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The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has granted award-winning musician Elton Mulenga, popularly known as Yo Maps, liberal access to his five-year-old daughter with entrepreneur and social media personality Prudence “Mwizukanji” Nakamba, while maintaining the mother’s primary custody.
Delivering judgment, Resident Magistrate Kawama Mwamfuli ruled that the child will continue residing with her mother but will spend all school holidays, public holidays, and her birthday with Yo Maps.
The artiste will also enjoy fortnightly weekend visits and regular electronic communication with the child.
The decision followed a custody variation application filed by Yo Maps, who argued that the child lacked adequate supervision and had been exposed to inappropriate online content — citing a TikTok video in which the minor used vulgar language.
He further requested that the child’s social media page be deleted, alleging it was being operated without his consent.
In her detailed ruling, Magistrate Mwamfuli found no evidence that the child’s home environment was undesirable or lacking parental guidance.
“The court finds that one incident on TikTok does not prove that the child is without adequate supervision or consistent care of a responsible parental figure,” Magistrate Mwamfuli said.
“The complainant has demonstrated that she has been providing for the child and remains a responsible parent.”
She added that stability was crucial for the child’s wellbeing and that abruptly changing her living arrangements could cause emotional distress.
“The sudden removal of a five-year-old from her mother would negatively affect her. Maintaining the status quo is in the best interest of the child,” she ruled.
However, the magistrate granted joint legal custody, giving both parents equal decision-making rights regarding the child’s education, religion, healthcare, and welfare.
On the issue of social media, the court directed that the child’s image must not be posted online unless both parents agree, and that any existing pages be taken down immediately unless they mutually consent to keep them active.
“The commercial use of the child’s image shall require the consent of both parties, and any proceeds derived shall be reserved in trust for the child’s benefit,” the court ruled.
Magistrate Mwamfuli said the access arrangement aimed to strengthen Yo Maps’ relationship with his daughter while ensuring continuity of care.
She further encouraged both parents to cooperate and communicate positively “in the best interest of the child.”
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