Top 20 Richest Musicians In Africa [Forbes]

Sometimes I’d sit down and wondered who the richest musicians in Africa were? As exciting as it is to know, Africans are talented people in areas like music, dance, and creativity. We’ve got extraordinary musician, superstars DJs, jaw-dropping hip-hop artist & rappers making good music.

Musicians like Naira Marley, I mean Burna Boy, Nasty C, Yemi Alade, Angelique Kidjo, Salif Kieta, Hugh Masekela, Davido, Fela Kuti, Jidenna, Mafikizolo, Dremo, AKA, Wizkid, Uhuru, Ycee, Simi, are some of the finest artistes in Africa.

There is something special about musicians from this part of the world. Well, we’re not going to be looking at the most special songwriters in Africa; we will be looking at the wealthiest musicians in Africa for 2020.

Richest African Musicians Right Now

I know you’re excited to see this list well so am I. Every name listed in the list below contains the image of an icon, his profile, and their success story. If you are looking for the wealthiest African musician, look no further because these are the richest musicians in Africa according to Forbes.

1. Akon – Senegalese-American [$80 Million]

The legendary musician has earned over $80 million as a musician. As a businessman, producer, vocal artist, and label owner, he had been the go-to producer for superstars like Michael Jackson, Snoop Dog, T-pain, and Nas.

Born on the 16th of April 1973 in St. Louis Missouri, Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam is an American Music legend & Africa’s most exceptional songwriter.

Akon is undoubtedly the richest musician in Africa with a staggering net worth of $80 Million. This US-based singer has a total net worth of 80 million dollars.

He is not just a musician; he is an African-American singer, songwriter, music producer, philanthropist, actor, entrepreneur, and also the CEO of conflict music.

Akon is a legend and a music icon in the United States where he’s based. He has had over 5 Grammy awards nominations in different categories, 30+ songs grossing as gold and Platinum tracks, and three studio albums released in 2004, 2006, and 2008.

When combined, all of his tracks have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. This brings piles of money, awards, endorsements, and recognition. Akon can easily be recognized as the most successful African musician. Right now, Akon is building the renowned Akon City in his home country, Senegal.

2. Davido – Nigerian American [$32 Million]

Davido is also one of Africa’s richest musicians. With his endorsements, licenses, Adeleke money, and album sales combined, this superstar’s generation is never going to be broke.

This musician, philanthropist, and businessman just celebrated his 28th birthday with on a low key party with friends, family, and well-wishers. His impressive earnings have been acknowledged by Forbes, and he is one of the finest musicians in Nigeria,

Davido is one of the most iconic musicians in Nigeria. With a net worth of $32 million, he is one of the most successful musicians in Nigeria. Born in Atlanta, Davido is a talented Nigerian-American that has bagged more than 150 awards and gained international recognition globally.

Despite coming from a wealthy family, David Adeleke isn’t deterred by the hustle involved in making money or depends on his father for wealth and sustenance. He works for his own money. This makes Davido one of the most hardworking musicians in Nigeria. 

He is one of the few songwriters in Nigeria that can be compared to Wizkid. Davido has made music with some of the most iconic international superstars like Nasty C, Rea Shummud, Yung Thug, Meek Mill, Chris Brown, and Uhuru.

On the 27th of May 2020, Davido’s hit song “Fall” became certified gold in the US and Canada. This song sold over 40,000 copies in Canada and 800,000 copies in the US.

This African pop singer is ranked the second-highest earning African musician of the decade due to his multiple stadium-packed tours, sponsorship, endorsement, albums, and Adeleke inheritance, of course. This year Davido had an impressive bank balance of $32 million.

3. DJ Black Coffee – South African [$23 Million]

Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo popularly known as DJ Black Coffee is another musician that has become a multimillionaire by making music. He is a music producer, influencer, and a top-rated DJ known worldwide.

DJ Black Coffee still makes great music even with one hand. He also knows how to play five different instruments even with his eyes closed. He had an accident when he was little which left him paralyzed in his left arm.

But still, DJ Black Coffee has been making back to back hits since 1995. This makes this music-making genius one of the most talented African musicians.

Black Coffee also created his music label and even participated in the 2004 Red Bull music academy in Cape Town. Today, DJ black coffee is worth over $23 million and still making record-breaking music.

4. Wizkid – Nigerian [$20 Million]

As foreseen, Starboy Wizzy is one of the most popular African musicians in the 20th century. From the streets of Ojuelegba, Wizkid has risen to be one of the most respected musicians in Nigeria. 

He has made music with Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Drake, and be even Beyonce. Right now, Wizkid is dreaming of making Rihanna his baby mama, but that will be a topic for another day.

