Popular Zambian music star Yo Maps, real name Elton Mulenga, has won a significant court ruling allowing him to spend all school and public holidays with his daughter, Bukata. The decision was delivered by Resident Magistrate Kawama Mwamfuli at the Lusaka Magistrate Court.
The ruling comes after Yo Maps applied to vary the 2022 consent order, stating he had been denied reasonable access to his daughter. Magistrate Mwamfuli granted joint custody to Yo Maps and his former partner, social media personality Mwizukanji, requiring them to jointly make decisions regarding the child’s education, health, religion, and overall welfare.
However, the court granted primary physical custody to the mother, with liberal and reasonable access to the father. Bukata to spend all school holidays, public holidays, and her birthday with Yo Maps.
Fortnightly weekend access (every two weeks). Child to be picked at 16:30hrs from school or the mother’s home and returned by 15:30hrs before the next school day. First visit scheduled for October 24, 2025. Bukata to attend family vacations with her father, provided they don’t conflict with her school calendar.
Yo Maps granted regular or electronic communication with the child. Mwizukanji must facilitate and encourage communication and provide a private space for conversations. Magistrate Mwamfuli emphasized that the decision aims to strengthen the father-daughter bond while protecting the child’s welfare.
“This is to enable the child to develop a stronger relationship with her father,” she stated. The magistrate, however, dismissed Yo Maps’ request for full custody, ruling that there was no evidence to suggest the child’s mother was unfit or that her home environment was unsafe.
The joint custody and access arrangement will remain in effect until Bukata turns 18, unless major changes occur that affect her wellbeing. Both parties were ordered to cooperate in the best interest of the child, with each bearing their own legal costs.