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Top 10 Richest Musicians in Africa (2024)
We compiled, in this article a list of the top 10 richest musicians in Africa. No doubt, the speed with which African music…
You are probably wondering about the richest musicians in Africa. If this is true, we have compiled, in this article a list of the top 10 richest musicians in Africa.
A growing number of brilliant African musicians are working hard to produce the best tunes, making the African music industry one of the fastest-growing music sectors in the world.
They have improved African music passed down from the best older musicians in Africa to rule the world. Currently competing against musicians from throughout the globe, African musicians have taken home some Grammy prizes.
These performers have produced a great deal of amazing music in many different genres, which has been played across Africa and all over the world. These musicians are among the wealthiest musicians in their respective African nations thanks to the wealth they have accumulated from their musical careers.
No doubt, the speed with which African music is developing is awe. This, however, is due to the increasing number of talented musicians from different parts of the continent, working hard to bring out the best songs.
People have admired African music for its cheerful rhythms, powerful lyrics, and dynamic dancing motions since the dawn of time. The quality of African music has increased with time, and it is now more widely accepted and recognized.
These positive advancements are a result of the commitment, tenacity, and creativity of African musicians and composers who work relentlessly to guarantee that every song from the continent is distinctive and of the greatest level.
Over time, these musicians have released so many amazing songs of different types that are played around Africa and worldwide. In the process, they have earned a lot of money for themselves to climb the ladder of the richest African musicians.
Several musicians and artists from the continent have created some incredible musical compositions that have captured the attention of musicians worldwide. They have not only raised the profile of Africa but also demonstrated their virtues. Let’s look at the top 10 wealthiest African musicians of 2024 right now.
That said, as a music lover, you will want to know the worth of your faves, to give you a bragging right above others. With no further ado, RNN presents you with the list of the top 10 richest musicians in Africa.
Key Details
- Youssou N’dour is the richest musician in Africa
- Akon is the second-richest musician in Africa
- Wizkid is the richest musician in Nigeria and fourth in Africa
READ ALSO: Top 10 Richest Musicians In Nigeria
Top 10 Richest Musicians in Africa
The table below contains the names, net worth, ages, and nationality of the top 10 richest musicians in Africa.
| Rank | Musician | Networth | Age | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Youssou N’dour | $145million | 62 | Senegalese |
| 2 | Akon | $80million | 48 | Senegalese-American |
| 3 | Black Coffee | $60 million | 46 | South African |
| 4 | Wizkid | $30 million | 31 | Nigerian |
| 5 | Davido | $29 million | 29 | Nigerian |
| 6 | Asa | $28 million | 39 | French-Nigerian |
| 7 | Don Jazzy | $18 million | 39 | Nigerian |
| 8 | Burna Boy | $17 million | 30 | Nigerian |
| 9 | 2Face Idibia (2Baba) | $16.5 million | 46 | Nigerian |
| 10 | Paul Okoye (Rudeboy) | $16 million | 40 | Nigerian |
1. Youssou N’Dour
Forbes’ Richest Artist in Africa 2024, Youssou N’Dour
Youssou N’dour has a net worth of $145 million and he is the richest musician in Africa. A man who is known for his extraordinary vocal range and for introducing international audiences to mbalax—a Senegalese popular music style.
Born on October 1, 1959, Youssou N’Dour is a Senegalese singer, songwriter, musician, composer, occasional actor, businessman, and politician. Rolling Stone Magazine once described him as, “perhaps the most famous singer alive” in Senegal and much of Africa.
His bedrock in Senegalese music and storytelling remains the hallmark of his artistic personality. After two years in street theatre, Youssou’s career started in 1972, when he was just thirteen. Papa Samba Diop, known as Mba – leader of the Star Band in Dakar – passed away.
Youssou sang a tribute to him, a song he composed on stage in Senegal’s Saint-Louis Stadium. “Everyone was still in tears, and I brought a little joy. I was vibrating. Mba was like a star fading from the sky.” At the end of his song, Youssou was given a standing ovation. Youssou N’dou is first on our list of the top 10 richest musicians in Africa
2. Akon
Akon has a net worth of $80 million and he is among the richest musicians in Africa. For several years, Akon has been described as the richest musician from Africa. He’s situated among the world’s most acclaimed musicians.
