Cleo Ice Queen

Clementina Mulenga Masengu (born June 14, 1989), popularly known as Cleo Ice Queen, is a highly accomplished Zambian born African musician who has garnered international recognition and numerous awards throughout her illustrious career.

Her influence extends beyond borders, making her a prominent figure and role model in Zambia and across Africa.

Initially establishing herself as a television and radio personality in Johannesburg, South Africa, Cleo Ice Queen has since diversified her career, excelling in hip hop, media, and marketing.

Known for her trusted brand and resourcefulness, Cleo has become a versatile and influential figure, representing various commercial brands and engaging in philanthropic initiatives.

With a significant social media following, she wields undeniable influence across the African continent.

In addition to her thriving music career with two successful albums and affiliations with international labels like Def Jam Records, Cleo has earned numerous accolades, including the Best Female Rapper Southern Africa at the 2021 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) and Best Female Artiste Southern Africa at the 2022 All Africa Music Awards (Afrima).

Beyond her musical pursuits, Cleo Ice Queen places a strong emphasis on education, holding a certificate in Digital Marketing from the University of Zambia (UNZA) and currently pursuing a Marketing Degree at the University of Lusaka (UNILUS).

She serves as an inspiring example for the youth, highlighting the importance of education in today's social media centric world.

Active in fitness, fashion, and lifestyle pursuits, Cleo also prioritizes her roles as a wife and mother, advocating for the significance of family values in Zambia.

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.

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, 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."

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 rose to prominence in 2013 when she participated in the eighth season of the reality television series Big Brother Africa, known as The Chase.

In 2013 Mulenga gained national recognition as a participant in the eighth season of the reality television 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.

She was the cover story for the March 2014 issue of the Nigerian magazine VL!

Magazine.

She is also known for her musical talents and has won several awards, including the 2015 AFRIMMA Best Female in Southern Africa and the 2017 Best Female in the SunFm Kwacha Music Awards.

Cleo's moniker "Ice Queen" originates from her love for jewellery, which is commonly referred to as "ice" in hip hop slang.

In addition to her musical and brand ambassador work, Cleo has been featured in various publications.

In 2015, Mulenga was chosen to host Bola Yapa Zed, a SuperSport football magazine show that exclusively focuses on Zambian football.

Cleo's debut album, "Geminice," was released in December 2016.

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, " produced by Kekero.

The song talks about the appreciation of an African man, which was Cleo's inspiration.

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.