Have you noticed that African musicians are topping the charts on music platforms and getting invites to global platforms? That’s the time we are in right now! African musicians aren’t just making waves; they have fully taken Afrobeats to the mainstream, and this global recognition is translating into money for them making them wealthy.
From amazing record deals and sold-out international tours to high-profile brand endorsements, these musicians have been able to build their net worth to a high level making them the richest artists in the continent.
We have African musicians breaking records that are beyond imaginations. Burna Boy sold out the London Stadium with 60,000 fans all there to see Africa’s giant do his thing. We also have Wizkid who sold out tickets for his O2 Arena show in 12 minutes! I mean, you can not make Jollof rice in that short time.
But it’s not just about selling out shows, African musicians are collaborating with the biggest names in the music world. Davido collaborated with Chris Brown, (If you did not have his poster on your wall growing up, raise your hands), and Tiwa Savage was invited to King Charles III’s coronation concert where she gave a royal performance! Ed Sheeran and Fireboy DML on the same track got many of us wowed!
From Wizkid making history at Madison Square Garden to Yemi Alade having Dutch fans singing along in Amsterdam, our African musicians are turning the world into their stage. Our afrobeats dance, Tshwala Bam got everyone dancing all over the world.
While we may not agree during sports, or on whose Jollof rice tastes better, or who is the King of Afrobeats? We can agree that we are taking Africa to the world in the entertainment industry.
All these international collaborations, deals, and so on have built great wealth for African musicians. In this article, we will be looking at the richest musicians in Africa, These artists aren’t just making hit records; they’re building businesses, getting endorsement deals, sold-out tours, streaming numbers that will cause you to open your mouth and they are all contributing to their net worth. We would be giving you the juice about these artists, and how they make their money.
Top 10 Richest Musicians in Africa
| Names | Nationality | Net Worth |
| Youssou N’Dour | Senegal | $145 Million |
| Akon | Senegal/United States | $80 Million |
| Davido | Nigeria | $60 Million |
| Wizkid | Nigeria | $30 Million |
| Black Coffee | South Africa | $21 Million |
| Don Jazzy | Nigeria | $19 Million |
| Burna Boy | Nigeria | $15 Million |
| Sarkodie | Ghana | $12.5 Million |
| 2Baba | Nigeria | $10 Million |
| Rude Boy | Nigeria | $10 Million |
Who is the Richest Musician in Africa?
1. Youssou N’Dour (Senegal)
Net Worth: $145 Million
Youssou N’Dour, is a Senegalese musician, actor, businessman, and politician. Youssour holds the title of the richest musician in Africa and the most versatile African musician. Youssou N’Dour was born in Dakar in 1959. At 13 years old, he started his music career with a heartfelt tribute to the late Papa Samba Diop during an impromptu performance at the Saint-Louis Stadium.
N’Dour’s unique voice and ability to use stories as his style in his music have taken him globally. He became known for the mbalax genre, blending Senegalese rhythms with Western influences. His music blends soulful melodies with contemporary styles.
Beyond music, N’Dour also served as the Minister of culture and tourism in Senegal from 2012 – 2013. His dedication earned him a Grammy, induction into the prestigious Académie Royale des Sciences, des Lettres et des Beaux-Arts de Belgique, and more.
N’Dour’s net worth has been generated by his music, investments, politics, partnerships and endorsement deals with major brands like Nissan. His sold-out global concerts, including the Royal Albert Hall, have significantly contributed to his wealth.
2. Akon (Senegal/United States)
Net Worth: $80 Million
Hailing from Senegal, Akon is a multi-talented artist with a global impact. His 2004 hits “Locked Up” and “Lonely” launched him into the mainstream. Blending hip-hop, R&B, and African rhythms, Akon has collaborated with artists like Eminem, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Lady Gaga.
Guinness World Records recognizes Akon as the first solo artist to simultaneously hold the #1 and #2 Billboard Hot 100 positions. Beyond music, he has ventured into businesses like the ambitious AKONCITY project in Senegal.
