Richest musician in africa,The African music scene is full of talent, with artists who have gained international fame. Some stand out not only for their musical skills but also for their impressive financial success.
Africa’s richest musicians earn wealth through album sales, tours, endorsements, and business ventures. They are changing the music industry’s landscape.
This article explores the lives and careers of Africa’s wealthiest musicians, focusing on their journey to success, income sources, and impact on the industry. Let’s celebrate these icons of African music and wealth.
Richest Musician in africa
Koffi Olomide – $5 million
Koffi Olomide has been one of Africa’s top musicians since the mid-1970s. The Congolese singer has released 7 albums and won numerous awards.
Interestingly, Olomide didn’t grow up with a musical background. He studied Business Economics in Bordeaux and earned a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Paris.
After entering the music industry, he founded the Quartier Latin International orchestra, which helped launch other successful artists. Koffi Olomide’s net worth is $5 million.
Jose Chameleone – $6 million One of the Richest Musician in africa
Jose Chameleone is one of Africa’s richest musicians. The 42-year-old sings in several languages, including English, Swahili, and Luganda.
His music career began early in the 1990s when he performed as a disco MC at a popular nightclub while still in secondary school in Kampala.
Later, Chameleone joined Kenya’s Ogopa DJs record label. His music mixes reggae, zouk, rhumba, and Ugandan folk music, creating a unique style. He is now the CEO of the Leone Island Music Empire.
Diamond Platnumz – $7 million One of the Richest Musician in africa
Diamond Platnumz is often called the richest African musician. He is closely linked with Tanzanian music, and mentioning one usually brings up the other.
He founded and is the CEO of the WCB Wasafi Record Label. Diamond has released many hit songs, both solo and in collaboration with other artists from Tanzania and around the world.
In 2013, he was named the best-selling Tanzanian ringtone artist by several telecommunication companies.
Banky W – $9 million
Banky W was born in the USA but grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. He began his music career at a young age, singing in church. After high school, he moved to New York to study engineering.
His debut song, Ebute Metta, was a hit and led to more successful tracks like Strong Thing and Lagos Party. Besides music, Banky W has had major brand endorsements with Uber, Coca-Cola, and Etisalat Mobile. He also became the face of Samsung in Nigeria.
In 2016, he starred in the film The Wedding Party, which earned about $500,000.
Mr. P – $9.8 million
Peter Okoye, also known as Mr P, was part of the popular P-Square duo before it split. After the separation, he released several songs as a solo artist.
In 2017, Peter dropped his debut solo tracks, Cool It Down and For My Head, confirming his place among Nigeria’s top musicians. The following year, he collaborated with Nyanda from Brick and Lace on Wokie Wokie.
Besides music, Peter has earned a lot from brand deals and commercials. He now owns and manages a record label called PClassic.
Akothee – $10 million
Akothee is one of Africa’s richest musicians. She is also a successful businesswoman, known for her sharp entrepreneurial skills.
She owns several companies, including Akothee Homes, Aknotela, Akothee Foundation, and Akothee Safaris.
As a musician, Akothee has released many hit songs. Some of her most popular tracks include Sweet Love with Diamond, New Dance with Oc, Oyoyo with McGalaxy, and Give It to Me with Flavour.
Don Jazzy – $10 million
Don Jazzy is a successful Nigerian entrepreneur, songwriter, singer, and record producer. His interest in music started when he was just 12 years old.
He has worked with many top artists, including Jay-Z, Ikechukwu, Sauce Kid, and D’banj.
Don Jazzy founded Mo’ Hits Records, a label that helped launch several Nigerian stars. After it was dissolved, he started Mavin Records, which is still active today.
In addition to music, Don Jazzy has had many brand endorsement deals.
Davido – $10 million
Davido is a Nigerian singer, record producer, and songwriter known for his catchy songs and energetic dance moves. He became famous after releasing his debut album Omo Baba Olowo in 2012.
Since then, Davido has gained a huge global following, with millions of followers on Instagram.
He owns several properties in Nigeria and the USA, including houses in Ikoyi, Banana Island, Lekki, and Atlanta.
Davido dropped out of school to follow his passion for music before finishing his studies.
Flavour – $10.2 million
Flavour’s music career started at 13 when he sang in church. He honed his skills after the pastor introduced him to the executive officer at Soundcity Communications.
