Tlou Cleopas Monyepao (born 24 December 1979), professionally known as DJ Cleo, is a South African Kwaito, House music and Hip hop producer. He was born in Gauteng. DJ Cleo has enjoyed a long and fruitful career in the South African music industry, he produced successful singles and albums for various artists before going on to produce and release his debut album "Es'khaleni" in 2004. His 2012 Single "Facebook" earned him three awards at 18th SAMA. His eleventh album Eskhaleni 11 (2019), which include single "Yile Gqom" and Yile Piano, Vol. 1 (2019).
Life and career Early life Tlou Cleopas Monyepao was born in Vosloorus, Gauteng, South Africa. Monyepao attended Springs Boys High School. With help of Hilde Buhr he developed his creativity reconnection so he started making music.
Career He began his career as a producer of the Unrestricted Breakfast Show hosted by DJ Fresh on YFM. Cleo found himself enjoying producing for radio and soon started exploring producing music for himself and others.
His debut recording was "Will of Steel", which featured on DJ Glen Lewis/DJ Fresh's Gatecrasher double CD compilation. He remixed Bucy Rhadebe single "Uzugcin’ Impilo Yam", originally released in 2020.
Television He was a producer of the e.tv soapie Rhythm City (TV series). In 2013, he was the co-host alongside Angie Khumalo of documentary reality show Vaya Mzansi season 1 on SABC 1. Cleo competed on Lip Sync Battle Africa - Season 2. He performed live on Idols South Africa - Season 17.
Discography Studio albums Es'khaleni (2004) Es'khaleni Ext. 2 (2005) Es'khaleni Zone 3 (2006) Es'khaleni Phase 4 (2007) Es'khaleni Unit 5 (2008) Es'khaleni 6 (2009) Es'khaleni 7 (2010) Cassanova Vol. 1 (2011) Es'khaleni Ext.2 (2013) Disclosure (2014) Es'khaleni 11 (2019) Yile Piano, Vol. 1 (2021)
Awards and nominations YearAward ceremonyPrizeWork/RecipientResult200814th SAMAUrban DanceEs'khaleni Phase 4MTV Africa Music Awards 2008Best Male Artist of the Year 201218th SAMABest-Selling True-Tone Download of the Year"Facebook"Best-Selling Ring-ToneMTN Best-Selling Mobile Music Download2021Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards Best DJ
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