One of the fastest-growing music industries in the world is the African Music Industry. This is not far-fetched from the fact that the continent is blessed with so many talented youths in the industry.
These young talents that are found in the industry are very industrious to produce the best songs that are suitable for all tribes, races, and religions. They have released numerous incredible songs of various genres that have been played throughout Africa and around the world.
Over time, African music has improved significantly and is currently gaining more acceptance and recognition on a global scale.
The continent’s musicians have always competed and are still competing with other musicians all over the world. So many international awards like the Grammy awards have been given to African musicians in recent times and even in the time past.
This could be attributed to the dedication, determination, and ingenuity of African artists, who strive tirelessly to ensure that every sound from the continent is distinct and of the highest calibre. And indeed, they have been able to win the hearts of the international music community with their amazing musical works.
Aside from winning the hearts of the international music community and making the African continent proud, they have also made fortune and wealth for themselves.
Through music, these artists are now billionaires and counted among the wealthy. Let’s take a look at some top five richest in the African music industry.
Youssou N’Dour
The 62 years old Senegalese is not only the richest Musician in Africa but also the oldest among the richest. His net worth for this year, 2022 is pegged at 145 million dollars. He accumulated his wealth through his music career and the popularization of his well-known music called mbalax.
Rolling Stone Magazine once named him Senegal’s most famous living singer. He started his music career at a young age when he joined Super Diamond, which made his career known to the world.
Aside from his music career that comprises singing, composing, and writing songs, N’Dour had a brief acting career, runs a business, and a little bit of politics.
Some of the characteristics that make Youssou popular with music enthusiasts include his solid footing in Senegalese music and his capacity to weave narratives into his songs.
Akon
Akon is the second richest African Musician with a net worth of 80 million dollars.
He is not a new face when ranking Africa’s wealthiest musicians because he has consistently been on the list.
Aside from being among the wealthiest, Akon is one of Africa’s most global musicians.
Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam, popularly known as Akon was born in Dakar, Senegal in 1973.
The singer is renowned for his work as a businessman, songwriter, record producer, and performer.
His career as an artist took off in 2004 after he released ‘locked up, the lead song from his ‘Trouble’ album. He later recorded ‘lonely’, one of the greatest hits of the music industry.
Black Coffee
Known as Nkosinathi Innocent Sizwe Maphumulo with the stage name ‘Black Coffee’, is the third richest in the African music industry.
He is a celebrated DJ, Recorder producer, and Vocalist in his country South Africa, Africa, and around the world.
The 46 years old has a net worth of 60 million dollars and has recorded nine studio albums since he joined the music industry in 1994.
These albums have achieved success both in South Africa and on the international scene.
In 2021, he was ranked the wealthiest musician in Africa.
Black Coffee started his musical career at the Durban University of Technology, where he later began performing as Madala Kuenene’s backup singer, where he rose to fame.
Wizkid
With a net worth of 21 million dollars, Wizkid became number four on the list. Also, through the help of his singing and multiple endorsement deals, the international Afrobeat artist was able to accumulate such a net worth himself. The 31-year-old Nigerian singer gained popularity in 2011 with the release of his chart-topping single “Holla at Your Boy,” which was included on the hit debut album “Superstar.”
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, better known as Wizkid became the first African musician to earn million dollars in a single show when he was announced as one of the stars headlining the 2022 Rolling Loud Music Festival in September.
He was the first Nigerian musician to be recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most played song on Spotify.
Wizkid began his musical career at the age of 11 in a nearby church. He was once a member of a local band called the Glorious Five.
Davido
He has a net worth estimated to be around 20 million dollars, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido with a stage name OBO was ranked the 5th wealthiest African musician.
He is also ranked as the 53rd highest-paid celebrity on Instagram. This made him top his position in Nigeria and Africa.
The 29 years old Atlanta-born Nigerian singer was given a golden start in Atlanta, USA, by his father, Dr Adedeji Adeleke. His father is a very wealthy man, being the co-founder of Adeleke University in Osun state, Nigeria, and the CEO of Pacific Holdings Limited.
In addition to the enormous sum of money Davido generates from Instagram, he makes between $20,000 and $30,000 for every musical performance both in Nigeria and abroad.
