Yahya Zakariya was born July 17, 1943 to the late Ezell and Odessa Lee (Bynum) Acklin in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He attended Jones High School and graduated with a high school diploma. After high school he formed a singing group with his two brothers called The Acklin Brothers.

They recorded a smash hit entitled "I Want My Baby." They became the most popular group in Little Rock. Yahya and his brothers made their living singing in night clubs throughout the South. During his singing career he converted to Islam and became self employed as a Mechanic for the rest of his life.

He united in Holy Matrimony to Gloria Sanders. To this union four children were born and a stepson. Johneta Latisha Sanders was laid to rest before his passing eight years ago and Gloria Sanders five years ago.

Yahya departed this life on Monday, January 10, 2022.

Left to cherish his memories are one daughter, Maryam Acklin, two sons, LeWesley Acklin, Abdul Acklin and Aundrea Sanders, two sisters,  May Francis, Little Rock, Arkansas; Erma Jean Harris, Aurora, Illinois; one brother, James Acklin, North Little Rock, Arkansas; eight grandchildren, a host of cousins, nephews and longtime friends. Also, a wonderful caregiver who was there to the end, Sister Mini'Imah (Mini) Muhammad.