Net Worth: Top 20 Richest Musicians In Africa In 2023, Their Names, Pictures, Country, Forbes, Etc

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Who is the richest musician in Africa? Here is a list of the top 20 wealthiest and highest-paid artists from Africa.

The African music industry has become quite vibrant of late. With beautiful songs and appealing videos, the music scene in Africa is remarkably different from what it was decades ago.

The musicians behind this growth have made quite a fortune from the industry’s rise. With a combination of album sales, streaming income, brand endorsements, and other investments, the richest musicians in Africa have found great success through their talents.

Who are the top 20 richest musicians in Africa in 2023?

Here is a look at the continent’s wealthiest musicians, their ages, and their net worth.

21. Jose Chameleone – $6 million

Net Worth: Top 20 Richest Musicians In Africa In 2022, Their Names, Ages, Birthday, Pictures, Country, Forbes, Etc
  • Real name: Joseph Mayanja
  • Date of birth: 30th April 1979
  • Age: 43 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Ugandan

Jose Chameleone is inarguably one of Uganda’s best musicians. The 42-year-old sings in different languages, including English, Swahili, and Luganda. His musical career took off at a very early age back in the 1990s when he would perform as the disco MC at a popular nightclub. At the time, he was still a secondary student in Kampala.

The Ugandan musician then joined Kenya’s Ogopa DJs record label. His musical style is a blend of reggae, zouk, rhumba, and Ugandan folk music, a unique combination not easily replicated. He is currently the CEO of the Leone Island Music Empire music label.

20. Diamond Platnumz – $7 million

  • Real name: Nasibu Abdul Juma Issack
  • Date of birth: 2nd October 1989
  • Age: 33 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Tanzanian

Diamond Platnumz has become so synonymous with Tanzanian music that you can barely mention one without the other. He is the founder and CEO of the WCB Wasafi Record Label and has numerous hit tracks to his name. His career has seen him release remarkable solo music as well as many collaborations with other Tanzanian and international musicians.

In 2013, he was said to have been the best-selling Tanzanian ringtone musician by different telecommunication companies. While Diamond has a decorated solo career, he has also produced successful tracks with the likes of Patoranking, Davido, Flavour, and Tiwa Savage.

Like many other successful musicians, Diamond has had several endorsements deals with the likes of Nice One laundry detergent, Pepsi, Coral Paints, Red Gold, DStv, Vodacom, and Coca-Cola. These deals have had significant contributions to his current net worth, making him one of the richest musicians in East Africa.

19. Banky W – $9 million

  • Real name: Olubankole Wellington
  • Date of birth: 27th March 1981
  • Age: 43 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Nigerian

Banky W was born in the USA but grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. The accomplished musician began his musical career at a very young age, at the time singing in church. After completing his high school studies, he relocated to New York for a university course in engineering.

His debut song, Ebute Metta, was an instant hit and paved the way for the release of other tracks such as Strong Thing and Lagos Party. Besides his immensely successful music career, Banky W has had several brand endorsements with Uber, Coca-Cola, and Etisalat Mobile. He was also the ‘face of Samsung’ in Nigeria.

The musician was also among the cast members of the 2016 film The Wedding Party, which made about $500,000.

18. Mr. P – $9.8 million

  • Real name: Peter Okoye
  • Date of birth: 18th November 1981
  • Age: 40 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Nigerian

Peter Okoye, commonly known as Mr. P, was the other half of the now-defunct P-Square duo. The singer and record producer went on to release several songs after the split with his equally famous brother. Besides music, Peter has also made quite a fortune from brand-influencing deals and commercials.

In 2017, Peter released his debut solo tracks titled Cool It Down and For My Head, underlining his position as one of Nigeria’s best musicians. One year later, he teamed up with Nyanda from the famous Brick and Lace duo for the song Wokie Wokie. He currently owns and manages a record label known as PClassic.

17. Akothee – $10 million

  • Real name: Esther Akoth
  • Date of birth: 8th April 1983
  • Age: 40 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Kenyan

Akothee is a Kenyan businesswoman and renowned musician best known for her entrepreneurial acumen. She is the owner and founder of several companies, including Akothee Homes, Aknotela, Akothee Foundation, and Akothee Safaris.

The musician has released numerous successful tracks, some of them featuring other renowned artists. Some of her most popular hits include Sweet Love featuring Diamond, New Dance featuring Oc, Oyoyo featuring McGalaxy, and Give It to Me featuring Flavour.

