Cleo Kalilole

Cleo Kalilole is a music artist from Zambia who began his music career as a lead vocalist for the Great Chronicles Baptist Church choir. He attended Libala High School. While at the Great Chronicles, he contributed in the recording of seven albums such as ‘Tata Nga Mwandekelesha Nalawa’ in 2001 and ‘Mu Zion’ five years later.

Between 2009 and 2014, he was credited for his amazing contribution on the albums ‘Muli Abalwani’ (2009), ‘Nshakatine’ (2010), ‘Wamyeni Inshila’ (2011) and ‘Amakwebo’ (2014). While working at the Great Chronicles choir, he was inspired by JK (Jordan Katembula)’s music such that he would often take the microphone and mimic JK’s songs taken from his debut album released in 2000.

Cleo, who was also inspired by music of RnB star R Kelly, says he was inspired to take to social commentary music as a sensitization tool of society. In 2012, he began working on an album titled ‘Kalilole’ (mirror). It was produced under Jeminady Sounds.

Fused with traditional and social commentary lyrics, songs such as ‘Kalilole’, ‘Woman No Cry’, ‘Malita’ and ‘Selina’ are all tailored in the same fashion as JK’s ‘Ka Gelo’ or Danny Kaya’s ‘Njelela’. Cleo has worked with some of the most fascinating newcomers on the music scene such as Tok-Cido from Website studio, Allanem on the songs ‘Siyakulila’, ‘Mapepe’, ‘Lobola’ and ‘Dilemma’. Shortly after the release of ‘Kalilole’, he embarked on some lucrative musical tours across the country, beginning with shows in Kazungula and Livingstone.

When he is not recording his own songs, Cleo produces songs for other artistes. He has produced for John Chiti, Mweshi Mulusa, and Loretta. Recently, he also produced songs for gospel diva, Karen.

With the support of his brother, Morris Chishimba, who is also Jeminady Sound Studio chief executive officer and Great Chronicles choir director, he has managed to establish himself among renowned music producers.