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.
Cleo Ice Queen Biography
| Real Name | Clementina Lukonde Mulenga |
| Famous As | Hip-Hop Artist, Television/Radio Presenter, Model, Entrepreneur |
| Birthplace | Lusaka, Zambia |
| Nationality | Zambian |
| Ethnicity | Bemba |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Education | Degree in Marketing at the University of Lusaka (UNILUS) |
| Height | Unknown |
| Parents | Mr. and Mrs. Mulenga |
| Siblings | 4 |
| Spouse | Kalale Masengu (Kaladoshas) |
| Children | Two daughters |
| Relationship | Married |
Early Life and Education
Clementina Lukonde Mulenga (born June 14, 1989, 36 years old), is from Lusaka, Zambia. She grew up in a close-knit family of five, with two brothers and two sisters. Her passion for music was sparked at the age of six, inspired by hip-hop legends such as Bob Marley, Missy Elliott, and Beyoncé.
By age 11, she began rapping, having performed at her birthday parties since as early as age four, when she sang Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World.“ Her nickname, “Ice Queen,“ reflects her love for jewelry, which is often referred to as “ice“ in hip-hop slang.
Related
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.
She 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
Ice Queen Cleo 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.
That same year, Queen Cleo Ice 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.
Her 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.
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,“ a celebration of African unity that blended 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.“
Related
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.
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
Geminice (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
- 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)
Social Media
- Instagram Handle: @cleo_icequeen
- Facebook Handle: Cleo Ice
- Twitter Handle: @Cleo_icequeen
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.
FAQs
Is Cleo Ice Queen married to Kaladoshas?
Cleo Ice Queen has been married to Zambian rapper and producer Kalle Masengu, known as Kaladoshas, since 2019.
Is Cleo Ice Queen signed to Def Jam?
Cleo Ice Queen is signed to Def Jam Africa.
