Given the shutdown across the world, the showbiz industry has been affected in so many ways. However, musicians around the African continent are making good use of their talent and racketeering millions. Kenyan Weekly has compiled a list of some of the richest musicians on the continent at the moment, based on their gigs, endorsements, assets, awards, investments and fame.
1. AKON (AMERICAN FROM SENEGAL)
The Senegalese legend, based in the US, has appeared on the Forbes list on many occasions, winning a spot in either the highest-paid Hollywood celebrities or the wealthiest actors. He sold more than 35 million albums worldwide, received various awards including five Grammy Award nominations and 45 Billboard Hot 100 songs under his belt. The “Lonely” hit-maker is estimated to be worth $80 million.
2.SHATTA WALE- GHANA
The self-proclaimed ‘African Dance Hall King’ recently surpassed Billboard’s ‘Most Watched Homegrown Artists’ in the Ghanaian list, revealing some facts about his net worth. Like Davido, Shatta Wale flashes his luxury vehicles, mansions and other social media assets, which he obtained through music. It is estimated to be worth around $6 million.
3.SARKODIE- CHANA
The hip-hop star was named one of Forbes Africa’s ‘Top 10 Bankable Artists in Africa’ because of his worldwide album sales, streaming numbers, appearances, performances and more. His worth is around $7 million, according to several outlets.
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4.DAVIDO- NIGERIA
Nobody flashes riches more than the son of a billionaire. And not only does he live a lavish lifestyle, he owns them. Aside from the show-offs, Davido has released several hits worldwide and has worked with top international artists, including Young Thug, Future, Chris Brown, Trey Songz and Rae Sremmurd. He has toured the world. It is estimated that his worth is $20 million.
5.WIZKID- NIGERIA
He’s not new to the world, and he’s not new to the globe. Wizkid is possibly the king of contemporary afrobeats music. The ‘Ojuelegba’ hit-maker who has collaborated with foreign stars and Grammy-winning producers has a net income of $12 million as of 2020, according to several sources.
6.JIDENNA (AMERICAN FROM NIGERIA)
Born in the United States but with complete recognition of his heritage, Nigeria, a 35-year-old rapper, musician, songwriter and record producer realized he wanted to make music back when he was 10 years old. With his breakout hit “Classic Kid,” he gained worldwide attention from his debut album, “The Boss,” which he first promoted in Lagos and Johannesburg. Jidenna also collaborated with the former U.S. First Lady, Michelle Obama.
7.TINASHE (AMERICAN FROM ZIMBABWE)
At the age of 27, the American-born Zimbabwean songwriter was able to make her way to the richest artist list in Africa. Her debut album, “Aquarius,” received a tidal wave of acclaim, particularly with the number 1 multi-platinum single “2 On” featuring Schoolboy Q. It’s worth $ 5 million, according to multiple reports.
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8.DON JAZZY (NIGERIAN)
Nigerian music executive and director have gone from making £ 150 from London shows to making millions from production and A&R. It is estimated to be worth $100 million from his various embassy deals on merchandise to record production.
9.HUGH MASEKALA (SOUTH AFRICAN)
Masekela was a South African trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, singer and composer, described as “the father of South African jazz.” Masekela was known for his many jazz compositions and for writing well-known anti-apartheid songs such as “Soweto Blues” and “Send Him Back Home.” He’s currently worth $60 million even in his death.
10.BLACK COFFEE (SOUTH AFRICAN)
The South African DJ, record producer, singer and songwriter, is known for its many hits, album sales and online streaming records and one of Africa’s best-paid album jockeys. The “Superman” hitmaker is estimated to be worth $60 million – seconds behind Akon, according to the Forbes Africa list.
