Bobby East Biography – XYZ Entertainment Member & Zambian Rapper
Bobby East, born Robert Chunga, stands as one of Zambia’s most successful hip-hop artists and business minds. Rising from humble beginnings in Matero compound to become the CEO of XYZ Entertainments, Bobby East’s journey represents the evolution of Zambian hip-hop from underground struggle to mainstream success. His story is one of resilience, talent, controversy, and ultimate triumph in an industry where few survive beyond their initial hits.
Quick Facts
Real Name: Robert Chunga
Stage Name: Bobby East
Born: March 2, 1985 (Age: 40 years old in 2025)
Birthplace: Matero, Lusaka, Zambia
Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Entrepreneur, Record Label CEO
Genre: Hip-Hop, R&B, Afropop
Label: XYZ Entertainments
Position: CEO of XYZ Entertainments (since 2016)
Net Worth: Estimated $1 Million (2025)
Children: 1 son (Lewis Caden)
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Bobby East was born on March 2, 1985, in Matero compound, Lusaka, Zambia. As the firstborn of three siblings, Bobby East didn’t have a rosy upbringing. His father was a baker but wasn’t always around, forcing young Robert to step up and help support the family from an early age. During his formative years, Bobby East took on menial jobs to make ends meet, experiences that would later shape his music and business acumen.
Growing up in Matero, one of Lusaka’s high-density compounds, exposed Bobby East to the realities of urban Zambian life that would become central themes in his music. The struggles, hustles, and dreams of compound life provided the raw material for his authentic street narratives that would later resonate with thousands of young Zambians facing similar circumstances.
Musical Awakening
Bobby East started music at the age of 15, miming songs by some of America’s legendary rappers including Tupac, Eminem, Jay-Z, and Notorious B.I.G. These international hip-hop giants became his teachers, and he spent hours studying their flows, wordplay, and storytelling techniques. While most teenagers were focused on school, Bobby was perfecting his craft in the streets and underground rap battles of Lusaka.
Having spent years underground honing his skills and building a local following through freestyle battles and mixtapes, Bobby East finally got the song that would introduce him to mainstream Zambian audiences and change his life forever.
The Breakthrough: “Ma Fyompebles”
In 2010, Bobby East recorded his first official song titled “Ma Fyompebles” featuring J.O.B. The track swiftly became a hit, introducing Bobby East to the wider Zambian music scene. The song’s success was immediate and undeniable, with its catchy hook and relatable lyrics about street life resonating with young people across Lusaka and beyond.
“Ma Fyompebles” opened doors that had previously been closed to the underground rapper. His elevated profile allowed him to collaborate with established artists like Slapdee, who would later play a crucial role in Bobby’s career trajectory. The success of this debut proved that Bobby East wasn’t just another talented rapper—he was a star in the making with commercial appeal and authentic street credibility.
Joining XYZ Entertainments
Following his breakthrough success, Bobby East caught the attention of Slapdee, founder of XYZ Entertainments, Zambia’s premier hip-hop record label. XYZ Entertainments, whose name stands for “Xample Ya Zed” (Example of Zambia) in Bemba and Nyanja, had established itself as the home of quality Zambian hip-hop and R&B.
Bobby East became a member of XYZ Entertainments, joining a roster that included some of Zambia’s greatest musical icons like PJay, Ruff Kid, B-Mak, Johnny C, and Daev Zambia. Under XYZ’s management and with access to better production resources, Bobby East’s music evolved rapidly. He worked with almost all top artists in Zambia, building a reputation as a versatile artist who could deliver both hardcore rap and melodic R&B-influenced tracks.
Rise to CEO: Leading XYZ Entertainments
In 2016, Bobby East’s career took a dramatic turn when he was appointed CEO of XYZ Entertainments, taking over leadership of the label that had helped launch his career. This appointment recognized not just his talent as an artist but his business acumen and vision for growing Zambian hip-hop.
As CEO, Bobby East was quoted saying: “Very grateful to the king [Slapdee] for this chance to lead the team and my biggest goal is to find and mentor the next big Zambian superstar and spread our music to the world.” Under his management, XYZ Entertainments continued to thrive, signing and nurturing various talented artists including Brawen, Mr. Starsh, Kags, Mubby Roux, and Koby.
Bobby East’s leadership style combined his street knowledge with professional business practices, maintaining XYZ’s position as one of Zambia’s most successful record labels while expanding the label’s reach both domestically and internationally.
Musical Career Highlights
Albums and Major Releases
Bobby East’s discography showcases his evolution as an artist. His 2015 album “B.E.A.S.T” (Bobby East African Super Talent) won Best Hip Hop Album at the Zambian Music Awards, cementing his status as one of Zambia’s premier rappers.
Throughout his career, Bobby East has released numerous hit songs that have dominated Zambian airwaves including “Daywalker,” “Do or Die,” “All Over,” and countless collaborations with top Zambian artists. His versatility allows him to move seamlessly between hardcore hip-hop, melodic R&B, and afropop sounds.
Awards and Recognition
Bobby East’s trophy cabinet reflects his impact on Zambian music:
2015:
- Zambian Music Video of the Year for “Do or Die”
- Best Hip Hop Album for “B.E.A.S.T” at the Zambian Music Awards
2018:
- Song of the Year for “Daywalker” at the Sun FM Awards
- Best Artist for Lusaka Province at the Kwacha Music Awards
- Best Hip Hop Song at the Kwacha Music Awards
- Best Collaboration at the Kwacha Music Awards
2019:
- Song of the Year at the Kwacha Music Awards
These accolades demonstrate Bobby East’s consistency and staying power in an industry where many artists fade after their initial success.