16. Flavour – $10.5 million

  • Real name: Chinedu Izuchukwu Okoli
  • Date of birth: 23rd November 1983
  • Age: 39 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Nigerian

Flavour’s music career began at the age of 13 when he started singing in church as a choir member. He then perfected his skills when the resident pastor introduced him to the executive officer at the renowned Soundcity Communications. The young Flavour then joined the company on an educational scholarship.

The musician has won numerous awards throughout his career. These include a City People Entertainment Award, Nigeria Music Video Award (NMVA), and Channel O Music Video Award. In addition, Flavor’s musical prowess and subsequent fame have opened doors for numerous social event invitations, concerts, and endorsement deals. The latter includes deals with Nigerian Breweries, Onga Seasoning, Hapr, Globacom, and Conoil.

15. Shatta Wale – $11 million

  • Real name: Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr
  • Date of birth: 17th October 1984
  • Age: 38 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Ghanaian

Shatta Wale is a popular Ghanaian singer and entrepreneur who is the current CEO of the Shatta Movement. Besides his significantly successful music career, Shatta has also made a fortune from brand endorsements throughout his career. Some of the most notable ones include Boss Baker Beef Roll, Kasapreko Company, Rush Energy Drink, and Guinness Ghana.

What is Shatta Wale’s net worth? Shatta Wale is currently the second richest and most influential musical artist in Ghana with an estimated net worth of $11 million. 

14. D’banj – $11 million

  • Real name: Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo
  • Date of birth: 9th June 1980
  • Age: 42 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Nigerian

D’banj is a famous Nigerian TV personality, entrepreneur, rapper, songwriter, and singer. His stage name is adopted from his real names, Oladapo (Dapo) and Oyebanjo. His decorated music career has seen him win several awards, including the Artist of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards in 2009, The Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2007, and the Best International Act: Africa at BET Awards in 2011.

His 2012 song, Oliver Twist, was among his most successful ones. Besides being a Nigerian success, D’banj also became the first African musician to get signed to Kanye West’s GOOD Music record label. Away from the music scene, the musician owns a chain of high-end clubs and lounges as well as a significant investment in a company known as Koko Water.

D’banj’s music income and numerous business ventures have catapulted him into one of the top richest musicians in Africa.

13. Olamide – $12 million

  • Real name: Olamide Adedeji
  • Date of birth: 15th March 1989
  • Age: 33 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Nigerian

Olamide is a Nigerian hip-hop artist, songwriter, and CEO of the YBNL Record Label. He is one of the few famous artists who record songs in native Yoruba. The musician came from a humble background and gradually rose to prominence. His music label has signed numerous artists, including Temi Ovwasa, Chinko Ekun, Picazo, Lil Kesh, and Adenkule Gold.

Olamide is also a brand ambassador for several high-profile Nigerian companies, including iTel Mobile, Cîroc, Globacom, and Guinness. In 2019, he signed an endorsement deal with Goldberg Lager, reportedly worth millions of naira.

What is Olamide’s net worth? Olamide has an estimated net worth of up $12 million. He is one of the richest musicians in Nigeria now.

12. Sarkodie – $15 million

  • Real name: Michael Owusu Addo
  • Date of birth: 10th July 1988
  • Age: 34 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Ghanaian

Sarkodie is one of Ghana’s most popular celebrities. The rapper, singer, and entrepreneur are renowned for his contributions to the Ghanaian music industry and the numerous awards won throughout his career. He won the Best International Flow artist award at the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards ceremony. He also won the Best International Act: Africa accolade at the 2012 BET Awards.

After developing a huge interest in music as a child, Sarkodie went on to pursue a career in music and got connected to the legendary Duncan William, who became his manager. His musical prowess and fame have earned him several endorsement deals with Samsung, Tigo Telecommunications, and the Year of Return campaign.

As an entrepreneur, Sarkodie owns the company that markets Obidi Chief headphones and a successful clothing line known as Sark by Yas. These investments have made him one of the top ten richest musicians in Africa.

What is Sarkodie’s net worth? The Famous Ghanaian rapper “Sarkodie” has a net worth of $15 Million.

11. Rudeboy – $15 million

  • Real name: Paul Okoye
  • Date of birth: 18th November 1981
  • Age: 41 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Nigerian

Paul Okoye, commonly known as Rudeboy, was part of the now-defunct duo P-Square that took Africa by storm. Since the duo’s split in 2017, Paul has released several hit songs; some considered to be among Nigeria’s finest tracks in the last few years.

Paul and his twin brother, Peter, had been together for 15 years. The affluent musician loves to spend on luxury cars and reportedly owns a Range Rover, BMW X6, Jeep Wrangler, and a Mercedes Benz. He also owns a mansion in Atlanta, Georgia, quite close to that of his brother Peter.

