Birth name Leo Ihenacho Years active 2004–present | Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter Name Leo Lion | |
Associated acts The StreetsKylie Minogue | ||
Leo Ihenacho (born 28 May 1977), also known as Leo the Lion, is a British singer, songwriter and actor who collaborated several times with The Streets.
Contents
The Streets
Leo's contributed to the number one selling albums A Grand Don't Come For Free and The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living which culminated in a BRIT Awards appearance in 2006 alongside Mike Skinner. During his time with The Streets, Leo performed all around the globe, as well as headlining V Festival and Reading Festival. Skinner gave him the nickname of "Leo the Lion". Leo has sung with many British acts, most notably rap duo The Mitchell Brothers and Kano.
Early Life
Leo is a former student of the famous BRIT School Of Performing Arts and is the first ever student to be enrolled at the school when it first opened its doors. He was also the first student to be signed by Sony music record label and was Sony's youngest ever signing at the age of 13 years. Leo's early success was integrated into The Brits Schools music curriculum and used as a learning tool for fellow students.
The school is notable for its numerous famous alumni including Adele, Tara McDonald, Stefan Abingdon, Katy B, The Feeling, Imogen Heap, Jessie J, Cush Jumbo, Rizzle Kicks, The Kooks, King Krule, Leona Lewis, Ashley Madekwe, Katie Melua, Kate Nash, Shingai Shoniwa, Amy Winehouse, and Rainy Milo.
In 2001 Leo began to produce and release garage music independently, he collaborated with producer K-Warren to write 'Coming Home' which went on to be successful in the underground scene and was eventually signed by Universal Music (Go! Beat) and was officially released and reached the Top 20 in the UK charts.
Leo appeared on ITV's Jonathan Ross Big Big Talent Show where he reached the finals and won Best Vocalist.
Solo career
Leo left The Streets so he could join Love Island and has collaborated with Kano on the single "Nite Nite" which became one of the most played videos on MTV that year. In 2011 Leo released two singles, "Rave To Coldplay" and "Am I The Only One", both of which are available for free download on his website.
Leo participated in the third series of television talent show The Voice. He performed on the first show, broadcast on BBC One on 11 January 2014, and chose to join Kylie Minogue's team.
Television
In 2006, Leo became a contestant on the ITV show Celebrity Love Island, Sky One's series The Match and several other television programs.
Acting
Leo has acted in movies Get Lucky and the Terry Stone movie 50/50.
Songs
Dry Your EyesA Grand Don't Come for Free · 2004
Blinded by the LightsA Grand Don't Come for Free · 2004
Fit But You Know ItA Grand Don't Come for Free · 2004