Musical Style and Evolution
Bobby East is versatile in his approach and doesn’t like to be put in a box, as that would limit his capabilities. His music blends traditional hip-hop with R&B influences, afropop elements, and authentic Zambian street narratives. He raps in both English and local languages, making his music accessible to diverse audiences.
What sets Bobby East apart is his ability to evolve with changing musical trends while maintaining his core identity. From his early hardcore rap days to his more melodic contemporary sound, Bobby has shown remarkable adaptability without compromising authenticity.
The Controversies
The 2014 Sex Tape Scandal
In 2014, Bobby East faced the biggest controversy of his career when he and his then-girlfriend Ruth Mukanga were slapped with a K8,500 fine by a court for making an explicit video. The scandal dominated Zambian entertainment news and threatened to derail Bobby’s promising career.
In an online interview, Bobby East explained that the video made its way onto the web after his phone was stolen during a house robbery. He was contacted by an anonymous individual who demanded 15 million Kwacha in exchange for his privacy. Despite the backlash and public scrutiny, Bobby East managed to rebuild his career and regain public support, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
Contemplating Quitting Music
In 2020, following the tragic death of fellow XYZ artist Daev Zambia, Bobby East contemplated quitting music. He questioned the huge crowds that attended Daev’s funeral compared to those who attended his music shows while he was alive. This moment of reflection highlighted the often thankless nature of the music industry where artists give their all but sometimes feel underappreciated until it’s too late.
Bobby East has taken breaks from music at various points in his career, struggling with the pressures of fame, industry politics, and personal challenges. However, his passion for music and commitment to his fans has always brought him back to the studio.
Business Ventures and Entrepreneurship
Apart from music, Bobby East has expanded his career into business, further cementing his influence in the entertainment industry. His role as XYZ Entertainment CEO has given him valuable experience in artist management, music production, marketing, and the business side of the entertainment industry.
Bobby East has leveraged his star power into record-breaking brand extensions encompassing a broad spectrum in music business. While specific details of his business ventures beyond XYZ remain private, his entrepreneurial mindset is evident in how he approaches his music career—always thinking about sustainability, brand building, and long-term wealth creation rather than just hit songs.
Personal Life
Bobby East is notoriously private about his personal affairs, preferring to keep his family matters out of the public eye. However, it is known that he is a proud father to a son named Lewis Caden, who was born in 2018 and is now around 7 years old. The identity of his child’s mother remains unknown as Bobby keeps details about his relationships and personal life strictly confidential.
Despite his celebrity status, Bobby East maintains a relatively low-key lifestyle when it comes to his personal affairs. He occasionally shares glimpses of his life outside music on social media but generally prefers to let his music speak for itself.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Bobby East’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million (2025), though some earlier estimates placed it between $27,000 to $470,500 Zambian Kwacha. The discrepancy likely reflects his growing wealth over the years. His income is generated through multiple streams:
Music Revenue:
- Performance fees (concerts, events, club appearances)
- Streaming royalties (Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay)
- Radio airplay royalties
- Album and single sales
- YouTube monetization
Business Income:
- CEO salary from XYZ Entertainments
- Label profits from artist signings and music sales
- Music production for other artists
Brand Endorsements:
- Various Zambian brands seeking association with his star power
- Product placements in music videos
- Social media promotional deals
Legacy and Impact
Bobby East’s impact on Zambian hip-hop extends beyond his personal success. As both an artist and label CEO, he has played a crucial role in developing the next generation of Zambian musicians. His goal of finding and mentoring the next big Zambian superstar and spreading Zambian music to the world has guided XYZ’s artist development programs.
He represents the possibility of building sustainable wealth through music in Zambia, proving that local artists don’t need to relocate abroad to achieve success. His journey from Matero compound to boardroom CEO inspires countless young Zambians who see in him proof that talent, hard work, and smart business decisions can transform lives.
Current Status (2025)
At 40 years old, Bobby East remains active in both music creation and business management. He continues releasing music while focusing heavily on his responsibilities as XYZ Entertainment CEO. His role has evolved from being primarily an artist to being a music industry executive who occasionally performs.
Bobby East has managed to stay relevant in an industry known for quickly forgetting yesterday’s stars. His longevity is attributed to his versatility, business mindset, and genuine connection with Zambian audiences who have watched him grow from underground rapper to industry mogul.
Conclusion
Bobby East’s biography is a testament to the power of resilience, talent, and smart decision-making. From miming Tupac songs as a teenager in Matero to becoming CEO of one of Zambia’s most successful record labels, Robert Chunga has lived the dream that most aspiring musicians only imagine.
His journey hasn’t been without challenges—the sex tape scandal, contemplating quitting music, and the pressures of leadership have all tested his resolve. Yet through it all, Bobby East has emerged stronger, wiser, and more influential than ever. As he continues leading XYZ Entertainments into the future while maintaining his own artistic output, Bobby East’s legacy as both artist and entrepreneur continues to grow.
The kid from Matero who used to mime American rappers is now shaping the future of Zambian hip-hop, proving that with talent, determination, and the right opportunities, anything is possible.