10. Fally Ipupa – $17 million

  • Real name: Fally Ipupa N’simba
  • Date of birth: 14th December 1977
  • Age: 45 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Congolese

Fally Ipupa is a Congolese singer and songwriter who was previously part of Koffi Olomide’s Quartier Latin International orchestra. In 2006, he left the band and embarked on his solo career. Ipupa’s debut album was titled Droit Chenim and became a massive success.

In 2007, the musician won the Kora Award for Best Artist or Group from Central Africa and followed it up with an MTV Africa Music Award for Best Video in 2010. Fally is often credited with modernizing Lingala music. He has a huge fanbase in France, where he often performs at sold-out shows.

9. Koffi Olomide – $18 million

Net Worth: Top 20 Richest Musicians In Africa In 2022, Their Names, Ages, Birthday, Pictures, Country, Forbes, Etc
  • Real name: Antoine Christophe Agbepa Mumba
  • Date of birth: 13th July 1956
  • Age: 66 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Congolese

Since the mid-1970s, Koffi Olomide has cemented his place as one of the best-known African musicians. The Congolese singer has 7 albums and numerous awards to his name. Unlike many successful musicians, Olomide had no musical background growing up.

He studied Business Economics in Bordeaux and followed that up with a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Paris. After venturing into the music industry, he founded the Quartier Latin International orchestra which has since nurtured and trained other successful artists, including Ferre Gola and Fally Ipupa.

Koffi Olomide has risen to become one of the most influential African musicians. With more than 40 music albums in circulation, Koffi Olomide’s net worth is an estimated $18 million.

8. Burna Boy – $20 million

  • Real name: Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu
  • Date of birth: 2nd July 1991
  • Age: 31 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Nigerian

Burna Boy is a Nigerian dancer, rapper, songwriter, and singer. He is one of Nigeria’s most accomplished artists and was awarded the African Artiste of the Year at the 2020 VGMAs. In 2020, Burna Boy’s album Twice as Tall was nominated for the Grammy Award in the African Artiste of the Year category. In 2021, the musician won the Best World Music Album award at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

Burna Boy is responsible for a career littered with success, so it is no surprise that his net worth sits at an impressive $20 million.

7. 2Baba/2 Face Idibia – $22.5 million

  • Real name: Innocent Ujah Idibia
  • Date of birth: 18th September 1975
  • Age: 47 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Nigerian

2baba is a renowned Nigerian record producer, actor, songwriter, and singer. He began his music career as part of the now-defunct group Plantashun Boyz. His big break as a solo artist came in 2006 when he released the famous track African Queen. The musician has won tens of awards in his career and has over 6 studio albums to his name.

Besides music, 2baba has numerous investments in the Nigerian real estate industry. He also owns a nightclub known as Rumors and reportedly makes between $50,000 and $80,000 per show. In 2019, he was appointed the brand ambassador of Pazino Homes and Gardens, a Nigerian real estate company. In 2020, he was the UNHCR’s goodwill ambassador.

Some of his other notable brand endorsement deals include Campari, Airtel, and Guinness. In 2006, he was reportedly paid more than $100,000 by the producers of the movie Phat Girls for the use of his track African Queen.

6. Don Jazzy – $25 Million

  • Real name: Michael Collins Ajereh
  • Date of birth: 26th November 1982
  • Age: 40 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Nigerian

Don Jazzy is an accomplished Nigerian entrepreneur, songwriter, singer, and record producer. His interest in the music industry began when he was aged 12. The musician has worked with numerous successful artists, including Jay-Z, Ikechukwu, Sauce Kid, and D’banj.

Don Jazzy was the founder of Mo’ Hits Records, a record label associated with several Nigerian musicians. After the label was dissolved, he founded Mavin Records, which exists to date. Besides singing, Don Jazzy has previously had numerous brand endorsement deals. These include Samsung, Betway, Johnnie Walker, and Indomie Noodles.

5. Wizkid – $28 million

  • Real Name: Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun
  • Date of Birth: July 16th, 1990
  • Age: 32 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Nigerian

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known professionally as Wizkid, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who was born in the year 1990 in Lagos State. He began recording music at the age of 11 and released a collaborative album with the Glorious Five, a group he and a couple of his church friends formed.

Wizkid isn’t one of the generations that didn’t do anything and got rich overnight right?

He debuted with his first song Holla at your boy in 2010. the song was a single off his debut studio album Superstar. That is how his breakthrough started as a singer and amazingly today he is the proud owner of his own record label and has several endorsement deals.

