Cleo Ice Queen Becomes First Zambian Artist to sign to Def Jam Africa and Johnnie Walker

Johannesburg, January 21, 2022: Cleo Ice Queen has become the first Zambian artist to sign to Def Jam Africa and Johnnie Walker. The hip hop star, television and radio presenter has joined the international cast of top African talent signed to Johnnie Walker as a brand ambassador while also signing a deal with Def Jam records Africa both bold steps in her award-winning career trajectory.

Upon signing her deal, which is a game changer for many female hip hop artists particularly those from Zambia, Cleo said “I’m at a very exciting and euphoric place in my career right now; my journey so far has been really empowering and is something I hope will inspire other female artists in Zambia. I’m looking forward to the steps I’m taking in collaboration with Johnnie Walker and Def Jam Africa.”

As Johnnie Walker’s first ambassador partnership in Zambia, Cleo is now receiving the same kind of global attention as the likes of Nigerian producer Don jazzy, K-pop star CL, and Formula One star Jenson Button all of whom have collaborated with Johnnie Walker.

Deshni Govender, Brand Manager for Johnnie Walker and IPS Partner Emerging markets praised Cleo by saying “We want to applaud the steps Cleo has taken in her career as well as recognise her as the role model she has become across Africa and in Zambia specifically. She has proven that nothing defines your path as much as talent and hard work and we are behind Cleo as she strides boldly on great projects with both Johnnie Walker and Def Jam Africa.”

Becoming the first Zambian artist signed by Def Jam Africa has truly cemented Cleo Ice Queen as a bonafide innovator, influencer and boundary breaker. She has proven that she is not only a Zambian star but a creative powerhouse, as she leads the way for many other Zambian talent to go beyond the borders and achieve global recognition the right way.

“It is with great pleasure to have Cleo Ice Queen join the Def Jam Recording’s Africa family. Her recent partnership with Diageo’s Johnnie Walker will truly redefine how we ‘keep walking’ the journey to develop African music culture and export to global markets. With her recent AFRIMMA award win, it’s without a doubt that she is well on her way to becoming the global superstar we believe she is.” said Thabo Ngwenya, Def Jam Recordings Africa Partnerships Manager & Culture Specialist.

Her first single, aptly titled ‘Big Dreams’ featuring JK, was released in 2012 to rave reviews, and her career has gone from strength to strength ever since, working with some well-established artists, including AKA, Ice Prince, Nasty C, Bucie and Khuli Chana as well as winning several awards along the way.

As the announcement was made earlier on today, it sent the internet into a frenzy with Def Jam Africa and Johnnie Walker sending welcome messages on their social media accounts to their newest act and brand ambassador respectively.

Cleo Ice Queen signing to Def Jam Africa and Johnnie Walker simultaneously is merely a tip off the ice burg that is the Icey Queen, and we look forward to what this new chapter in her life will bring for listeners of her music and day one fans the #IceyGang.