His lucrative endorsements with Vodafone, AT&T, Covergirl and his sold-out “Konvicted Tour” in 2007 have significantly boosted Akon net worth.
3. Davido (Nigeria)
Net Worth: $27 Million
Davido (David Adedeji Adeleke) is a formidable force in the Nigerian music scene. Born into wealth, his 2011 hit “Dami Duro” catapulted him to stardom, blending Afrobeats, R&B, and pop. He is one of the top 10 richest musicians in Africa. He became famous for his widely acclaimed 2012 debut album “Omo Baba Olowo”. It was reported Davido had signed a ₦30 million endorsement deal with MTN. In 2015 he signed a 1 million dollar deal with Ciroc vodka
He has secured lucrative deals with MTN, Ciroc vodka, and Infinix Mobile. His label DMW has launched numerous artists, while collaborations with Chris Brown, Meek Mill, and Summer Walker have expanded his reach.
Beyond music, Davido has won BET, MTV Africa, and MOBO awards and performed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Davido’s wealth soared with his sold-out “30 Billion World Tour” in 2023, grossing over $25 million, plus lucrative Infinix and Ciroc endorsements. Davido net worth is about $60 Million.
4. Wizkid (Nigeria)
Net Worth: $30 Million
As of 2024, Wizkid (Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun) has cemented his position as one of Africa’s richest musicians. His meteoric rise began in 2012 with a $350,000 Pepsi deal, followed by MTN Nigeria, Guinness, and GLO partnerships. He is the richest musician in Nigeria with a networth of about $30 Million.
Wizkid’s Afrobeats, R&B, and pop fusion has captivated global audiences through collaborations with Drake and Beyoncé. As owner of Starboy Entertainment, he has nurtured emerging talents.
Beyond music, Wizkid is a fashion icon who has collaborated with brands like Nike, earning accolades like BET, MTV Europe, and Billboard awards.
Wizkid’s wealth stems from his sold-out “Made in Lagos Tour” in 2021 which grossed over $10 million, and lucrative deals with Puma and Ciroc.
5. Black Coffee (South Africa)
Net Worth: $21 Million
Nkosinathi Maphumulo, better known as Black Coffee, is a legendary South African artist blending house music with African rhythms, gaining a global following. He is the fifth on the list for the top 10 richest musician in Africa
His journey began in the Eastern Cape before relocating to KwaZulu-Natal to pursue music. Fusing genres and infusing African elements set him apart.
Beyond music, Black Coffee has ventured into entrepreneurship, solidifying his financial success. His live performances in South Africa and globally have garnered critical acclaim, cementing his status as a master of his craft.
Black Coffee has used his platform to advocate for social causes and promote South Africa’s cultural heritage, earning him accolades and a loyal global fanbase.
6. Don Jazzy (Nigeria)
Net Worth: $19 Million
Michael Collins Ajereh, better known as Don Jazzy, is a Nigerian singer, producer, and entrepreneur who has left an indelible mark on the African music scene. In 2012, he founded Mavin Records, envisioning it as “the powerhouse of Music in Africa.” Don Jazzy net worth is about $19 Million making him one of Nigeria’s richest musicians.
Mavin Records quickly gained prominence, signing talents like Tiwa Savage. The label’s debut album showcased Don Jazzy’s ability to blend diverse styles and showcase Nigerian talent.
Don Jazzy’s productions have dominated charts in Nigeria, Africa, and globally. His collaborations with Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Beyoncé have cemented his status as a musical force.
Complementing his label, Don Jazzy built the “Marvin League” social network platform to market his offerings. His business acumen and talent have propelled him among Africa’s wealthiest musicians.
7. Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Net Worth: $15 Million
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, known as Burna Boy, is a Nigerian singer, dancer, rapper, and songwriter who has taken the global music scene by storm. His move to Lagos was pivotal in his ascent to stardom.