Music has been the number one thing I love to do the singer said. while pushing a strong narrative of Africa to the world during his interview with REDTV.

Money keeps pumping in from several sources including his clothing lineup but most noteworthy is the singer’s record label Starboy Records.

Well to be on this list the singer is estimated to be worth $25 million dollars, per Celebrity Net Worth.

4. Davido – $30 million

  • Real name: David Adedeji Adeleke
  • Date of birth: 21st November 1992
  • Age: 29 years (as of 2022)
  • Nationality: Nigerian

Davido is a Nigerian singer, record producer, and songwriter renowned for his catchy tunes and energetic dances. He rose to prominence after the release of his debut album Omo Baba Olowo in 2012. Since then, Davido has gained a massive global following, highlighted by the tens of millions of followers on his Instagram page.

The musician owns numerous properties in Nigeria and his birthplace in the USA. He has houses in Ikoyi, Banna Island, Lekki, and Atlanta, Georgia. The musician dropped out of school to pursue his musical passion before later completing his studies. His illustrious career has seen him a BET award as well as a number 6 position for his album on billboard’s US World Album charts.

What is Davido’s net worth? Davido is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer who has a net worth of $30 million. 

3. Black Coffee – $60 million

  • Real name: Nkosinathi Innocent Sizwe Maphumulo
  • Date of birth: 11th March 1976
  • Age: 47 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: South African

Black Coffee is a South African DJ and record producer who ventured into the music industry back in 1995. Renowned for his amazing electronic music, he has risen to become a household name in the African music scene. The DJ has 7 music albums to his name and has won more than 17 awards in his native South Africa.

Like other successful musicians on the continent, Black Coffee has had numerous endorsements with reputable companies, including a lucrative deal with AXE South Africa. His other income-generating avenues include frequent tours and hosted festivals.

What is Black Coffee’s net worth? Black Coffee has a net worth of $60 million, which equates to R1.1 billion in rands.

2. Akon – $60 million

  • Real name: Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam
  • Date of birth: 16th April 1973
  • Age: 50 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Senegalese American

Akon is, without a doubt, one of the best-known African American musicians of all time. Besides singing, the Senegalese American is also an actor, philanthropist, entrepreneur, producer, songwriter, and rapper. He rose to fame in 2004 after releasing the track Locked Up featuring Styles P. His first album was followed by one of his most popular singles of all time, Lonely.

Akon’s career has seen him win numerous awards, including BET, Billboard, and World Music Awards. In addition, he has 15 songs certified digital, 12 certified platinum, 3 certified 2x platinum, and 4 songs certified 3x platinum. Besides his exploits in the entertainment industry, Akon also has numerous business ventures that have contributed to his net worth. These include an operational diamond mine in South Africa.

What is Akon’s net worth? Aliaune Thiam, more commonly now known as R&B singer Akon, has a net worth of $60 million, per Celebrity Net Worth.

1. Youssou N’Dour – $145 million

  • Real name: Youssou Madjiguéne Ndour
  • Date of birth: 1st October 1959
  • Age: 63 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Senegalese

Who is the current richest musician in Africa? The answer is Youssou N’Dour, an accomplished Senegalese musician. Besides his immense wealth, he is also one of the best-known West African musicians today. Youssou has had quite a career in the African music industry, with successful projects as a singer, composer, and songwriter. He also served in the Senegalese Ministry of Tourism between 2012 and 2013.

The celebrated singer began his musical career in 1979 and has since won numerous awards, the most notable being a Grammy Award for best contemporary world music album in 2005. In 2000, The New York Times described Youssou’s voice as an ‘arresting tenor, a supple weapon deployed with prophetic authority.’

What is Youssou N’Dour’s net worth? For most of Africa and Senegal, Youssou is perhaps the most famous singer alive, with a net worth of $145 million.

Top 20 Richest Musicians in Africa 2022

RankName Net Worth
1Youssou N’Dour$145 million
2Akon$60 million
3Black Coffee$60 million
4Davido$30 million
5Wizkid$28 million
6Don Jazzy$25 million
72Baba/2 Face Idibia$22.2 million
8Burna Boy$20 million
9Koffi Olomide$18 million
10Fally Ipupa$17 million
11Rudeboy$15 million
12Sarkodie$15 million
13D’banj$11 million
14Shatta Wale$11 million
15Olamide$10.5 million
16Flavour$10.2 million
17Akothee$10 million
18Mr. P$9.8 million
19Banky W$9 million
20Diamond Platnumz$7 million
21Jose Chameleone$6 million