He was born Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam but fondly called Akon in 1973, to a Wolof descent (the Wolof are an ethnic from Dakar in Senegal). A singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur.
Akon rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of “Locked Up”, the first single from his debut album Trouble, followed by the second single “Lonely”.
Unfortunately, Akon dropped to the 2nd on the list, which is understandable because of his huge investment in AKONCITY and others who have been gulping his money.
He accrued most of his wealth from the musical sales of his album, which push the sales to over 35 million worldwide, as well as several endorsement deals, plus other investments that have risen to the top of the list of the top 10 richest musicians in Africa. No hesitation over the continual swirls of his fame globally. Akon is second on our list of the top 10 richest musicians in Africa.
3. Black Coffee
Black Coffee has a net worth of $60 million and he is also among the richest musicians in Africa. His real name is Nkosinathi Innocent Sizwe Maphumulo. The South African musician, record producer, singer, and songwriter is also a multiple award DJ, including the Breakthrough DJ of the Year award at the DJ Awards.
Black Coffee has gotten 9 studio albums to his name since he joined the South African music industry in 1994. These songs have helped him earn so much money to become the richest musician in Africa in 2021.
He started his music career at the Durban University of Technology before becoming a backup singer for South African musician Madala Kunene. Black Coffe is third on our list of the top 10 richest musicians in Africa.
4. Wizkid
Wizkid has a net worth of $30 million and he is also one of the richest musicians in Africa. Apart from singing, Wizkid has secured many endorsement deals with MTN Nigeria, UBA, and GLO (which paid him over $240,000 million to become their ambassador).
In July 2019, the talented singer added more to his net worth after confirming a mega-deal signing for United Bank for Africa (UBA) as their brand ambassador.
He is well-known both outside of the Afrobeat community and within it and has achieved international popularity because he collaborated with well-known musicians like Chris Brown and Drake. And especially his recent success with Essence where he featured Tems.
After collaborating with other well-known performers, Wizkid expanded into the mainstream music industry. Being the first Nigerian to reach one million followers on Twitter makes him one of the most well-known Nigerians of all time. Additionally, Wizkid has revealed plans to start his clothing line and was successful in landing hefty endorsement deals with well-known companies like Pepsi.
His songs are still top Billboard’s Top 100 Hot Music. Wizkid’s musical career can be traced back to 2009 in Empire Mates Entertainment E.M.E records owned by “Banky W” where he recorded his debut album “Superstar” in 2011, which had the Hit track “Holla at Your Boy” which shot him to the limelight. The amazing talent dubbed Machala is the fourth on our list of the top 10 richest musicians in Africa.
5. Davido
Davido is the highest earner on Instagram in Nigeria.
Davido has a net worth of $28 million and is also among the richest musicians in Africa. Acclaimed Omo Baba Olowo or OBO is a sensational musician in Africa. David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido sits on a net worth estimated at 19 million U.S dollars.
Davido was born in Atlanta, United States of America, to the wealthy Nigerian family of Dr Adedeji Adeleke. His father is the co-founder of Adeleke University in Osun state and the CEO of Pacific Holdings Limited.
In 2021, Davido has named the highest-earning celebrity on Instagram in Africa. Additionally, he performs in local and international shows, where he earns as much as $20,000 million per performance (in Nigeria) and $30,000 for international performances.
Not to mention, his wealth has been affected positively by his YouTube channel, which has attracted over 663 million views since it was created. Davido is fifth on our list of the top 10 richest musicians in Africa.
6. Asa
Asa has a net worth of $28 million and is also one of the richest musicians in Africa. She is another important musician among the richest musicians in Nigeria. Bukola Elemide whose stage name is Asa is a well-known and lovely Nigerian/French singer, songwriter, performer, and recording artist.
She never fails to bless audiences with her heartfelt melodies. No one has the kind of flavour her songs bring to the heart of her audience. Asa was born in Paris to Nigerian parents who were both employed and enrolled in film school there. After she turned two, her family relocated back to Nigeria. Itoku, Abeokuta South local government area, Ogun State, Nigeria, is where her parents are from.
She was born and raised in Lagos City, which is located in southwest Nigeria, but she moved back to Paris 18 years later, where her career as an artist took off. Asa is the family’s fourth and only female child and has three brothers.