Wizkid ranks in the elite spot among the top 50 richest musicians in Africa. His net worth is well over $20 million, which converts into billions of Naira. Wizkid is also the founding father and currently the CEO of Starboy.

Since he gained his international recognition when he was featured by Drake on a hit track tagged “One Dance“, Wizkid has been on a global level and does more international collabos and concerts.

The Ojuelegba crooner has made over $20 Million from his music alone he has endorsement deals with more than 30 local and international brands.

5. Don Jazzy – Nigerian [$17 Million]

The list of the richest musician in Africa never is complete without adding this name to another exceptional music producer, songwriter, and businessmen. Don Jazzy is a living icon as far as African music is concerned. 

Although he hasn’t made a single track, album, or concert, Don Jazzy is one of the most respected music producers in the continent.

Yes, he is the Kanye West of Africa and a kingmaker as far as Afro Beat is concerned. He is the 5th richest musician in Nigeria and the 5^th richest African musician.

He has collaborated with so many international stars like Kanye West, Jay-Z, Beyonce, and has brought up so many local stars like Wande Coal, DNA, Rema, Korede Bello, Dija, Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, and even Dbanj. 

Currently, Don Jazzy is more interested in business and music production than songwriting. As usual, he is still inspiring and raising young music talent.

6. Youssou N’dour – Senegalese [$16 Million]

This is another Senegalese musician that will give Nigerians a run for their money. Youssou N’ dour is one of the most renowned African musicians in of all time.

He is not just a musician who is also an actor, producer, writer. He has been described as “perhaps the most famous singer alive” by an American Magazine.

He starred in the movie “Amazing Grace”, which previews the epoch of the slave trade in the 18th century. This was an epic movie in the late 90s.

According to the New York Times, CNN, and MTV Base, Youssou N’ dour is the most prophetic African musician of all time. 

His incredible music appeals to millions of people around the world. His traditional Senegalese tune is filled with hip hop, jazz, and soul-touching beats. Youssou N’ dour was also the former minister of Tourism in Senegal.

7. 2Face Idibia – Nigerian [$15 Million]

Born in 1975, 2Baba is one of the most iconic musicians in Africa. He also stands as one of the richest musicians in Nigeria. 2Face started making music with Plantashun Boiz in his early 20s. The African Queen superstar is so talented that some of his 12 years old tracks are still on the billboard.

Today, he is the CEO of Hypertek production, happily married to Annie Idibia, and has multiple endorsements deals with multinational cooperations like MTN, Pepsi, Campari, and Hennessy.

8. P-Square – Nigerian [$13 Million]

If you follow this duo on Instagram, you’ll know that they were living the life everyone dreams of. P-Square is a dynamic duo made up Peter and Paul Okoye.

P-square is one of the most respected brands in Nigeria. Although they’ve broken up to become Rudeboy and Mr. P, they still make some of the most delightful songs in Nigeria. Together, they have a net worth estimated to be over $13 million.

9. Steve Hofmeyr – South African [$13 Million]

Here’s another South African that most people would know. Steve Hofmeyr is a South African musician, actor, songwriter and on-air presenter. He ranks as one of the wealthiest South African musicians of all time.

With a net worth of 273 million South African Rand, he is one of South Africa’s finest musicians. Steve Hofmeyr is also racist and a very controversial character who has had problems with his government, DSTV, wives, and local restaurants in South Africa. But South Africans love him that way.

Anyway, this multimillionaire is one of the respected South African artiste and the most productive performing artist from SA. With a total net worth of $13 million, he stands as one of the richest African musicians of our generation.

10. Sarkodie – Ghanaian [$11 Million]

Sarkodie is one of the most respected Ghanaian musicians of all time. When it comes to premium Ghanaian rap and hip hop, Sarkodie is the man on top. He is one of the most prominent Ghanaian musicians of all time.

Sarkness is a boss when it comes to hip hop in West Africa. His music has been featured in popular sites like MTV Base, Music Links, and worldwide beats. Sarkodie is by far the best musician in Ghana, beating the likes of Shatta Wale, Manifest, Stonebwoy, and Efya.

Sarkodie is also the ambassador for the youth, Ghana.

Sarkodie is also the only Ghana songwriter and performing artiste to be ranked on Forbes as one of Africa’s Richest Artiste. Currently, Sarkodie has taken a step back from music and is looking forward to creating a big happy family.

11. D’banj – Nigerian [$11 Million]

Here’s another Nigerian musician that this list will not be complete without. D’banj is one of the most brilliant musicians in Nigeria. Although D’banj is currently focused on his family than music, he has released some of the best Afro-Beat sounds the world has ever heard.

D’banj and his harmonica made some of the most iconic songs between 2005 and 2013. Today, D’banj still makes millions of Naira from his endorsement and investments. Even though his songs are not on the billboards right now, D’banj is a super talented musician.

