Cleo ice queen doesn’t seem to rest since Big Brother, in between appearances, studio, endorsement
deals and being a mom, Cleo’s quality of work keeps getting
better and better, with two hot single’s on rotation in Zimbabwe and
Ghana (Timimekoko and Koene by Edem ft Cleo)
and another hot single on African radio with the video on Channel O Africa
(Jayrox ft Cleo – Ituntulu). Arguably
the best female emcee in Africa, 2012 South African Hip Hop awards nominee
(Best female category), 2nd place runner up at Big-Brother Africa 2013, Zambian
Music Awards 2014 nominee. Born and bred Zambian, Cleo Ice Queen is a female
emcee who has clear goals and knows where she is headed. With only the release
of one mixtape in 2012 Cleo Ice Queen is somewhat of a triple threat as she is
a rapper, model and television personality.
Acada
magazine caught up recently with this ever-busy rapper, and we had had this
exclusive interview with her. Except:
What’s been happening to Cleo Ice?
A lot has been going on. I'm working
on my debut album, a couple of collabo's, music videos, a fashion line and the
most important job of all, being a great mom.
After big Brother,
what have u been up to?
Well
it’s been one thing after the other...working on my music, collaborating with
artists across the continent, touring our lovely continent of Africa
and performing at various shows. I have also engaged myself in various
charitable events and programmes in Zambia which I’m very passionate about.
Every day is a step at a time and it's been a very blessed experience for me
all in all.
As a nominee in the
Best female Emcee category in Africa 2012 South African Hip-Hop Awards, how did
you get into the rap game?
I've been rapping since age 6, so
let's say the game chose me. I started professionally when I was 21 (2010), so emcee'ing
has always been a part of me. It took hardwork and determination to propel
myself into a space where my music began to get recognised.
I was a
college student based
in Johannesburg, South Africa but even so, I continued to pursue my musical
interests.
Are your parents in support of your
chosen career?
Well, in the beginning, not so much.
But I’m a grown woman now and I've proven myself by taking my career seriously
and making something out of it.
Tell us about your childhood
My childhood was filled with lots of
music. I sang at my 4th birthday, fell in love with hip hop at 6 years
old, had my first studio experience at 12years old, won a local provincial
talent competition at 15, started releasing singles at 16 and ever since I
decided on showbiz as my career path at 21. There has been no turning back.
Any pranks you can recollect?
I call my celebrity friends and
pretend to be a deranged fan, lol!
Your educational background
Well, in the school of life or in
formal school?
Just know I graduated top of my
class in both fields.
Can you share with us your school / campus memories?
I remember eating a lot of noodles
in college. I hate them now. I was in a lot of cyphers too, and I
played a lot of basketball.
What are the challenges you faced combining your studies
with music?
It’s difficult to focus on both at the
same time, but still need to joggle in between the two and manage my time
effectively to accommodate the two.
What fascinated you
about rap?
The
brutal honesty that comes with it, the quick talk, the rhyming, the skill, the
wordplay, the message, the pushing of particular agendas, the bad ass beats,
the swag, the culture, the movement, the pioneers that came before me,
everything about rap fascinates me.
What did your participation in the Big Brother Africa taught
you?
To accept people's flaws, including
my own.
What is your
definition of style?
Style
is what one possesses. How one carries himself/herself. Style is confidence,
swag and class.
Any major beauty
regimen?
I
cleanse, tone and moisturize, every morning and night.
What inspires you as
an artiste?
Everyday
life inspires me and it can be anything, a road trip, a conversation, music,
movies, and art. The list is endless. I believe the world is my oyster
and inspiration is all around me.
Your
advice for all the young ones looking up to you and those that might want to go
into the music business?
Put God first. Stay driven,
determined, focused, consistent and humble.
Much love
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