10 Top Richest Musicians in Africa

1.  Akon

1. Akon is Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiams’ real names. This Senegalese/ American is the richest musician in Africa, boasting a net worth of $80 million. Akon is only 46 years and celebrates his birthday on 16th April. He is married to Tomeka Akon. Akon’s successful music career has made him appear in the Grammy Awards nominations and the 45 Billboard hot 100 songs. Akon is the CEO of his Record Label “Konvict Musik” which has achieved amazing results.

2. DJ Black Coffee

DJ Black Coffee is a South African musician who goes by the birth names Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo. He is 43 years old and celebrates his birthday on 11th March. DJ Black Coffee began his music career in 1995, and afterwards released his record label “Soulistic Music”. Since then, he has achieved many successes hitting a net worth of $60 million. This was after pursuing a music course in KwaZulu-Natal. His successful music career saw him participate in Red Bull Music Academy in Cape Town in the year 2004. DJ Black Coffee also won “Breakthrough DJ of the Year” title at DJ Awards in Ibiza.

3. Don-Jazzy

Don-Jazzy is a Nigerian singer and producer with birth names Michael Collins Ajerch. His record label ” Mavin Records” founded in 2012, has received much love from the international audience. Furthermore, he introduced many African artists the likes of Tiwa Savage, Korede Bello, DNA Twins and Dija. Don-Jazzy $30 million net worth has been as a result of his great music as well as his real estate and Wi-Fi production businesses.

4. Wizkid

Wizkid is a Nigerian hip-hop artist who goes by the real names Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun. He gained popularity in 2011 after a collaborating with Drake on “One Dance” song. Wizkid has risen up the music ladder real fast. In fact, he started as a simple singer in his hometown at a small church in Lagos. Today he has risen to be a star. His record label “Star Boy Music” has been at the forefront in netting him $20 million.

5. Davido

Davido is a Nigerian/American hip-hop artist. His birth names are David Adedeji Adeleke. David was born in Atlanta, Georgia but raised in Lagos Nigeria. He is the son of the billionaire Mr Adeleke, but he once confessed that his wealth is self-sought, not a result of his rich background as most people perceive. His two record labels “Davido Music Worldwide” and ” Sony American/Nigerian are doing really great. They have obviously contributed to his net worth of $7 million. Davido won in the Headies Awards and his music is well embraced globally.

6. Sarkodie

Sarkodie is a Ghanaian hip-hop artist and a rapper. His real names are Michael Owusu Addo. His record label “Sarkcess Music” has been part and parcel of his $7 million net worth. Sarkodie is also a passionate philanthropist through his Sarkodie Foundation initiative that gives to the homeless and orphans. Music websites like MTV, Base and Lynx TV declare him the greatest hip-hop artist of all time.

7. Tinashe

Going by the names Tinashe Jorgensen Kachingwe, Tinashe is the only African female musician who appeared on this list. She is a Zimbabwean and the daughter of Professor Michael Kachingwe and Amie Kachingwe. Tinashe’s record Label “Konvict Music” has greatly contributed to her net worth of $6 million. Her great vocals were featured in the Polar Express, a cartoon movie, together with the actor Tom Hanks.

8. Hugh Masekela

This great musician passed on at the age of 78 years in the year 2018. His real names are Hugh Ramapop Masekela. The South African jazz artist made a great impact in the South Africa’s music industry netting a total of $1.5 million. He had a collaboration with Miriam Makeba, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Late Fela Kuti and Mavin Gaye. As a result of this, he was nicknamed ” The Father of South African Jazz”. He used to perform in international shows and once got paid a cool $20,000 after a single performance.

9. Jidenna

Jidenna is a Nigerian artist with the birth names Jidenna Theodore Mobisson.  Jidenna studied at Stanford University, as well as released two singles “Classic Man and Yoga”. This successful artist is worth $1 million with amazing record labels ”Wondaland Records, Fear & Fancy and Epic Records”. Jidenna won “Song of the Year and Video of the Year” awards at Soul Train Music Awards.

10. Oliver Mtukudzi

The late Oliver Mtukudzi passed on at the age of 66 in the year 2018. The Zimbabwean artist was the former UNICEF Ambassador for South African Region. He had released 65 albums which were well embraced by fans worldwide, given the 41+ years of experience in music careers. Indeed, the Late Oliver Mtukudzi left a legacy of a great music career in Africa and the world at large. Oliver Mtukudzi will be remembered through this music.

Final Thoughts

African musicians have risen up the ladder in creating successful music careers. The impact this has had on their net worth is not to be overlooked. In fact, some of these 10 top richest musicians appeared in the FORBES list of the wealthiest people. With such a milestone, African music industry is deemed to grow even more. The sky is the limit for the African musicians.