music, influential brand partnerships, and inspiring presence in the African entertainment industry. Rising to prominence through her participation in Big Brother Africa: The Chase in 2013 and her chart-topping single “Big Dreams,” she has become a trailblazer in Zambian hip-hop, blending Afro-pop and dancehall with her unique style.

Basic Information

Early Life and Education

Clementina Lukonde Mulenga, known as Cleo Ice Queen, was born on June 14, 1989, in Lusaka, Zambia. Growing up in a close-knit family of five, she has two brothers and two sisters. Her passion for music sparked at the age of six, inspired by hip-hop legends such as Bob Marley, Missy Elliott, and Beyoncé. By the age of 11, she began rapping and had performed at her birthday parties since she was four, singing Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World.”

Her nickname, “Ice Queen,” reflects her love for jewelry, often referred to as “ice” in hip-hop slang. Cleo attended Namununga Primary School, Banani International School, and Rhodes Park School in Zambia, where her love for music and basketball flourished. In 2007, she relocated to South Africa to pursue a degree in Business Administration with a major in Public Relations at Midrand Graduate Institute.

Cleo paused her music ambitions during her studies but reignited her career in 2011. Currently, she is pursuing a Degree in Marketing at the University of Lusaka (UNILUS), emphasizing the value of education to her fans.

Career

Launching Her Music Career

Cleo Ice Queen launched her music career in 2011, releasing her first single, “Hands Up,” at the age of 16 while attending Banani International School. Her breakthrough came in 2012 with “Big Dreams,” featuring Zambian music veteran JK, which became a nationwide hit.

In 2012, Cleo was featured on the remix of Khuli Chana’s “Tswa Daar” alongside African stars such as Ice Prince, AKA, and Reason, thereby elevating her regional profile. In October 2012, she released her mixtape Topic of Discussion, building anticipation for her debut album.

Big Brother Africa and Rise to Fame

Cleo’s appearance on Big Brother Africa: The Chase in 2013, where she finished as runner-up after 91 days, skyrocketed her fame. This platform led to her hosting Bola Yapa Zed, a SuperSport football magazine show focused on Zambian football, in 2015. She also starred in the TV series Love Unloved that year and co-hosted Zipezemo Mumahafu on Zambezi Magic with Big Brother housemate Sulu.

Notable Achievements and Collaborations

In 2016, Cleo became the first Zambian artist to feature on Season 2 of Coke Studio Africa, collaborating with Bucie and Mr. Kamera on the hit song “Simunye,” celebrating African unity and blending Nyanja and Xhosa. Her debut album, Gemini (2016), inspired by her Gemini star sign, featured 14 tracks, split between sentimental, lyrical songs and upbeat party anthems, such as “Turn Up” (feat. Urban Hype), “Addicted,” and “Autobahn.”

In December 2016, she released “Soldier,” a melodic rap tribute to African men produced by Kekero. Cleo signed with Def Jam Africa, becoming the first Zambian artist to secure a deal with the prestigious label, and has since released singles like “Xo Fever,” “Gimme Dat,” and “Secure the Bag.”

In 2018, she reunited with Big Brother housemates for the song “Lights.” She is currently working on her third studio album, continuing to push boundaries in African hip-hop.

Brand Partnerships and Philanthropy

Beyond music, Cleo is a sought-after brand ambassador for companies such as Johnnie Walker, Royal Zambian Airlines, Kellogg’s, Chivas Regal, Fair & White, and a software company that endorses baby and women’s essentials. Her role as a Global Citizen Ambassador underscores her dedication to combating extreme poverty, and she has actively engaged in humanitarian efforts, including donating goods to Lusaka Central Prison in 2013.

Discography

Albums and Mixtapes

• Gemini (Album, 2016)
• Topic of Discussion (Mixtape, 2012)

Notable Singles

• “Hands Up” (2006)
• “Big Dreams” feat. JK (2012)
• “Soldier” (2016)
• “Turn Up” feat. Urban Hype (2016)
• “Addicted” (2016)
• “Autobahn” (2016)
• “Xo Fever”
• “Gimme Dat”
• “Secure the Bag”
• “Lights” (2018)

Featured

• “Tswa Daar” (Khuli Chana remix, 2012)
• “Simunye” feat. Bucie and Mr. Kamera (2016)
• “Umbrella” feat. Kaladoshas

Awards and Nominations

Cleo Ice Queen’s talent has not gone unnoticed, as she has received several accolades in recognition of her contributions to the industry:

• AFRIMMA (African Muzik Magazine Awards): Best Female Rapper, Southern Africa (2021), Best Female in Southern Africa (2015)
• All Africa Music Awards (Afrima): Best Female Artiste Southern Africa (2022)
• SunFm Kwacha Music Awards: Best Female (2017)
• South African Hip Hop Awards: Nominee (2012)
• Back to School with a Million: Winner, Nationwide Talent Competition (2004)

Personal Life

Cleo Ice Queen has been married to Zambian rapper and producer Kalle Masengu, known as Kaladoshas, since 2019. The couple has two daughters, though Cleo has referenced having three children in some sources, with one possibly from a previous relationship with a Congolese businessman.

Her relationship with Kaladoshas has faced public scrutiny, including a custody dispute over their daughter after their engagement ended, though they later reconciled and married. Their collaborative song “Umbrella” reflects their personal and professional bond, despite past tensions cited over their age gap in Wezi’s song “Munanitema.”

A devout Christian, Cleo’s faith guides her life and philanthropy. She admires strong women, such as her mother, Michelle Obama, and Princess Diana, and describes herself as friendly, loud, caring, and loyal. Her love for basketball, pizza, and TV shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race and Gossip Girl adds a relatable charm to her persona.

Cleo resides between Lusaka and Johannesburg, balancing her career, education, and family life while inspiring youth as a role model for education and resilience.

Net Worth

Cleo Ice Queen has an estimated net worth of $200,000. Her income stems from music sales, streaming, live performances, brand endorsements, and media appearances. Partnerships with major brands, including Johnnie Walker, Royal Zambian Airlines, and software companies, combined with her Def Jam Africa deal, significantly contribute to her earnings.

Conclusion

Cleo Ice Queen’s journey from a passionate young artist to a prominent figure in the African entertainment scene exemplifies her talent and determination. With a commitment to her craft, philanthropic efforts, and a growing influence, she continues to inspire many across the continent. As she prepares for future projects, Cleo remains a significant figure in contemporary African music and culture.