Who is the wealthiest musician in Zambia? Yo Maps Yo sits atop the throne as Zambia's wealthiest musical artist. , owing to his top-charting singles, profitable sponsorships, and fully-booked concerts. However, he isn’t the sole musician causing ripples in the field; numerous others have amassed substantial fortunes through their musical talents and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Key takeaways

• Yo Maps Yo is the wealthiest artist in Zambia , boasting an estimated net worth of $3 million.
• Other prominent Zambian musicians with high earnings include Macky 2, Slapdee, and Chef 187 .
• Entrepreneurship is crucial for musicians aiming to achieve financial success.

The top ten wealthiest musicians in Zambia

Which musician is the wealthiest in Zambia? To create an accurate roster of the country’s most affluent artists, we scrutinized information from reliable outlets such as The Zambian Observer and Ground News. This listing ranks these individuals based on their music revenue, endorsement deals, entrepreneurial projects, and overall clout within the sector.

Name	Net worth
Yo Maps Yo	$3 million
Macky 2	$1.2 million
Slapdee	$1.1 million
OC Osilliation	$1 million
Chef 187	$920,000
Chanda Mbao	$860,000
King Kayo	$810,000
Mampi Music Queen	$530,000
Cleo Ice Queen	$455,000
B Flow	$380,000

1. Yo Maps Yo - $3 million

• Real name : Elton Mulenga
• Debut year: 2016

Yo Maps is the wealthiest musician in Zambia. He primarily accumulated his fortune through his musical endeavors, totaling a net worth of $3 million. His repertoire includes numerous hit singles and acclaimed albums, such as Finally, So Chabe, and Pick It Up, which have achieved both local and global recognition.

A significant portion of Yo Maps' wealth is derived from live shows and concerts. As reported by Mdundo, his performance fees typically fall between K20,000 and K40,000, which is regarded as a considerable sum in Zambia’s music sector.

2. Macky 2 - $1.2 million

• Real name : Mulaza Kaira
• Debut year : 2011

Macky 2 boasts an approximate net worth of $1.2 million, largely accumulated from his musical endeavors. His earnings encompass popular tracks along with concerts held both within Zambia and internationally. Among his notable works are multiple best-selling albums, including Gates of Presidents and Legendary , and has collaborated with artists such as Yo Maps on popular tracks.

Aside from his musical endeavors, Macky 2’s net worth has been significantly enhanced through entrepreneurial activities. His interests span across the entertainment and hospitality sectors. Moreover, he holds the position of Founder and CEO at Alpha Entertainment.

3. Slapdee - $1.1 million

• Real name : Mwila Musonda
• Debut year : 2006

Slapdee, acknowledged as one of the trailblazers of Zambian rap, has garnered numerous accolades since kicking off his musical journey in 2006. With time, he has solidified his position within the music sector, producing various successful records. Among these, one standout album stands out significantly. The Business, which came out in 2015.

Apart from his musical career, Slapdee has served as the Creative Director at X-TREME MEDIA Ltd since 2014, where he manages marketing and advertising efforts. He also applies his brand strategy skills to various aspects of his professional life.

4. OC Oscillation - $1 million

• Real name : Siame O'Brien
• Debut year : 2004

OC Oscillation has launched several successful ventures, including My Name Is OC , Wangu Ni Wangu, Goose Bumps and Folo Folo In 2008, he received the Born and Bred Award for Best Reggae for his song Wacha Wachema. In 2012, he was honored with the same accolade for Best Collaborative Song. Last Forever .

The OC additionally serves as the CEO of Obama Records and Entertainment, a recording studio which has produced multiple albums.

5. Chef 187 - $920,000

• Real name : Kondwani Kaira
• Debut year : 2005

Chef 187 launched his music career in 2005. He has since released multiple successful albums, including Amenso Pamo, The Courage of a Lion, Forgotten, Good appetite, and Broke Nolunkumbwa.

Throughout his career, 187 has worked alongside global talents including Nigeria’s Mr. P and Skales. Apart from making music, he has assumed spokesperson positions for various brands. Previously, he endorsed Infinix and Proflight. Furthermore, he continues to collaborate with enterprises similar to Young Shima Butchers.

6. Chanda Mbao - $860,000

• Real name : Carl Chanda Mbao
• Debut year: 2012

Chanda Mbao is a dedicated Zambian hip-hop artist known for his significant contributions to the genre. He has produced numerous hit singles, including Selfish and My Town , highlighting his pride in his Zambian heritage.

Apart from his musical pursuits, Chanda boasts a robust financial expertise. With more than 11 years of professional experience in areas such as investment banking, private equity, and strategy, he now serves as the Managing Partner at Frontier Capital Partners.

