Chief Cleopatra, born Jalesa Jessie, is an Austin, Texas based  Soul Rock singer and musician. Originally from Corsicana, Texas, Cleo began her musical journey as a young child singing and playing drums in her church’s youth choir. 

 

After moving to Austin, Cleo quickly gained recognition and has been featured in Texas Monthly, Austin Chronicle, Austin Monthly, as well as being nominated for “Best New Artist” in 2021 and KUTX’s February Artist of the Month in 2022. Chief Cleopatra is a current member of the Recording Academy. She was considered for the 67th Annual GRAMMYs, with a total of four FYC’s including Best New Artist, Record of the Year, Song of the Year and more for 2024 single “Cold Dancer”. Chief Cleopatra reigns as a seven-time SXSW Official Artist and played the Austin City Limits Festival in 2024.

 

Cleo has supported Girl Talk, Durand Jones, Adrian Quesada, Abraham Alexander, The Wailers, Bas, The Bright Light Social Hour, Jackie Venson, Danielle Ponder, In the Valley Below, and Lukas Nelson along with many other notable acts.

 

New music is slated for 2026.