His 2012 debut album “L.I.F.E.” sold an impressive 40,000 copies on release day, introducing his Afrofusion sound – a blend of Afrobeat, dancehall, and hip-hop.
Burna Boy’s international breakthrough came with his 2020 Grammy-winning album “Twice as Tall,” opening doors to major artist collaborations and brand deals.
His 2022 “One Night in Space” concert at Madison Square Garden set a new record as the most expensive show by an African artist, generating over $1.5 million in ticket sales.
Burna Boy has secured lucrative endorsement deals with Pepsi, Star Lager, and Hennessy, significantly contributing to his wealth.
8. Sarkodie (Ghana)
Net Worth: $12.5 Million
Sarkodie, whose real name is Michael Owusu Addo, is a true pioneer in the Ghanaian music scene. He started as an underground rapper, honing his skills and gaining a dedicated following through his raw talent and authentic storytelling.
His big break came when his former manager, Duncan Williams, helped launch his career into the mainstream. His debut single “Mewu” from his fourth album sold an impressive 4,000 copies on its first day of release in Ghana.
A staunch advocate for the Azonto genre, Sarkodie has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting this cultural art form. His infectious beats and thought-provoking lyrics have resonated across generations, earning him a dedicated fan base in Ghana and beyond.
Sarkodie’s success has been bolstered by his sold-out concerts, both in Ghana and internationally, as well as lucrative endorsement deals with major brands.
9. 2Baba (Nigeria)
Net Worth: $10 Million
Born Innocent Ujah Idibia, 2Baba, formerly known as 2Face Idibia, is a true veteran of the Nigerian music industry. His journey began as a member of the musical trio “Plantashun Boiz,” but his talents soon propelled him to embark on a successful solo career under the Kennis Music Record Label.
2Baba’s music has transcended generations, blending elements of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop in a way that resonates with audiences of all ages. Despite his longevity in the industry, his music remains as relevant as ever, and he continues to win numerous awards, including the prestigious Headies, BET Awards, and MTV Music Awards.
Beyond his musical prowess, 2Baba has also ventured into entrepreneurial endeavors, further solidifying his financial success. His ability to adapt to changing musical trends and connect with audiences has earned him a dedicated fanbase, both in Nigeria and internationally.
2Baba’s wealth has been further bolstered by his sold-out concerts across Africa, as well as lucrative endorsement deals with major brands such as Guinness and Airtel.
10. Rude Boy (Nigeria)
Net Worth: $10 Million
Rounding out the top 10 richest musicians in Africa is Rude Boy, whose real name is Paul Okoye. Once part of the highly successful music duo P-Square, Rude Boy embarked on a solo journey after the band’s disbandment due to a feud with his twin brother, Peter Okoye (Mr. P).
Rude Boy’s musical roots can be traced back to his school days when he and his brother would perform at various shows, honing their skills and developing their unique sound. After the split from P-Square, Rude Boy released hit tracks like “Fire Fire” and “Reason With Me,” showcasing his ability to captivate audiences as a solo artist.
Determined to continue his musical journey, Rude Boy established his own record label, Fire Department Inc, providing a platform for emerging talents and solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music scene.
Despite the challenges he faced, Rude Boy’s unwavering dedication and talent have secured his place among Africa’s wealthiest musicians. His recent reunion with his brother, Mr. P, has reignited hopes for a potential collaboration, promising new heights of success and artistic expression.
Rude Boy’s wealth has been further amplified by his sold-out concerts across Nigeria and Africa, as well as lucrative endorsement deals with major brands such as Glo and Ciroc.
Conclusion
These top 10 richest musicians in Africa are more than just artists; they are cultural icons, ambassadors for their respective nations, and inspirations for aspiring talents across the continent. Their stories of perseverance, creativity, and unwavering dedication serve as a testament to the resilience of the African spirit and the power of music to transcend boundaries and unite people from all walks of life.