Flavour joined the company on an educational scholarship and later won several awards, including a City People Entertainment Award, NMVA, and Channel O Music Video Award.
His musical talent has led to invitations for social events, concerts, and endorsement deals with brands like Nigerian Breweries, Onga Seasoning, Hapr, Globacom, and Conoil.
Olamide – $10.5 million
Olamide is a Nigerian hip-hop artist, songwriter, and CEO of YBNL Record Label. He is known for recording songs in native Yoruba.
Coming from a humble background, Olamide rose to fame and signed artists like Temi Ovwasa, Chinko Ekun, and Adenkule Gold to his label.
He is also a brand ambassador for companies like iTel Mobile, Cîroc, Globacom, and Guinness. In 2019, Olamide signed a multimillion-naira endorsement deal with Goldberg Lager.
Shatta Wale – $11 million
Shatta Wale is a popular Ghanaian singer and the CEO of Shatta Movement.
In addition to his successful music career, Shatta has earned a fortune from brand endorsements. Notable brands he has worked with include Boss Baker Beef Roll, Kasapreko Company, Rush Energy Drink, and Guinness Ghana.
Rudeboy – $15 million
Paul Okoye, also known as Rudeboy, was part of the famous P-Square duo. After their split in 2017, he released several hit songs, some of which are considered among Nigeria’s best in recent years.
Rudeboy is one of the highest-paid African artists. He enjoys spending on luxury cars and reportedly owns a Range Rover, BMW X6, Jeep Wrangler, and Mercedes Benz.
He also owns a mansion in Atlanta, Georgia, near his brother Peter’s home.
Fally Ipupa – $17 million
Fally Ipupa is a Congolese singer and songwriter who was once part of Koffi Olomide’s Quartier Latin International orchestra. In 2006, he left the band to start his solo career.
His debut album, Droit Chenim, was a huge success. Fally won the Kora Award for Best Artist or Group from Central Africa in 2007 and an MTV Africa Music Award for Best Video in 2010. He is known for modernizing Lingala music and has a large fanbase in France, where he often performs at sold-out shows. Fally Ipupa’s net worth is $17 million.
Burna Boy – $17 million
Burna Boy is one of the richest singers in Africa. He is a Nigerian dancer, rapper, songwriter, and singer.
He is one of Nigeria’s top artists and won African Artist of the Year at the 2020 VGMAs.
In 2020, Burna Boy’s album Twice as Tall was nominated for a Grammy in the African Artiste of the Year category.
In 2021, he won the Best World Music Album award at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
2Baba/2 Face Idibia – $22.2 million
In 2023, 2baba is the richest Nigerian musician. He is a well-known record producer, actor, songwriter, and singer.
He started his career as part of the group Plantashun Boyz. In 2006, he became a solo artist with the hit song African Queen. Over his career, 2baba has won many awards and released more than six studio albums.
Apart from music, 2baba invests in Nigerian real estate and owns a nightclub called Rumors. He reportedly makes between $50,000 and $80,000 per show.
In 2019, he became an ambassador for Pazino Homes and Gardens. In 2020, he was appointed the UNHCR’s goodwill ambassador.
His endorsement deals include Campari, Airtel, and Guinness. In 2006, the producers of Phat Girls paid him over $100,000 to use African Queen in the movie.
Black Coffee – $60 million
Black Coffee is one of the wealthiest and most well-known musicians in Africa. He has released 7 albums and won over 17 awards in South Africa.
Like many successful musicians, Black Coffee has secured endorsements with top companies, including a lucrative deal with AXE South Africa. He also earns income from frequent tours and hosting festivals.
Akon – $80 million
Akon is a famous African American musician known for his singing, acting, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship. He gained fame in 2004 with his hit song “Locked Up” featuring Styles P.
His first album was followed by the popular single “Lonely.” Akon has won several awards, including BET, Billboard, and World Music Awards. He has 15 digital-certified songs, 12 platinum certifications, 3 double platinum, and 4 triple platinum songs.
In addition to his music career, Akon has invested in several businesses, including an operational diamond mine in South Africa.
Youssou N’Dour – $145 million
The richest musician in Africa today is Youssou N’Dour, a famous Senegalese musician. He is known as one of the most successful West African artists.
Youssou started his music career in 1979 and has achieved great success as a singer, composer, and songwriter. He won many awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album in 2005.
Aside from his music, Youssou served in the Senegalese Ministry of Tourism from 2012 to 2013.