Biography
Cleo Sol, born Cleopatra Zvezdana Nikolic on March 24, 1990, in Ladbroke Grove, West London, is an acclaimed English singer-songwriter whose artistry bridges neo soul, alternative R&B, and UK R&B. Raised in a musically rich household—her mother is Serbian-Spanish and her father Jamaican, both jazz musicians—she absorbed influences ranging from jazz and reggae to Motown and Latin music. Cleo began songwriting and performing as a teenager, sharing her early work on MySpace and collaborating with UK producers like DaVinChe, which led to features with artists such as Tinie Tempah, Skepta, and Wretch 32. Her initial singles, including the reggae-infused 'High' (2011) and Motown-inspired 'Never the Right Time (Who Do You Love)' (2012), established her as a notable figure in the UK underground music scene.
After a brief hiatus, Cleo Sol re-emerged in 2018 with her debut EP 'Winter Songs', followed by a series of critically acclaimed albums: 'Rose in the Dark' (2020), 'Mother' (2021), and the surprise releases 'Heaven' and 'Gold' (2023). Her music is characterized by its soulful, introspective lyricism and a warm, mellifluous vocal style that draws from the traditions of Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and Stevie Wonder. Cleo's work explores themes of love, identity, faith, and self-discovery, resonating deeply with audiences and critics alike. She is also the lead vocalist for the enigmatic collective SAULT, known for their genre-blending sound and aversion to public appearances.
Cleo Sol's legacy is marked by her ability to blend personal vulnerability with musical sophistication, earning her accolades such as a MOBO Award for Best R&B Act and a BRIT Award nomination. Her influence extends beyond her solo career, as she continues to shape the sound of contemporary British soul and R&B through her collaborations and mentorship within the SAULT collective. Despite her growing international profile, Cleo remains a supremely private artist, rarely performing live and letting her music speak for itself.
Fun Facts
- Cleo Sol rarely performs live and is known for her supremely private public persona, preferring to let her music speak for itself.
- Her stage name 'Sol' is derived from her Spanish heritage and means 'sun', reflecting the warmth of her music.
- She sold out two shows at London's Royal Albert Hall in 2023, selling over 10,000 tickets despite her limited live appearances.
- Cleo Sol is the lead vocalist for the mysterious UK collective SAULT, which has released eleven studio albums but rarely gives interviews or performs publicly.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- DaVinChe - Early producer and mentor; facilitated her initial collaborations and label signing. (Singles: 'High', 'Never the Right Time (Who Do You Love)') [2008–2012]
- Lauryn Hill - Stylistic inspiration; cited as a major influence on Cleo Sol's songwriting and vocal approach. (General influence; not direct collaboration) [Ongoing]
- Erykah Badu - Influence on musical style and lyrical themes. (General influence; not direct collaboration) [Ongoing]
Key Collaborators
- Dean Josiah Cover (Inflo) - Producer, husband, and key collaborator; co-leads the SAULT collective. (SAULT albums, Cleo Sol solo albums) [2018–present]
- Little Simz - Frequent collaborator; Cleo featured on Simz's singles and albums. (Singles: 'Selfish', 'Woman') [2019–2021]
- SAULT - Musical collective; Cleo Sol is lead vocalist. (SAULT albums (11 released)) [2019–present]
- Tinie Tempah - Early career collaboration; Cleo featured on his single 'Tears'. ('Tears' (2008))
Artists Influenced
- Sampa the Great - Collaborated with Cleo Sol, drawing inspiration from her soulful approach. (Collaborations on 'Rose in the Dark')
- Poppy Ajudha - Worked with Cleo Sol; influenced by her vocal style and songwriting. (Collaborations on 'Rose in the Dark')
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | 2023-09-29 | Album |
| Rose in the Dark | 2020-03-27 | Album |
| Heaven | 2023-09-15 | Album |
| Mother | 2021-08-20 | Album |
| GREY Area | 2019-03-01 | Album |
| Sometimes I Might Be Introvert | 2021-09-03 | Album |
| Sometimes I Might Be Introvert | 2021-09-03 | Album |
| GREY Area | 2019-03-01 | Album |
| Summer Time In Mexico 2 | 2014-12-22 | Album |
| 7 Minutes Before Time | 2011-09-05 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Life Will Be (Gold)
- When I'm in Your Arms (Rose in the Dark)
- Self (Heaven)
- Why Don't You (Rose in the Dark)
- Promises (Mother)
- Sunshine (Mother)
- Go Baby (Heaven)
- Things Will Get Better (Gold)
- Shine (Shine)
- Woman (Sometimes I Might Be Introvert)
External Links
Tags: #acoustic, #neo-soul, #r&b
References
Heard on WWOZ
Cleo Sol has been played 6 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.