I’ve put together a list showcasing the richest musicians in Africa, a testament to the immense talent and entrepreneurial spirit thriving in the continent’s music industry.
This article offers insight into the success stories of artists who have not only made a significant impact in music but have also amassed considerable wealth through their art.
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Top richest musicians in Africa
- Youssou N’Dour (Estimated Net Worth: $140 Million)
- Akon (Estimated Net Worth: $80 Million)
- RudeBoy (Estimated Net Worth: $60 Million)
- Black Coffee (Estimated Net Worth: $60 Million)
- Flavour (Estimated Net Worth: $28 Million)
- Wizkid (Estimated Net Worth: $20 Million)
- Koffi Olomide (Estimated Net Worth: $18 Million)
- Burna Boy (Estimated Net Worth: $17 Million)
- Davido (Estimated Net Worth: $16 Million)
- Mr. P (Estimated Net Worth: $15.2 Million)
1. Youssou N’Dour (Estimated Net Worth: $140 Million)
Senegalese singer, musician, songwriter, composer, politician, and businessman Youssou N’Dour dominates the list of the wealthiest musicians in Africa.
He’s one of the most popular figures from the African continent right now.
But his career didn’t start today.
Youssou was born in 1959 in Dakar, Senegal, in a family headed by a Serer father.
He’s from the Wolof ethnic group of West Africa and started his career in the early 1970s while performing with the Star Band, one of Senegal’s best bands.
He’s served as a Minister of Tourism in the West African country.
And with an estimated net worth of $140 million, he tops the list of the richest African musicians in 2023.
2. Akon (Estimated Net Worth: $80 Million)
Was there any doubting this one?
You could bet on Akon to appear in the list of the richest African musicians in 2023, considering his contributions to the entertainment industry from the 1990s.
Everybody knows him as the “Lonely” hitmaker who ruled the early 2000s music charts alongside Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Rihanna.
Despite spending much time in the US, Akon has always honored his Senegalese roots, describing the West African country as his “hometown.”
He started his career at a young age, playing instrumentals before pursuing his music aspirations after relocating to New Jersey with his family.
Akon has been an inspiration to many African musicians, with a career that spans nearly two decades.
He’s won 3 Grammy Awards, a BET Hip Hop Award, a Billboard Award, and an American Music Award.
Akon has also built an impressive empire throughout his career, with an estimated net worth of $80 million, putting him at #2 on the list of the richest musicians from Africa.
3. RudeBoy (Estimated Net Worth: $60 Million)
Paul Okoye, or RudeBoy, is one half of the legendary P-Square duo that entertained music fans with hits like “Chop My Money,” “Personally,” and “Beautiful Onyinye.”
The Afro-pop duo rose to fame in the early 2000s as one of the best African acts, releasing their songs and albums through Square Records.
The group officially disbanded in 2021 after a long period of behind-the-scenes feud.
RudeBoy has continued his solo career, releasing several hits, including the famous “Reason With Me,” which has since garnered over 170 million YouTube views.
4. Black Coffee (Estimated Net Worth: $60 Million)
Black Coffee might not be the first name that comes to mind when talking about the greatest African musicians, but he’s one of the wealthiest.
His popularity began in the 1990s and climaxed after featuring in the Red Bull Music Academy in 2004.
The South African DJ released his self-titled debut studio album in 2005 via his Soulistic Music record label and has since built an admirable career in the African entertainment scene.
He specializes in house music and classical music genres as a disc jockey, songwriter, and record producer.
Black Coffee’s net worth is about $60 million, making him one of the richest male artists in Africa.
5. Flavour (Estimated Net Worth: $28 Million)
Chinedu Okoli, commonly known by his stage name, Flavour, has carried the Nigerian flag since the mid-2000s.
He was born in Enugu State, Nigeria, and debuted with his self-titled album in 2005.
Flavour released his second album, Uplifted, in 2010, with the famous hit singles “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix),” “Oyi Remix,” and “Adamma” catapulting him to continental success.
Flavour has released seven albums throughout his career and a series of hit singles that have earned him a massive following worldwide.
