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Top 10 Richest Musicians In Kenya and Their Net Worth
Kenya’s music industry has experienced tremendous growth over the years, with several musicians amassing great wealth and fame. From Afro-pop to hip-hop, these musicians have managed to make a fortune from their passion for music. In this list, we will take a look at the top 10 richest musicians in Kenya.
They include established artists who have been in the industry for a long time, as well as new faces who have recently risen to fame. Their wealth has been accumulated through album sales, endorsement deals, concerts, and other business ventures. These artists have not only contributed to the growth of the music industry in Kenya but have also made a significant impact on the entertainment industry as a whole.
Top 10 Richest Musicians In Kenya
| Rank | Name | Net Worth |
| 1 | Sauti Sol | $20 million |
| 2 | Bahati | $15 million |
| 3 | Lady Wanja | $12 million |
| 4 | Akothee | $10 million |
| 5 | Jaguar | $9 million |
| 6 | Willy Paul | $8.5 million |
| 7 | Nonini | $8 million |
| 8 | Size 8 | $1 million |
| 9 | Wyre | $1 million |
| 10 | Nameless | $800,000 |
1. Sauti Sol – $20 million
Sauti Sol is a Kenyan Afro-pop group that has taken the music industry by storm. The group was formed in Nairobi in 2005 and consists of four members, Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano, Savara Mudigi, and Polycarp Otieno. Sauti Sol’s music is a fusion of various genres, including pop, R&B, and traditional African music. The group has released several hit songs, including “Sura Yako,” “Nerea,” and “Melanin.”
Sauti Sol is not only known for their music but also for their business acumen. The group has ventured into various businesses, including a record label, a fashion line, and a production company. Their wealth has been accumulated through album sales, endorsements, and their various business ventures. Sauti Sol has won numerous awards, including the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act in 2014.
His hard work and business acumen have helped them become one of the top 10 richest musicians in Kenya. Their music continues to inspire and entertain audiences across the world, and they remain a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
2. Bahati – $15 million
Bahati is a famous gospel musician in Kenya who has won numerous awards in the music industry. He is the second richest musician in the country, and some of his hit songs include “Mom,” “Machozi,” and “Sweetheart.” He is also known for his philanthropic work, having founded Emb Records to support young musicians.
Despite some controversies surrounding his collaboration with the Boondocks Gang, Bahati remains popular with a large following both in Kenya and internationally. With a high net worth, he is among the wealthiest musicians in Kenya.
3. Lady Wanja – $12 million
Lady Wanja is a Kenyan musician who started her music career as a backup vocalist for Mbiri Young Stars in 1984, led by Musaimo. Later, she formed her own band, Queenja Les, and released her first album, Ndorogonye, in 1991.
Although the album was not a commercial success, she continued to pursue her passion. Queen Jane’s career took off after releasing the hit song, Mwendwa KK, which propelled her to fame. Her dedication to the music industry in Kenya has contributed to her high net worth, making her one of the wealthiest musicians in the country.
4. Akothee – $10 million
Akothee is the fourth richest musician in Kenya with an estimated net worth of $10 million. She owns a beach resort in Diani, a real estate firm, a property worth 80 million in Rongo, and several high-end cars. Despite divorcing her Kisii husband 15 years ago, Akothee has managed to accumulate a significant fortune.
She has been married multiple times but her quest for wealth has remained undiminished despite the personal challenges. Akothee is also recognized as the wealthiest Luo musician in Kenya.
5. Jaguar – $9 million
Charles Kanyi was once a famous singer known as Jaguar before entering politics. He won a seat on the Jubilee Party platform during the 2017 general election and is now serving his first term in government. Jaguar’s popularity as a musician was a significant factor in his election as a Member of Parliament.
He started his music career with a few successful tracks that helped him gain fame, and he’s known for his flashy and generous lifestyle. Jaguar is recognized as one of East Africa’s most celebrated musicians due to his contributions to the growth and development of the Kenyan music industry.
6. Willy Paul – $8.5 million
Willy Paul is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and CEO of Saldido International Entertainment. He became famous after the release of his debut single, Sitolia, in 2010, which he co-wrote with Gloria Muliro. The song was a reflection of his life experiences, highlighting the challenges he faced and thanking God for transforming his life.
It catapulted him to fame, and he gained widespread recognition among fans and the general public. After releasing a series of successful songs, his revenues increased, cementing his position among Kenya’s top ten richest musicians.
7. Nonini – $8 million
Nonini is a co-founder of Genge, a genre of Africanized Hip Hop, he hosts a breakfast show on One FM and manages three studios that receive a lot of local airtime, making him the highest-paid artist by MCSK in 2012. He established the Colour kwa Face Foundation to advocate for the rights of people with albinism.
In 2002, he gained sponsorship from major corporations after releasing a successful record, and he has continued to release hit singles ever since. Nonini’s success in Kenya’s music industry has made him one of the country’s top musicians.
8. Size 8 – $1 million
Clement Rapudo discovered the talent of a now-popular gospel artist ten years ago. She was signed to the record company, which launched her musical career. With hits like ‘vindonge,’ she quickly gained fame as a secular musician before announcing that she had embraced Christ as her Savior and had been renewed.
This story went viral on the internet, with both positive and negative feedback from viewers and supporters. Regardless, she changed her ways for the better and started composing Christian songs. Size 8 now plays R&B afro-pop contemporary Christian music. Her music has made her a millionaire, placing her among Kenya’s richest musicians.
9. Wyre –Â $1 million
Wyre, a Kenyan musician with a unique blend of R&B and Reggae music, is a popular figure in the industry. He first gained fame as a member of music groups Necessary Noize and East African Bashment Crew but eventually went on to have a successful solo career.
He has released two solo albums that have dominated the Kenyan music scene and has performed in various African countries.
10. Nameless – $800,000
Nameless is a famous Kenyan musician who gained fame after winning a radio station’s talent contest in 1999. He impressed the judges with his musical abilities and soon became a star. He has traveled to many places, including Eastern Africa, America, and the United Kingdom, performing for his fans, he released his first album, “On Fire,” which made him a household name and received positive reviews from critics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these musicians have not only proven that music pays but also that you can make a fortune doing what you love. Maybe it’s time to pick up that guitar or start writing some lyrics. Who knows, you could be the next big thing on this list. But for now, let’s just appreciate the talents and bank accounts of Kenya’s top 10 richest musicians. Keep singing and keep hustling!
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