Zambian music sensation Yo Maps has opened a rare and emotional chapter of his life, revealing deeply personal details about his upbringing, family, and success in the music industry during a candid appearance on the KenT Podcast.
Yo Maps real name Elton Mulenga disclosed that he never knew his biological father, who passed away while he was still very young. Tragically, he also lost his mother years ago. Following the loss, he was adopted and raised by a loving family who have been his guardians for more than two decades.
“The people I call my parents today are not my biological parents; they adopted me and have raised me for over twenty years,” he shared. “They are the Mundias, and I am Mulenga.”
The revelation gave fans a deeper understanding of the man behind the music, offering context to the passion and emotion that defines his sound. His story is one of resilience, love, and gratitude elements that continue to inspire many Zambians.
Beyond his personal life, Yo Maps also gave listeners a glimpse into his success as a musician. He disclosed that he earns an estimated $20,000 (USD) every two months in royalties amounting to roughly K558,000 bimonthly and over K3 million per year. These earnings are a testament to his dominance and commercial power in the Zambian music scene.
Such figures underscore his role not just as a hitmaker, but as a pioneering artist who is turning music into a full-fledged business model. “Kondwa is my personal favorite song,” he added, showing that even amid commercial success, his music remains rooted in personal stories and meaning.
Yo Maps’ openness in this podcast has resonated deeply with fans, many of whom admire his authenticity and the vulnerability he displayed. His journey from orphaned childhood to music royalty is not just inspiring it’s a beacon of hope for aspiring artists and dreamers across Zambia.