As one of the best Nigerian singers that blend luxury, music, and sexiness in one package, Chinedu has also acquired enormous wealth throughout his career, with an estimated net worth of $28 million as of 2023.
6. Wizkid (Estimated Net Worth: $20 Million)
Wizkid is the next Nigerian singer on our list who shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
The multi-award-winning African singer is known for his many feuds with fellow Nigerian singers, including Davido.
Wizkid is one of the best African singers pushing the Afrobeat wave beyond borders.
He’s easily one of the greatest African artists of all time and one of the most influential singers of his generation.
He rose to international fame with his high-profile collaboration with Canadian rapper Drake on “One Dance,” making history as the first afrobeat singer in the Guinness World Records.
Wizkid’s expansive discography includes hits like “Holla at Your Boy,” “Love My Baby,” and “and “Come Closer.”
7. Koffi Olomide (Estimated Net Worth: $18 Million)
Koffi Olomide is the face of Congolese Soukous dance music with a career from the 1970s.
Olomide went to France at a young age and pursued a Bachelor’s degree in business economics under a scholarship.
He returned to the African country in the 1970s and joined Papa Wemba’s Viva la Musica band as a songwriter and composer.
He later advanced to lead vocalist before forming his band, Quartier Latin International, in 1986.
Koffi has become one of the most influential African musicians, with an indelible legacy in Congolese history.
8. Burna Boy (Estimated Net Worth: $17 Million)
Nigerian singer Burna Boy is one of the most talented African musicians of all time.
Anybody who watched his debut in 2012 would have known he would become one of the greatest singers of all time.
The “Last Last” singer’s journey has been nothing if not inspiring since debuting with the singles “Like to Party,” “Tonight,” and “Yawa Dey” almost about a decade ago.
Burna has released six studio albums, including Twice as Tall which earned him a nomination at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
9. Davido (Estimated Net Worth: $16 Million)
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Davido was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but was quick to trace his African roots and has never shied away from representing the Nigerian flag on the biggest stage.
He started his career in the late 2000s before releasing his debut album, Omo Baba Olowo, in 2011.
The album attracted negative reviews from critics despite winning the Best R&B/Pop Album award.
But that didn’t deter him from building his career, releasing several follow-up singles to earn the fans’ attention in the subsequent years.
Today, Davido has become one of the most accomplished African musicians best known for hit songs like “Fall,” “Assurance,” and “Fia.”
He’s also become one of the richest African musicians during that period, with an estimated net worth of $16 million as of 2023.
10. Mr. P (Estimated Net Worth: $15.2 Million)
Mr. P completes the remaining half of the iconic P-Square music duo of Paul and Peter Okoye.
He became famous in the early 2000s as a member of the legendary Afropop duo and is best known as RudeBoy’s twin brother.
The duo started their career singing and dancing to songs from iconic stars like Michael Jackson.
The group’s disbandment in 2017 forced Peter to pursue a solo career, and he has since released the singles “Cool It Down” and “For My Head.”
He’s built his wealth from his entertainment career and multiple endorsement deals with the P-Square and as a solo artist.
11. Fally Ipupa (Estimated Net Worth: $15 Million)
Fally Ipupa N’simba is undoubtedly one of the most popular names amongst modern Congolese rhumba lovers.
He started his career as a Koffi Olomide’s Quartier Latin International band member before quitting in 2006 to define his path.
Fally hails from Kinshasa, Zaire, and sold over 100 000 units for his first album, Droit Chemin.
One of his best-ever songs, “Sexy Dance,” won the Best Francophone Artist and Best Video Awards at the 2010 MTV African Music Awards.
In 2022, Fally’s latest studio album, Tokoos, was certified gold in France.
Fally is one of the wealthiest African singers in 2023, with an estimated net worth of $15 million.
12. 2Baba (Estimated Net Worth: $15 Million)
2Baba is another Nigerian singer on the list who’s made a name for himself with his wide vocal range and longevity.
