Cleo Ice Queen talks about her stunning new album 'GeminIce'

Cleo Ice Queen - Photo by Monde Nyovane

Cleo Ice Queen is arguably one of the best female rappers in Africa and ever-since her appearance on Big Brother Africa 2013, where she was the second runner up her star has continued to shine brighter.

The rapper is currently based in South Africa and in 2012 the 21-year-old rapper was nominated for the South African Hip Hop in the 'Best female category' and has been nominated three times for the Zambian Music awards.

Cleo, also a model, TV host and actress, is currently working on her debut album 'GeminIce' and has just released a video for her song, 'Addicted.' OneVybe got to interview the Zambian emcee where she talked about her music.


Cleo Ice Queen on Zambia's leading radio station 96.5ROCK FM - photo supplied

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OneVybe: How did you get started?
Cleo Ice Queen: Well...my whole being craved writing music, spitting random lines, singing people's last sentences, etc, and also I craved to be in the booth. I was so compelled to fulfil my dream of becoming a great artist, so I had to make a choice and take a step.
 
OV: Did you always know that this is what you wanted to do?
CIQ: Yes...not at every single moment...but yes...it was always in my mind.
 
Cleo Ice Queen - Addicted

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OV: How would you describe your music?
CIQ: My music has variations, from hard core raps, poetic flows, funky, naughty, melodic, encouraging etc; it has diversity, I work on house beats, folksy/ceremonial beats, urban/afro pop, RnB, Dancehall, Jazz etc; and also it has spontaneity and flavour. I'm a rapper by blood but I always challenge and push myself to do so much more. I'm like water...pour in any shape of a container and I will embody it.

OV: Who is your typical fan?
CIQ: My typical fan will always recite their favourite Cleo Ice Queen lyric...lol.


Edem ft. Cleo Ice Queen and Lil Shaker - Koene

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OV: How and why did you get involved with BB?
CIQ: Well it always looked like fun, plus I believed I had a good chance of winning and I thought, 'what better way to get the attention of my continent?'

OV: How was the experience for you?
CIQ: It was fun above all, but also a very great time for me to rediscover myself, learn about and live with different people from all walks of life, make new lasting friendships and represent my country to the fullest.

OV: What have been the most memorable moments so far?
CIQ: Everyday presents a new and splendid memory...but the top of the list is the moment I walked onto the Big Brother Africa stage...dream come true.


Jay Rox ft. Cleo Ice Queen - Ituntulu

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OV: What challenges have you faced/do you face?
CIQ: I love challenges, but the biggest one has got to be sustaining myself financially as an indie artist and the 'Nicki Minaj' daily comparison...boring!

OV: How do you overcome them?
CIQ: I have found ways to manage my allocation of funds when it comes to financial challenges. As for the Nicki Minaj comparison, I just constantly strive to give the best of only me...'Cleo Ice Queen'


Cleo Ice Queen - photo supplied

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OV: Do you have any upcoming events?
CIQ: Stay glued to my social media feed. @Cleo_IceQueen on Twitter, Cleoicequeen on Instagram, Ice Queen on Facebook. CleoIceQueenVevo on you tube.

OV: What can we expect from you in the near future?
CIQ: You got to buy the album to understand, it will be available in May via iTunes, titled GeminIce.

OV: How and where can people find and buy your music?
CIQ: Guess I just answered that...see dat?? Lol....I'm a step ahead.

For more information:
https://twitter.com/cleo_icequeen
http://instagram.com/cleoicequeen
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ice-Queen/132513486861746
https://www.youtube.com/user/CleoIceQueenVEVO

- OneVybe