Sizwe Sibiya
Cleo Ice Queen – the first artist to sign with Def Jam Africa in Zambia – is ready to launch her first project as part of the stable. Titled Leaders of the New School, the 11-track EP will be released on Friday, 27 May.
From Lusaka, Cleo, whose real name is Clementina Mulenga, dropped her first album Geminice in 2016. The 15-song project got her nominated for four awards, including an award for Sun Kwacha Music Best Female Artist, which she took home in 2017.
She signed two major deals on 21 January this year. The first was an ambassadorship with Johnnie Walker scotch whisky in Zambia. The second was the distribution deal with Def Jam Africa. Cassper Nyovest, Tellaman and Andile Mpisane also recently made a deal with the label.
Cleo’s second studio album promises to be bigger than Geminice as it has already gained followers through two singles from the EP. “So Cold in April” and “On My Own” feature Towela Kaira.
Having started doing music at the young age of 11, Cleo has clearly matured from her first professional single, “Big Dreams”, in 2011 and getting knocked out at the 2013 Big Brother house on the final day.
“On My Own”, which has stunning visuals produced by The Reel, has collected more than 57,000 views after only two days on YouTube.
And with over 10 featured artists like Kunkeyani Tha Jedi, T Low, Princess Natasha Chansa, Mix Kasamwa and Tio Nason to name a few, the Leaders of the New School EP is available for pre-order at all major music stores.