2Baba became one of the pioneers of Nigerian pop music in the early 2000s, with his famous “African Queen” hit earning him a loyal fan base right from the start.
He was formerly called 2face Idibia before adopting the 2Baba stage name in 2014.
He’s won several awards throughout his career, including an MTV Europe Music Award, 5 Headies Awards, a World Music Award, a BET Award, and 4 Channel O Music Video Awards.
13. Sarkodie (Estimated Net Worth: $15 Million)
Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has been one of the biggest contributors to African music, winning multiple accolades throughout an impressive 18-year career.
He was born in Tema, Ghana, and started his career in the mid-2000s with his Makye debut album.
He distinguishes himself from many African rappers with his unique flow, often in his native Twi language.
Sarkodie has won several awards, including the inaugural Best International Flow Artist at the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards.
14. Don Jazzy (Estimated Net Worth: $15 Million)
The list of the richest African musicians would be incomplete without the CEO of Marvin Records.
The Nigerian singer is one of the best producers in Africa and has built an enviable career from his time with Mo’ Hits Records.
He worked with Kanye West and Jay-Z at the height of his career and even featured in Moses Inwang’s The Last 3 Digits film.
Some of Don Jazzy’s best songs include “Dorobucci,” “Baby Face,” and “Jantamanta.”
15. D’banj (Estimated Net Worth: $13 Million)
D’banj was one of the founders of Mo’ Hits Records record label alongside fellow Nigerian singer Don Jazzy.
Even though the duo fell apart, D’banj has had an inspiring career, winning several music awards, including the Artist of the Year, Best International Act, Best-selling African Artist, and an Evolution award.
He grew up in Zaria, Nigeria, and has continued to fly the African flag on the global stage.
D’banj has an estimated net worth of $13 million, ranking among the richest musicians in Africa in 2023.
16. Timaya (Estimated Net Wort: $12 Million)
Timaya is a multiple-award-winning African musician from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Born Inetimi Timaya Odon, he became one of Nigeria’s best singers and most prolific songwriters, combining hip hop, Nigerian pop, soca, and dancehall elements.
Since debuting in 2005 with” Dem Mama,” Timaya hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down, releasing eight studio albums and several singles that have earned him multiple awards throughout his career.
Timaya’s $12 million estimated net worth puts him among the most successful African singers in 2023.
17. Banky W (Estimated Net Worth: $9 Million)
The next artist on our rich list is a celebrated male R&B singer from the West African country of Nigeria.
Banky W. is an American-born Nigerian star who began singing in his church choir.
He went to the local schools in Lagos before advancing to the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York.
He started his record label in 2009 and signed Wizkid, Skales, and Shaydee.
18. Cassper Nyovest (Estimated Net Worth: $8 Million)
Cassper Nyovest is a South African rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur who grew up in Mahikeng.
He founded his record label, Family Tree Records, in 2014 and has found success with hip-hop, kwaito, and amapiano music.
Cassper has also had an excellent boxing career, winning 2 out of his three major fights.
The South African rapper has had a glittering career in the entertainment industry, grabbing local and international awards while flying the African flag higher.
He has released six studio albums and ranks as one of the most successful African rappers, with an estimated net worth of $8 million.
19. Jose Chameleone (Estimated Net Worth: $6 Million)
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Jose Chameleone is one of the most influential singers from East Africa.
The Ugandan musician sings in his local Luganda, Swahili, and English languages.
He rose to fame in the late 90s through Kenya’s Ogopa Deejays record label and has become one of the most successful African singers.
Chameleone’s list of hit singles is inexhaustible.
His list of accolades is even more impressive, ranking among the most influential figures from the East African country.
He’s worked with some of the best artists, including Davido, Sizzla, and Beenie Man, building an impressive wealth from his music collection and stage performances.
20. Gims (Estimated Net Worth: $6 Million)
Gims is another successful Congolese rapper, singer, and songwriter who’s built his empire from his music career, endorsement deals, and record label.
He began his journey with the Sexion d’Assault hip-hop group in the early 2000s before starting a solo career.
