10 Richest African Musicians

Richest African Musicians

African musicians continue to make a name for themselves on the global scene. They enjoy immense popularity and have accrued substantial financial wealth from selling thousands of records and endorsement deals

10 Richest Musicians from Africa

Here is a list of the ten richest African musicians, a list compiled by Forbes Magazine on the basis of sales, social media influence, YouTube views and charitable deeds.

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#10 – Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe)

The year 2017 makes forty years since Oliver Mtukudzi emerged on the Zimbabwe music scene. His smoky voice and unique style of music made him popular on the African continent and gained him mass recognition globally.

Throughout his years as a musician, he has produced 65 albums, traveled all over the world on tours, and has been the recipient of many awards.

His long and industrious musical career has brought him immense wealth. Forbes listed him as one of Africa’s top richest musicians in its May 2017 release.

#9 – Sarkodie (Ghana)

Sarkodie is a hip hop artist that hails from Tema, Ghana. His single Baby cemented his spot on the Ghanaian music scene. He went on to produce three more albums and a number of singles that gained him recognition as one of Africa’s most popular hip hop artists.

An artist possessing sound business acumen, he launched the Obidi Chief headphones in 2012 and Sark by Yas clothing line in 2013. Samsung Electronics enlisted him as its ambassador in 2012. In its May 2017 release, Forbes listed him as the 9th richest African musician in its.

#8 – Davido (Nigeria)

In 2012, American born Nigerian artist Davido released the single Dami Duro from his first album, Omo Baba Olowo that had Nigerians falling in love with him.

The song sat in at the top at several music charts in Nigeria and was used in the political campaign of a Nigerian governor. He went on to produce another studio album and a number of singles that have increased his popularity in Nigeria and on the international scene.

Davido signed a recording deal with Sony recording label in July 2016. He has endorsed brands like MTN Pulse and Guinness Africa.

#7 – Wizkid (Nigeria)

Nigerian artist, Wizkid has been heating up the music charts of countries over the world since his feature on Drake’s One Dance. The international recognition gained along with increased sales had Forbes listing him as the 7th richest African musician in its May 2017 release.

Wizkid started recording music as young as 11 years of age. In 2010, his single Holla at Your Boy propelled his music career in Nigeria. He is the first Nigerian musician to have over 1 million followers on Twitter. He recently released the single African Bad Girl with Chris Brown.

#6 – Jidenna (Nigerian – American)

Jidenna, born in America to a Nigerian mother and an American father, spent his early years in Nigeria. He had everyone rocking to his song Classic Man released in February 2015.

The song became a hit worldwide. Classic Man gave Jidenna a Grammy Award nomination in December 2015. With Classic Man certified Platinum by RIAA it is no surprise that he is the sixth richest African artist according to Forbes.

#5 – Tinashe (Zimbabwe-American)

Zimbabwe- American Tinashe has been earning from the tender age of three. At three years old, she began her career as an actress and model. Fast forward to today; Tinashe has made her name as a singer, actress, songwriter, dancer and record producer.

She has sung alongside Chris Brown, ASAP Rocky and has acted in Akeelah and the Bee, Two and a Half Men and Empire. Tinashe’s successful career in music and film makes her the fifth richest African musician according to Forbes.

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#4 – Don Jazzy (Nigeria)

It’s Don Jazzy again this time on Forbes Magazine list of the richest African musician. Don Jazzy profits from being a record producer, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur.

He has produced albums for popular African musicians, D’Banj and international rapper Jay-Z. His works also include producing vocals for Kanye West’s Lift Off featuring Beyonce.

#3- Hugh Masekela (South Africa)

Two times Grammy award-winning Hugh Ramopolo Masekela is a South African who has gained international recognition as a singer, composer and instrumentalist.

Songs such as Bring Him Back Home and Soweto Blues protested against the Apartheid and became anthems for the anti-apartheid movement. He left South Africa during the Apartheid and eventually settled in America where he released many songs, compositions and played in jazz ensembles.

Many of his pieces became international successes. His successful career as a musician has earned him a place on Forbes May 2017 list of the richest African musicians.

#2- Black Coffee (South Africa)

Black Coffee is the hottest DJ in South Africa at the moment. He has made a name for himself on the international scene with his electronic dance albums.

His album Africa Rising was certified double platinum in 2012. An exceptional musician, Black Coffee played for 60 hours non-stop at Maponya Ball in 2010, earning himself a spot in the Guinness Book of Records.

He has received countless awards and recognition in his career. His latest recognition is on Forbes 2017 list of the richest African musicians as the 2nd richest African musician.

#1 – Akon (Senegalese-American)

‘Locked up, they won't let me out”. Yes, Akon, singer, songwriter, record producer, is at the top of Forbes Magazine list of the richest African artists. Many of his singles have been certified platinum many times over. This artist owns his own diamond mine.

Enough said. He has been at the top of the music charts all around the world. Akon has toured with artists like Rihanna and has produced songs for Lady Gaga. He has also worked with greats like Michal Jackson and Whitney Houston.

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