Africa is a continent of wonderful and talented musicians that have made the names for themselves and earned quite a fortune in the process. Today, we are going to be talking about the richest musician in Africa and others that came pretty close. You can also pop over to this website to find out more about these wealthy people from the world of music!
We have compiled this list based on Forbes Africa’s top bankable African artists of 2017-2018. Join us, as we count down to the richest music artist in Africa, starting with our number 10, who is…
10. Oliver Mtukudzi
Mtukudzi, also known as Tuku to his many fans, is a famous Zimbabwean musician. He has been in the business for over 40 years and produced a whopping 65 albums. Can you even imagine that? That must have taken some serious dedication!
For his talent and contribution to the culture of Zimbabwe, he has been called the national icon. Oliver has earned more than thirty awards for his music, and we are certain he is going to earn even more. Despite the fact that Forbes Africa does not state his net worth, we assume that his albums, as well as movie appearances, have brought him quite a fortune.
9. Sarkodie
The next artist on our list is Michael Owusu Addo from Ghana, who is known to many as Sarkodie. The rapper who came from the underground scene has managed to achieve international success and worldwide fame. He has earned numerous awards and nominations for his music, and his songs have been heard by millions of people from all over.
Sarkodie decided to use his fame for good and launched his own record label called SarkCess Music back in 2014. With it, he hopes to help other up-and-coming musicians to find their footing. It is currently one of the most popular labels in Ghana. The net worth of Sarkodie is reported to be $7 million.
8. Davido
Next, we have Davido Adedeji Adeleke, or Davido for short, who is a widely popular Nigerian musician. Even though the artist is only 25, he has already managed to make a name for himself in the African music industry. In less than seven years of his career, he has released numerous singles, collaborated with such big names as Trey Songz and Future, and earned himself quite a few endorsement deals.
Even though he comes from a rather wealthy family, Davido claims that only he is responsible for his success. His talent and hard work earned him a spot on this list and a net worth of $16 million.
7. Wizkid
Nigeria seems to be a fertile land for successful musicians, as Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, or Wizkid, is also from there. His music is known and loved by people from all over the world. His tracks have been blasting from the speakers in the homes of such celebrities as Alicia Keys and Kylie Jenner.
The boy that used to sing in church is now hanging out with big shots in the music industry, producing songs for himself and other famous musicians. As of now, Wizkid’s net worth is at $20 million.
6. Jidenna
Jidenna Theodore Mobisson, or Jidenna for short, is a talented Nigerian-American musician. Even though he has spent most of his life in the United States, Jidenna has not forgotten about his Nigerian roots. Despite living and performing in America, he draws inspiration for his songs (and fashion style) from West African motifs.
During his career, Jidenna has worked with such big names as Janelle Monae and Kendrick Lamar, appeared in a popular TV shows Luke Cage and Insecure, and even created his own social club by the name of Fear & Fancy. His first album, The Chief, debuted on the Billboard charts, and his songs have won him numerous awards. We are sure his career is only taking off.
5. Tinashe
Tinashe Jorgenson Kachingwe, who is soon going to celebrate her 25th birthday, is already a star known to many. This Zimbabwe-American princess started working on getting her name out there at the mere age of three! Through the years, she has tried it all — modelling, acting, voice acting — before finally focusing all her attention on singing.
Today, her voice is filling stadiums, and her face can be seen next to some of the world’s most luxurious brands. Not only did she open for some of the biggest names in the industry (Maroon 5, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj), but she also had two of her own tours and released two very popular albums. Her third album, Joyride, is just on the way, and we cannot wait to hear it.
4. Don Jazzy
Coming in at number four, we have Michael Collins Ajereh, who most people know as Don Jazzy. This Lagos boy is a self-made man, as he is the one responsible for his success. Even though he was a mere security guard when he was 20, by the age of 22, Don Jazzy already had his own music label.
Since then, he was able to create another music label, record multiple albums and singles, work with various famous music artists and become an ambassador for several well-known Nigerian brands. Based on all of that, his net worth is said to be $35 million.
3. Hugh Masekela
Probably, the oldest person on this list, Hugh Ramopolo Masekela is a well-known South African jazz musician. However, even though he is nearing the age of 80, he still remains relevant and successful. During his career that has lasted longer than some of the readers of this article have been alive, Hugh managed to produce 43 albums!
Masekela’s unparalleled talent and resounding fame have brought him quite a bit of cash over the years. It is said that he is worth $60 million. But the artist does not keep it all to himself; he is involved in numerous social initiatives that help people all over Africa and beyond.
2. Black Coffee
Another musician from South Africa, Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo, who is known to all as Black Coffee, has landed one spot short of getting the title of the richest African musician right next to Masekela. The two artists both have the same net worth of $60 million.
What is also interesting to note is that it was the remix of Hugh Masekela’s song that made Nkosinathi into the DJ Black Coffee we know today. Ever since that fateful release in 2005, Black Coffee has been consistently impressing his fans with fresh sounds and raking in that money!
1. Akon
Akon arrives at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Chris Pizzello)
We have finally reached our number one spot, and it is none other than Akon! Who would have thought that a troublesome Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam who spent the early years of his life between the US and Senegal would become an international music sensation?
We will not go over all of his ventures, as it would probably take all day. Suffice it to say that, being a well-known musician, actor and entrepreneur, it is no wonder that Akon ended up on this list. His net worth of $80 million has earned him the title of the richest musician in Africa in 2017/2018.
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