Africa is a continent that boasts of talented and successful musicians who have made their mark in the music industry both locally and internationally. From Afrobeat to Hip Hop, Highlife to Reggae, these artists have created some of the most iconic and recognizable music in the world.
In this blog, we’ll be taking a look at the top 10 richest African musicians, their music career, and their net worth.
- Youssou N’Dour
Youssou N’Dour is a Senegalese singer, songwriter, and politician. He is known for his soulful voice and unique style that blends African rhythms with other genres of music. N’Dour’s net worth is estimated at $145 million, making him the richest African musician.
N’Dour was born in Dakar, Senegal, in 1959. He began his music career in the early 1970s and rose to fame in the 1980s. He has released several albums and collaborated with several international artists, including Peter Gabriel, Bruce Springsteen, and Neneh Cherry.
Unknown Fact: Youssou N’Dour is not only a musician but also a successful businessman. He is the owner of several businesses, including a recording studio, a nightclub, and a newspaper.
- Akon
Akon, whose real name is Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam, is a Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is known for his R&B and hip-hop music style. Akon’s net worth is estimated at $80 million.
Akon was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1973, and grew up in Senegal. He began his music career in the early 2000s and gained international recognition in the mid-2000s with his album “Konvicted.” Akon has won several awards, including Grammy Awards and Billboard Music Awards.
Unknown Fact: Akon is not only a musician but also a philanthropist. He has launched several initiatives to help underprivileged communities, including the Akon Lighting Africa Project, which provides solar power to African countries.
- Black Coffee
Black Coffee, whose real name is Nkosinathi Maphumulo, is a South African DJ, record producer, and singer. He is known for his house music style. Black Coffee’s net worth is estimated at $60 million.
Black Coffee was born in Durban, South Africa, in 1976. He began his music career in the mid-1990s and gained international recognition in the mid-2010s with his album “Pieces of Me.” Black Coffee has won several awards, including DJ Awards and International Dance Music Awards.
Unknown Fact: Black Coffee is not only a musician but also a fashion icon. He has collaborated with several fashion brands, including Gucci and Nike.
- Wizkid
Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is known for his Afrobeat and R&B music style. Wizkid’s net worth is estimated at $30 million.
Wizkid was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1990. He began his music career in the early 2010s and gained international recognition in the mid-2010s with his album “Ayo.” Wizkid has won several awards, including BET Awards and MOBO Awards.
Unknown Fact: Wizkid is not only a musician but also an actor. He made his acting debut in the Nigerian movie “The Lion King.”
Also Read: Top 10 Best Singer in Africa 2023 Edition
- Davido
Davido, whose real name is David Adedeji Adeleke, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is known for his Afrobeat and Afropop music style. Davido’s net worth is estimated at $25 million.
Davido was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1992, and grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. He began his music career in the mid-2010. Davido has released several albums and won several awards, including BET Awards and MTV Africa Music Awards.
Unknown Fact: Davido is not only a musician but also a philanthropist. He has launched the Davido Foundation to provide education and healthcare
6. Don Jazzy
Don Jazzy, whose real name is Michael Collins Ajereh, is a Nigerian record producer, singer, and songwriter. He is the founder of the record label, Mavin Records. Don Jazzy’s net worth is estimated at $20 million.
Don Jazzy was born in Umuahia, Nigeria, in 1982. He began his music career in the early 2000s and has produced several hit songs for Nigerian and international artists. Don Jazzy has won several awards, including City People Entertainment Awards and The Future Awards Africa.
Unknown Fact: Don Jazzy is not only a musician but also a social media influencer. He has a massive following on social media and is known for his humorous and witty posts.
- Burna Boy
Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He is known for his Afrobeat and dancehall music style. Burna Boy’s net worth is estimated at $17 million.
Burna Boy was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, in 1991. He began his music career in the early 2010s and gained international recognition in the mid-2010s with his album “Outside.” Burna Boy has won several awards, including Grammy Awards and BET Awards.
Unknown Fact: Burna Boy is not only a musician but also a fashion icon. He has collaborated with several fashion brands and has been featured in Vogue and GQ magazines.
- 2Face Idibia/2Baba
2Face Idibia, also known as 2Baba, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is known for his unique style of music, which blends Afro-pop, R&B, and reggae. 2Baba’s net worth is estimated at $16 million.
2Baba was born in Jos, Nigeria, in 1975. He began his music career in the late 1990s as a member of the group Plantashun Boiz. 2Baba has released several solo albums and has won several awards, including MTV Africa Music Awards and The Headies.
Unknown Fact: 2Baba is not only a musician but also a humanitarian. He has launched the 2Face Foundation to promote peace, unity, and development in Africa.
- Rudeboy
Rudeboy, whose real name is Paul Okoye, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and dancer. He is known for his R&B and Afro-pop music style. Rudeboy’s net worth is estimated at $10 million.
Rudeboy was born in Jos, Nigeria, in 1981. He began his music career in the early 2000s as a member of the group P-Square with his twin brother Peter Okoye. Rudeboy has released several solo albums and has won several awards, including City People Entertainment Awards and Nigerian Entertainment Awards.
Unknown Fact: Rudeboy is not only a musician but also a businessman. He has launched several businesses, including a record label and a real estate company.
- Timaya
Timaya, whose real name is Enitimi Alfred Odom, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He is known for his Afro-pop and dancehall music style. Timaya’s net worth is estimated at $8 million.
Timaya was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, in 1977. He began his music career in the early 2000s and gained popularity in the mid-2000s with his album “True Story.” Timaya has released several albums and has won several awards, including The Headies and Nigeria Music Video Awards.
Unknown Fact: Timaya is not only a musician but also a car enthusiast. He has a collection of luxurious cars, including a Bentley, a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, and a Range Rover.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the African music industry has produced some of the world’s most successful musicians, with Youssou N’Dour, Akon, and Black Coffee being the top three richest African musicians. These musicians have not only made significant contributions to the music industry but also to society through their philanthropic works. It is essential to recognize and celebrate their achievements and contributions to the African and global music scene.