These albums contained legendary musicians including Marvin Gaye, Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Aretha Franklin, King Sunny Adé, Diana Ross, Nina Simone, and Miriam Makeba, as well as American, Nigerian, and African soul classics. Asa is sixth on our list of the top 10 richest musicians in Africa.
7. Don Jazzy
Don Jazzy has a net worth of $18 million and he is also one of the richest musicians in Africa. Collins Michael Ajereh, popularly known by his stage name, Don Jazzy
started his musical career with his collaborations with D’banj, where the duo made different hit tracks such as Mo’hits. This was before they parted ways about a decade ago. After separating from D’banj, Don Jazzy created the Mavins Records Label.
Also, a producer and entrepreneur, Don Jazzy’s net worth is estimated to be over $18 million. He is hailed for having an eye for talent. Just this year, on January 21, 2020, he announced the signing of a female artiste, Ayra Starr, into his music fold.
Although Don Jazzy is known for his wonderful music production, his hard work, in addition to his persistence, has helped him in his business dealings with artists both within and outside the country. Don Jazzy is seventh on our list of the top 10 richest musicians in Africa.
8. Burna Boy
Burna Boy has a net worth of $17 million and he is among the richest musicians in Africa. Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu known worldwide as Burna Boy is a Nigerian singer, rapper, songwriter, and dancer.
He is also rated as one of the best musicians in Nigeria. Relocating to Lagos was the best move for Burna Boy as it further helped his career. He started gaining recognition in the music industry in 2012 when he released his hit single ‘Like to Party’ from his debut album L.I.F.E.
Burna Boy sold Up to 40,000 copies of L.I.F.E. on the first day of its release. Also, Burna Boy sold L.I.F.E marketing rights to Uba Pacific. Burna Boy is making waves both domestically and abroad and has enjoyed a great music career.
His most recent album, Twice as Tall, was released in 2020 and quickly rose to fame both domestically and internationally. The record led to his nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2021.
9. 2Face Idibia
2Face has a net worth of $16.5 million and he is also among the richest musicians in Africa. 2Face, now called 2Baba was born Innocent Ujah Idibia and remains one of the most influential Nigerian artists ever.
He was part of a musical group called “Plantashun Boiz” before he signed to the Kennis Music Record Label. His Net Worth is $16 million. 2Fcae was born in Plateau State, Nigeria, on 18th September 1975.
Even though he was born in Jos, he is an indigene of Benue State. More so, 2Face is one of the oldest musicians in Nigeria that are still active in the Nigerian music industry.
He, however, has won different awards like the MTV Music Awards, Headies and BET Awards. Even though 2face likes living a private life, it’s not hard to tell that he possesses luxurious cars and houses.
2Face has earned so much money in his music career, making him one of the richest musicians in Africa in 2024. 2face is ninth on our list of the top 10 richest musicians in Africa.
10. Rude Boy
After Paul Okoye and his identical twin brother Peter Okoye disbanded Psquare, Paul changed his stage name to Rudeboy while Peter was simply called Mr P.
Paul Okoye also known as Rudeboy has a net worth of $16 million and he is among the richest musicians in Africa.
Rudeboy started his music career singing in school shows with his twin brother Peter Okoye (Mr P) while attending music school. The duo was popularly known as P-Square.
Together with his twin brother, released six hit albums, five of them being under their record label (Square Record Label) and one under Timbuk2 Music Label before they separated themselves due to a dispute.
After the disbandment of P-Square in 2017, both band members sought separate musical careers. Rudeboy released his debut solo tracks titled ‘Fire Fire’ and ‘Nkenji Keke’ in 2017.
His song “Reason With Me” generated the highest views on YouTube in Africa in 2019. Paul Okoye is the founder of Fire Department Inc, a record label he established in 2019.
P-Square’s first biggest hit was the single “Senorita,” and it was followed by a string of other hits that opened doors for them all over the world. The duo “Peter & Paul Okoye” cannot be disregarded while discussing successful music industry veterans. Paul Okoye is tenth on our list of the top 10 richest musicians in Africa.
Top 10 Richest Musicians in Africa
Here is a list of the top 10 richest musicians in Africa in 2024.
