Cleo Ice Queen

Clementina Mulenga (born 14 June 1989), known professionally as Cleo Ice Queen, is a Zambian rapper, singer, songwriter, and television personality. Widely regarded as one of the most influential female hip hop artists in Southern Africa, she is noted for her sharp lyricism, stage presence, and pioneering role in popularizing Zambian hip hop across the continent. Cleo began her music career in the late 2000s and gained continental recognition in 2013 as a housemate on the eighth season of Big Brother Africa: The Chase. She released her debut studio album Geminice in 2016, followed by Leaders of the New School in 2020, both achieving critical and commercial success in Zambia. Her signing with Def Jam Records expanded her profile internationally and positioned her among Africa’s leading rap voices. She has earned numerous accolades, including 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). Earlier in her career, she received Best Female in Southern Africa at the 2015 AFRIMMA and Best Female at the 2017 Sun FM Kwacha Music Awards. Outside of music, Cleo has worked extensively in television as a presenter, mentor, and brand ambassador, and is recognized as a cultural icon in Zambia for her contributions to music, entertainment, and youth empowerment.