In this article, we reveal the top 10 richest musicians in Africa for 2024, highlighting their net worth. Read who’s topping the charts!
African music is historically rich, vast, and diverse, like the continent itself. In fact, it’s the cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations for centuries. Some of the richest musicians in Africa are proof that great music not only captivates audiences but also brings massive fortunes.
Africa is home to some of the most talented musicians in the world. However, Nigeria and Senegal take the lead with the highest representation. From the legendary Youssou N’Dour to the ‘Afro Queen’ Tiwa Savage, African musicians will inspire you with their creativity, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Are you wondering who the richest musician in Africa is? Keep reading this article. We have sorted the most updated list of Africa’s top 10 rich musical artists.
Richest Musicians of Africa In 2024
African music has produced some of the most exceptional talent in the world. Let’s see which top 10 artists are leading the music industry in 2024.
1. Youssou N’Dour ($145 million)
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Name: Youssou Madjiguene Ndour
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Age: 64 years
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Nationality: Senegal
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Net worth: $145 million
Known as the “King of African Pop,” Youssou N’Dour is a man of many talents. This Senegalese musician, singer, actor, businessman, and politician started his career in 1979. N’Dour has more than 34 albums on his credit. Apart from singing and acting, he is also a political activist and a business giant in Senegal. This diverse portfolio has immensely contributed to his wealth and made him the richest African musician.
Youssou N’Dour is famous for his extraordinary range of vocals and distinctive music style. He is one of the pioneers of mbalax, a Senegalese music genre that blends with Latin American hip-hop. He has many other accolades and won a Grammy Award for “Best Contemporary World Music Album” in 2005.
2. Akon ($80 million)
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Name: Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam
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Age: 50 years
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Nationality: Senegalese-American
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Net worth: $80 million
He may be “Mr.Lonely,” but Akon’s $80 million net worth has made him the second highest-paid African artist. Akon was born in St.Louis, Missouri, U.S.A, but spent many years in Senegal. These multicultural transitions can be seen in his music, a blend of RandB, hip-hop, and African Rhythms. His debut album ‘Trouble’ was released in 2004 with hits like ‘Locked Up’ and ‘Lonely’ which gave him international recognition.
Akon has collaborated with Eminem, Lady Gaga, and Michael Jackson with five straight Grammy nominations. He is also a successful entrepreneur who invests in real estate and owns a music company and a clothing line.
3. Black Coffee ($60 million)
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Name: Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo
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Age: 47
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Nationality: South African
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Net worth: $60 million
Nkosinathi Maphumulo, aka Black Coffee, takes third place among the richest musicians in Africa. He is also one of the most successful DJs and music producers on the African continent. Black Coffee’s music is famous for its indigenous African roots with a blend of jazz and classical. As a highly celebrated artist, he also won a Grammy Award in 2022 for “Best Dance/Electronic Album.”
Coffee gained popularity in 2004 when his song ‘Happiness’ became a hit. Until now he has a total of nine studio albums. He charges a fee of R 200000 for a local show and around R 2 million for an international gig.
4. Davido ($38 million)
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Name: David Adedeji Adeleke
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Age: 31
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Nationality: Nigerian
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Net worth: $38 million
Global Afrobeat sensation Davido was born in Atlanta, U.S., to Nigerian parents. He is one of the most successful songwriter record producers and fourth richest singer in Africa. Davido is the founder of the record label, “Davido Music Worldwide,” which also works in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment.
His first solo track ‘Gobe’ was released in 2013, which made it to the Premium Times top 10 songs of 2013. He further developed a massive fan base with consistent hits “If,” “Fall,” “Fia,” and “Assurance.”
Despite coming from a wealthy Nigerian family, Davido has worked hard to build his music empire. Most of his money comes from music, concerts, and brand endorsements such as Puma, Infinix Mobile, and Martell.
5. Wizkid ($25 million)
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Name: Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun
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Age: 33
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Nationality: Nigerian
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Net worth: $25 million
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, better known as Wizkid, is a Nigerian-born musician and artist. Wizkid started singing at the age of 11 and released a collaborative album with his friends. He later rose to fame after releasing “Holla at Your Boy” in 2011. Soon after, he launched his record label, “Star Boy Entertainment,” in 2013 and never looked back.