The Congolese musician specializes in Afropop, afrobeat, R&B, hip hop, and pop rap and has worked with several big-name artists such as Pitbull, Sia, Maluma, and Lil Wayne.
He was recently awarded the NRJ Music Award of Honor and is recognized as one of the richest musicians in Africa.
21. Tiwa Savage (Estimated Net Worth: $6 Million)
Tiwa Savage has been one of the best African musicians for a long time, breaking multiple records while setting new ones.
She hails from the West African country of Nigeria and is recognized as one of the continent’s most influential female singers with a career that has now gone beyond a decade.
Tiwa was a backup vocalist for George Michael and Mary J. Blige in her early days before launching her career in 2010.
She’s an alumnus of Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, and has been the face of Afrobeat music for years.
The Nigerian singer’s net worth is estimated to be about $5 million, much of which has come from her music career and multiple endorsement deals.
She’s worked with Pepsi, Konga, Forte Oil, and Nestle Maggi chicken cubes as a brand ambassador.
22. Diamond Platnumz (Estimated Net Worth: $5 Million)
Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack, commonly known as Diamond Platnumz, is the second East African artist on this list after Jose Chameleone.
He was born and raised in a small administrative ward in Tanzania called Tandale, where he rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential musicians in Africa.
Diamond has built a vast portion of his wealth from his talent and endorsement deals.
He’s represented many brands, including Pepsi, Parimatch, Coral Paints, and Nice One.
He owns the WCB Wasafi Record Label, Wasafi Media, and Wasafi Bet and boasts over 2 billion YouTube video views.
With an estimated net worth of $5 million, Diamond is comfortably among the wealthiest African musicians in 2023.
23. Bobi Wine (Estimated Net Worth: $5 Million)
Bobi Wine is best known for his active involvement in Ugandan politics.
But his music career goes back to the 2000s when he rose to prominence under the stage name, BobiRob.
He’s one of the greatest Ugandan artists of all time, loved for hit singles like “Akatengo,” “Specioza,” and “Wendi.”
Bobi went to Makerere University, where he excelled in music, drama, and dance.
He’s won multiple awards throughout his career and is recognized as one of the richest African singers, boasting a respectable net worth of $5 million.
24. Salif Keita (Estimated Net Worth: $2 Million)
Nobody deserves to be on this list more than Salif Keita.
And that’s because of his royalty roots in the West African country of Mali.
Salif was destined to become a prince of Djoliba in Mali.
But that wasn’t meant to be, as the Malian singer faced an even bigger problem as a person living with albinism.
He was considered an outcast and driven out of the family.
Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Salif has risen to the top, building an admirable music career that inspires many upcoming African musicians.
He’s found success throughout Africa and Europe as a talented musician and songwriter.
He’s been labeled the “Golden Voice of Africa” and one of the continent’s most valuable assets.
25. Jidenna (Estimated Net Worth: $1 Million)
Like Davido, Jidenna was born in America in the mid-1980s but quickly connected with his African routes through his father, a professor at the Enugu State University, Nigeria.
Growing up partially in the West African country, Jidenna moved back to the US with his family in 1995 after a kidnapping scare.
He started his music career in high school as the founder of the Black Spadez group.
Jidenna graduated from Stanford University in 2008 and had to balance his teaching profession and his music career.
Some of his best songs include “Bambi,” “Classic Man,” and “Little Bit More.”
He’s also remembered from “Particula,” a 2017 smash hit featuring Major Lazer, Nasty C, Patoranking, DJ Maphorisa, and Ice Prince.
Richest Musicians in Africa – Final Thoughts
It’s such a shame that many African artists cannot make it unless they move to America or Europe.
And while that may change someday, it’s good to see that the continent continues to produce big-name artists since the days of Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, and King Sunny Ade.
With new technology, many African musicians have penetrated the global market with captivating dances, unique voices, and catchy beats.
Some have acquired massive wealth in the same period, inspiring many upcoming singers to pursue their dreams.
We’ve revealed the 25 richest musicians in Africa to help you know who made the list today.
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Source: https://t-tees.com
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