7. King Kayo - $810,000

• Real name : Kayombo
• Debut year: 2015

Kayombo, widely recognized as King Kayo, is a prominent dancehall artist hailing from Zambia. The son of the ex-Zambian Vice President Enoch Kavindele, he has significantly influenced his nation’s dancehall music landscape through popular hits like Just Know His music album from 2018, The King It turned out to be a substantial financial triumph for him.

Aside from his musical pursuits, he has also explored entrepreneurial ventures. He is the owner of Kayo Lodges, a contemporary hospitality venue located in Zambia. Nonetheless, he encountered issues with Stanbic Bank related to the lodge, particularly during the year 2020.

Apart from his ventures into entertainment and commerce, Kayo has embarked on a professional journey in finance and currently serves as the Managing Partner at Frontier Capital Partners. Additionally, his pursuits have ventured into political terrain; in 2019, it was reported that he planned to contest for the Lusaka Central parliamentary seat during the upcoming general elections.

8. Mampi Music Queen - $530,000

• Real name : Mirriam Mukape
• Debut year : 2005

Mampi is a leading Zambian artist commonly referred to as the "Queen of Zambian Music." Her main sources of revenue include music sales, concert appearances, and collaborations with brands. Mampi’s first album, Maloza In 2005, it was released, followed by Chimo ni Chimo In 2007, her second album achieved remarkable commercial success, significantly propelling her career forward.

This achievement resulted in a significant and profitable performance in Windhoek, Namibia, in 2012. Adding to her monetary success, her popular track Walilowelela achieved widespread acclaim to the extent that Portuguese artist Luyanna subsequently covered it.

Mampi’s tunes can be found on Mvesesani, a prominent Zambian online music platform, generating income through song sales and streams. Her talent has been acknowledged with an accolade, securing the title of Best Mainstream Female Artist at the Zambia Music Awards.

Throughout her career, she has participated in significant performances across Zambia as well as overseas, working alongside prominent companies such as Airtel.

9. Cleo Ice Queen - $455,000

• Real name : Clementina Mulenga Masengu
• Debut year : 2011

Cleo Ice Queen is an eminent figure in Zambia as both a musician, model, and TV personality. Her diversified business endeavors such as music production, endorsements, and media appearances have significantly bolstered her financial success. Additionally, she has launched two highly acclaimed albums which have greatly augmented her fortune and popularity.

Cleo has worked alongside renowned international acts and labels like Def Jam Records. She has received numerous awards for her contributions, including being named Best Female Rapper of Southern Africa at the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in 2015.

Apart from her musical pursuits, Cleo has made a mark in broadcasting, where she works as both a TV and radio host. She has been at the helm of several shows, such as "Bola Yapa Zed" on SuperSport and a drivetime program on Rock FM 96.5.

Moreover, Cleo has signed endorsement agreements becoming a representative for leading firms like Softcare, where she promotes items tailored for women and infants.

10. B Flow - $380,000

• Real name Brian Mumba Kasoka Bwembya
• Debut year : 2009

B Flow is a well-known Zambian musician recognized for his contributions to Afro-Dancehall and Hip-Hop genres. He has produced multiple commercially successful albums, including Mpu Mpu Mpu (2009), No More Kawilo (2011), and Voiceless Woman (2013). His contributions to music have earned him multiple accolades, among them the 2018 Kwacha Music Award for Best International Achievement.

In addition to his music career, he is deeply engaged in social justice initiatives and founded the Music For Change Campaign to promote social causes via musical expression.

Who is considered the top musician in Zambia?

Yo Maps stands as the premier musician in Zambia because of his widespread fame and international acclaim. By skillfully merging Afrobeats, Dancehall, and R&B with distinctive Zambian elements, he has become an emissary for Zambian sounds across the globe.

What is the net worth of Chile One?

The net worth of Chile One is believed to range from $100,000 to $150,000.

Final word

The wealthiest musician in Zambia is Yo Maps Yo, boasting a remarkable net worth of $3 million. Leading Zambian’s expanding music scene, he stands out among peers such as Macky 2, Slapdee, and Chef 187, who have similarly amassed significant fortunes via their musical careers, entrepreneurial endeavors, and endorsements.

Sport.bangjo.co.id.co.ke also published an article about the richest musicians in Africa and their income sources in 2024. The list includes top artists who have built their wealth through album sales, streaming revenue, brand endorsements, and other investments.

Eager to find out who topped the chart? Learn about how musicians such as Akon, Koffi Olomide, and more have built their wealth and keep influencing Africa’s music scene.