12. Tiwa Savage – Nigerian [$11 Million]

Tiwatope Savage also stands as the wealthiest female musicians in Africa. Born on the 8th of February 1980, she is an energetic musician, songwriter, and mother. Her first track tagged “Kele Kele Love” was a mega-hit, she stands as one of the finest female musicians on the continent.

Being the first lady of Nigerian music, Tiwa Savage has earned enormous international recognition and collaborations. She is also the brand ambassador of Maggi, Pepsi, Forte Oil, Konga, and is even signed to a record label owned by Jay Z.

13. Olamide – Nigeria [$10 Million]

Here’s another Nigerian that ranks as one of the richest African musicians. He is the king of Nigerian street music and one of the hottest Nigerian artistes. If you visit Badoo’s Instagram handle, you’ll see that he is living the life of a Lagos boy.

The Shakiti Bobo crooner and CEO of Yahoo Boys No Laptop [YBNL Nation] is one of the finest Yoruba rappers in Nigeria. He has over six studio albums, sold over 500,000 copies, and toured the world.

14. Phyno – Nigerian [$9 Million]

Bagging endorsement with Monster energy drink, Nairabet, Glo, and Hero extra stout, Phyno is ranked as one of the richest musicians in Africa. He also ranks as the richest Igbo rapper in Nigeria and one of the most energetic rappers in the country.

Chibuzor Azubuike is not just one of the finest Igbo rappers in Nigeria, he is also one of the most influential and phenomenal Nigerian musicians of all time. Phyno’s music will make you want to learn the Ibo language.

Other Nigerian artistes that deserve to be on this list are Banky W, Timaya, Jidenna, Flavour, Burna Boy, M.I. Abaga, and Yemi Alade.

Although they are richer than some of the artists that I am about to list, we won’t be adding them for justice’s sake. You can read more about the richest Nigerian musicians here. We would also like to acknowledge other African superstars for the good works they do using their music.

15. AKA – South African [$8 Million]

Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, also known as AKA ranks as one of the richest musicians in South Africa. Although he has been keeping a beef with Burna Boy, it did not deter his determination to make money.

Born and raised in Cape Town, AKA’s success was revealed when he dropped his hit song, Victory Lap. Today, he is one of Africa’s most successful musician, rapper, producer, writer, businessman, and superstar.

Even when WWE came to Johannesburg, AKA was a special guest and performer at the event.

16. Jose Chameleon – Ugandan [$6 Million]

Joseph Mayanja is the richest musician from East Africa. He is a superstar as far as music is concerned in the Eastern regions of Africa. Jose Chameleon is also one of the most talented East African musicians of all time. He makes most of his music in Swahili, Luganda, and English.

17. Tinashe – Zimbabwean American [$6 Million]

Tinashe Jorgensen is a Zimbabwean American singer-dancer, songwriter, performing artist, fashion model, producer, and one of the wealthiest female songwriters in Africa. She is one of the most renowned musicians in Zimbabwe.

Born in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, Tinashe is not just one of the richest female musician in Africa, she also ranks as one of the most influential in the Southern parts of Africa.

With a net worth that is a little over $6 million, Tinashe is one of Africa’s finest songwriters. Most of her music is usually based on love and heartbreak. But that notwithstanding, she makes some of the most elegant music in Africa.

18. Koffi Olomide – Congolese [$6 Million]

With a net worth reaching almost $7 million, Koffi Olomide is another rich African musician that deserves to be added to this list. Koffi has added so many innovative insights into African music.

With over two decades worth of experience in the industry, he was one of the most influential artistes in Congo until he was accused of rape.

19. Fally Ipupa – Congolese [$5 Million]

Just like Koffi Olomide, Fally Ipupa is another Congo musician that is making waves in his country. Despite the crisis in Congo, this guy seems to know how to live big.

If you were to compare him with any Nigerian artist, he would be in the same league with Don Jazzy, D’banj, Timaya, and 2Face. So to say, this guy is a legend, and he currently has four albums, and the last one was dropped in 2018.

Filled with impeccable raw talent from God, Fally Ibupa creates some of the most sensational African tunes. You can’t create a list of the top 20 best musicians in Africa without adding this veteran to the list.

20. Diamond Platnumz – Tanzanian [$5 Million]

Diamond Platnumz is another wealthy African musician that deserves a place on this list. His music is legendary and catchy, even though most of the lines are in his native tongue, you can sing along and dance to it.

As the CEO of Flashy Wasafi Music, Diamond Platnumz is creating some of the finest Afro Beat sounds to other parts of the world.

His eccentric Bongo tunes are popular even among non-Swahili. He is the only Tanzanian musician that was accredited by Forbes. These are the richest African musicians and their net worth.

Source: InformationNGR