Wiz is one of the youngest, richest musicians in Africa, with a net worth of almost $25 million. His music is a fusion of Afrobeat, reggae, and pop, critically acclaimed by global audiences. He has also won a Grammy Award in collaboration with Beyonce for the “Lion King: The Gift” soundtrack. The major reasons behind his immense wealth are the success of his own music label and brand endorsements with well-known companies such as Pepsi, Nike, and Ciroc.
6. Burna Boy ($22 million)
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Name: Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu MFR
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Age: 32
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Nationality: Nigerian
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Net worth: $ 22 million
Burna Boy is a Nigerian singer and song producer with immense contributions to making Afrobeats and Afrofusion globally popular. He rose to stardom after the release of his chart-topper “Like to Party” in 2012. Burna is a highly creative artist proud of his Nigerian roots, which are well depicted in his music.
Among all other international accolades, he has also won a Grammy Award for his fifth studio album, “Twice as Tall” (August 2020).
Burna Boy comes on number six among the richest musicians in Africa. He makes most of his money through music sales, brand endorsements, and international concerts. His shows are well-known for selling out, making him among the most successful touring artists.
7. Don Jazzy ($16 to $18 million)
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Name: Michael Collins Ajereh
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Age: 41
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Nationality: Nigerian
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Net worth: $16 to $18 million
Don Jazzy is a highly respected Nigerian songwriter and record producer often known as the “Institution of Afrobeat music .” Jazzy is a highly respected mentor figure in the music industry who has shaped and nurtured the careers of many aspiring artists such as D’banj, Wande Coal, and Tiwa Savage through his label Mavin House.
Other than music, he is a successful entrepreneur with investments in tech startups and real estate companies. As a human committed to giving back, Don Jazzy actively engages in philanthropic activities related to education and health care.
8. 2Baba/2 Face Idibia ($16 million)
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Name: Innocent Ujah Idibia
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Age: 48
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Nationality: Nigerian
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Net worth: $16 million
Innocent is a Nigerian singer and producer, popular by his stage name 2Baba or 2Face Idibia. He is one of Africa’s most influential and successful pop stars. 2Baba debuted in 2004 with his first solo album, “Face2Face,” which contained the international hit “African Queen.” His music created a new wave of awareness about Nigerian pop on the continent.
Like all other artists, 2Baba makes money through his record label, music, brand endorsements, and international concerts. These ventures have contributed to make him one of the richest musicians in Africa.
9. Fally Ipupa ($15 million)
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Name: Fally Ipupa N’simba
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Age: 46
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Nationality: Congolese
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Net worth: $15 million
Prince of Rumba, Fally Ipupa, is a Congolese singer, dancer, producer, and philanthropist. Ipupa is famous for blending different music styles, such as Congolese rumba, soukous, and ndombolo. His lyrics explore the themes of love, happiness, grief, and joy. He first joined Quartier Latin International but later emerged as a solo artist with his debut album’ Droit Chemin’. It became an instant hit due to his unique singing style.
Ipupa strives to preserve the rich cultural heritage of his country through music. He has collaborated with numerous international artists such as R. Kelly, Olivia Longott, and Nakamura, which further boosts his global recognition. Ipupa enjoys a net worth of $15 million and ranks 9th among the richest musicians in Africa.
10. Tiwa Savage ($9 to $12 million)
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Name: Tiwatope Omolara Savage
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Age: 44
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Nationality: Nigerian
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Net worth: $9 to $12 million
Nigerian-born singer, songwriter, and actress Tiwa Savage is the only female artist who has made it to Africa’s top ten richest musicians. While known as the ‘Queen of Afrobeats’, Savage’s work incorporates influences from RandB, hip-hop, and pop. She released her solo debut album, “Once Upon a Time,” in 2013, which later got nominated for Best Album of the Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
Savage possesses a soulful voice that is capable of delivering both smooth vocals and energetic performances. She is considered a pioneering figure for females in Afrobeat music, inspiring them to challenge societal norms.
Conclusion
In short, African music is full of talent and wealth. The above list shows the top ten richest musicians in Africa, highlighting their diverse music styles and entrepreneurial ventures. These artists are not only entertaining people but also transforming global music. With more collaborations coming out of African music, we can expect to see some great talent achieving more success in the future.
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