- 1. Youssou N’dour _ $140 MILLION
- 2. Akon _ $80 MILLION
- 3. Black Coffee _ $60 MILLION
- 4. Wizkid _ $30 MILLION
- 5. Davido _ $29 MILLION
- 6. Asa_ $28 MILLION
- 7. Don Jazzy_ $18 MILLION
- 8. Burna Boy_ $17 MILLION
- 9. 2Face_ $16.5 MILLION
- 10. Psqaure _ $16 MILLION
FAQs About The Top 10 Richest Musicians in Africa
These are the frequently asked question about the Richest Musicians in Africa:
Who Is The Richest Musician In Africa
Youssou N’dour is the richest musician in Africa. He is a Senegalese singer well renowned for his incredible vocal range and for popularizing mbalax, a genre of popular music from Senegal that predominantly combines Wolof traditional instrumental and vocal styles with Cuban and other popular Latin American genres. Youssou N’dour was Senegal’s minister of tourism and culture.
He was brought up in a devoted Sufi Muslim home by a father who were Serer and a mother who was of Tukulor ancestry and a keeper of the Bardic griot tradition. N’Dour grew up Wolof in both culture and language, like the majority of Dakar residents since the middle of the 20th century.
How Have The Richest Musicians In Africa Influenced African Music?
The top 10 richest musicians in Africa have had a significant influence on African music. They have introduced new sounds and styles, blended traditional African rhythms with Western influences, and broken down barriers in the music industry, making it easier for other African artists to gain recognition and success.
Through their success, they have also helped to promote African culture, showcasing the richness and diversity of the continent’s music and art. Some of these musicians have collaborated with artists from other parts of the world, creating new and exciting music that blends different styles and influences.
Additionally, some have built successful businesses, such as record labels and fashion lines, creating new opportunities for other artists and contributing to the growth of the African music industry. Overall, the top 10 richest musicians in Africa have played a significant role in shaping African music and have helped to create a thriving music industry on the continent.
What is the future of African music?
The future of African music is bright and promising. In recent years, African music has gained widespread recognition and popularity around the world, and there is a growing interest in the continent’s music and culture.
With the emergence of new technologies and social media platforms, African musicians have greater access to global audiences, and the opportunities for collaboration and cross-cultural exchange are increasing.
More so, there is a growing focus on developing local talent and infrastructure in the African music industry, to nurture and support the next generation of African artists. Overall, the future of African music looks exciting, with many opportunities for growth, innovation, and cultural exchange.
What are some of their most popular songs?
The top 10 richest musicians in Africa have produced many popular songs that have captured the hearts of audiences around the world. Akon’s hits include “Lonely”, “Smack That”, “Locked Up”, and “I Wanna Love You”.
Black Coffee’s popular songs include “Drive”, “We Dance Again”, “Superman”, and “Your Eyes”. Davido’s chart-topping tracks include “If”, “Fall”, “Fem”, and “Assurance”. Don Jazzy has produced hits such as “Eminado”, “Dorobucci”, “Adaobi”, and “Collabo”. Wizkid’s most popular songs include “Ojuelegba”, “Come Closer”, “Joro”, and “Essence”.
Other popular songs by the top 10 richest musicians in Africa include “Johnny” by Yemi Alade, “African Queen” by 2Face Idibia, “Oliel” by Diamond Platnumz, “Sweet Mother” by Prince Nico Mbarga, and “Soco” by Olamide. These songs have helped to showcase the richness and diversity of African music, and have played a significant role in promoting African culture and music around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the top 10 richest musicians in Africa have had a significant impact on the music industry in the continent and beyond. They have introduced new sounds, broken down barriers, and helped to promote African culture and music to a global audience.
Their popular songs have captivated audiences around the world and helped to showcase the richness and diversity of African music. As the music industry in Africa continues to grow and evolve, there is no doubt that these musicians will continue to play a significant role in shaping its future.
With many new opportunities for collaboration and cross-cultural exchange, the future of African music looks exciting and promising. The continent’s popular music has been affected by Latin American music genres such as conga, rumba, son Cubano, salsa, bomba, cumbia, samba, and zouk, which were established on the music of enslaved Africans. However, we hope you enjoy reading about the top 10 richest musicians in Africa.