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Muna Tengi
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The Richest Musicians In South Africa According To Forbes
South Africa has long been a hub for musical talent, producing a diverse range of genres and internationally acclaimed artists. From the soulful rhythms of jazz to the energetic beats of kwaito and the global prominence of hip hop, South African musicians have solidified their place on the world stage. With such success, many of these artists have accumulated significant wealth, making them not just influential in the music industry but also prominent figures in business, fashion, and philanthropy.
While the music industry has its ups and downs, some artists have been able to leverage their talent, business acumen, and global appeal to amass fortunes. According to Forbes, the richest musicians in South Africa are those who have managed to combine their musical careers with investments, brand endorsements, and smart financial decisions.
This blog post will explore the top South African musicians who are dominating the wealth charts. We will take a deep dive into their backgrounds, music careers, and how they built their fortunes.
1. Black Coffee: The Global DJ Sensation
Net Worth: $60 Million (approx.)
Black Coffee, whose real name is Nkosinathi Maphumulo, is undoubtedly the richest and most successful South African musician on the global stage. With a career spanning over two decades, Black Coffee has made a name for himself as one of the world’s most influential DJs. His unique blend of house music, deep house, and Afrobeat sounds has earned him international acclaim, leading to performances at some of the most prestigious venues and festivals worldwide.
In 2015, he made history by being the first South African DJ to perform at the prestigious Coachella music festival. His international collaborations with artists like Drake, Usher, and Alicia Keys have further cemented his place among the world's top entertainers.
However, Black Coffee’s wealth isn't just built on his DJing career. His business ventures in real estate and his involvement in various luxury brands have added millions to his net worth. The DJ also owns a successful record label, "Soulistic Music," and a number of endorsement deals with major brands like Porsche, which contribute significantly to his earnings.
Black Coffee has also been involved in philanthropic work, founding the Black Coffee Foundation, which supports education and entrepreneurship in South Africa.
2. Cassper Nyovest: The King of Hip Hop
Net Worth: $12 Million (approx.)
Cassper Nyovest, born Refiloe Maele Phoolo, is one of South Africa’s most successful and wealthy hip-hop artists. Known for his catchy beats, lyricism, and charisma, Cassper rose to fame in the early 2010s and quickly became a household name across South Africa. He has earned multiple platinum certifications and has headlined some of the country's biggest music festivals.
What sets Cassper apart from many of his peers is his business savvy. He has diversified his income streams beyond music, venturing into clothing, acting, and alcohol. His record label, Family Tree Records, has allowed him to sign and mentor emerging artists while expanding his brand’s reach. He is also the founder of the highly successful brand, "Billiato," an alcoholic beverage that has gained substantial market share in South Africa.
Cassper’s entrepreneurial endeavors have allowed him to stay relevant in the music industry while building a considerable fortune. His 2019 concert, where he filled up the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg—a feat few artists have achieved—was a testament to his immense popularity and commercial success.
3. AKA: The Multi-Talented Rapper and Business Mogul
Net Worth: $11 Million (approx.)
AKA, born Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, is another of South Africa’s wealthiest musicians. Known for his versatility, he has dominated the South African hip hop scene since his debut album, Altar Ego, in 2010. AKA's music spans across hip hop, rap, and pop, and his collaborations with international artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and David Guetta have expanded his global influence.
But it’s not just his musical talents that have helped AKA amass a fortune. As a savvy businessman, he has also delved into the fashion industry, with his clothing line, "AKAs," and partnerships with high-end brands like Reebok. In addition, AKA has numerous endorsement deals with major companies like Nissan and Smirnoff, which have bolstered his income.
His popularity on social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Twitter, where he boasts millions of followers, also plays a role in his brand value and income potential.
Tragically, AKA’s life was cut short in 2023 when he was tragically murdered in Durban, South Africa. However, his legacy and influence within the South African music industry continue to shape the culture and inspire young musicians.
4. Die Antwoord: The Controversial and Global Phenomenon
Net Worth: $10 Million (approx.)
Die Antwoord is a controversial, yet globally successful, musical group from South Africa, consisting of Ninja (Watkin Tudor Jones) and Yolandi Visser. Known for their unique blend of rap-rave, electronic music, and eccentric visuals, Die Antwoord first gained international attention with their viral music videos like Enter the Ninja and I Fink U Freeky. Their unconventional and provocative style has garnered them a cult following worldwide, despite—or perhaps because of—their edgy content.
Though they haven’t always had the mainstream appeal that some of their peers enjoy in South Africa, Die Antwoord has become a household name abroad, particularly in the United States and Europe. They’ve performed at major music festivals such as Coachella and Reading & Leeds, and their music videos regularly rack up millions of views on YouTube.
Despite their polarizing style, Die Antwoord’s business ventures, particularly in merchandise, have contributed significantly to their net worth. Their clothing line, "Zef," and other fashion collaborations have made them highly recognizable in the fashion world. Ninja’s investment in art and the group’s broader media empire continue to bring in significant income.
5. Miriam Makeba: The Legacy of a Musical Icon
Net Worth: $7 Million (approx.)
Miriam Makeba, also known as “Mama Africa,” was one of South Africa’s most beloved and successful musicians before her passing in 2008. Her influence in the music world is unparalleled, and her career spanned across several decades. Makeba was a pioneering figure in world music, using her voice to raise awareness of the struggles faced by black South Africans during apartheid.
Her iconic hits like Pata Pata and Qongqothwane (The Click Song) made her an international star. Throughout her career, she was not only a musical powerhouse but also a political activist who used her fame to campaign against apartheid, earning her international respect and admiration.
Though Makeba passed away many years ago, her wealth was managed by her estate, which continues to earn income from her music, merchandise, and branding. Her legacy remains strong, with her name and songs still being a major part of the South African cultural landscape.
6. Brenda Fassie: The Diva of South African Pop
Net Worth: $5 Million (approx.)
Brenda Fassie was one of South Africa’s greatest and most iconic pop musicians before her untimely death in 2004. Known as the “Queen of African Pop,” Fassie’s career was marked by numerous chart-topping hits, including Weekend Special and Vulindlela. She gained popularity not only in South Africa but across the African continent and globally.
Though her personal life was often tumultuous, Fassie’s influence on South African music and culture is undeniable. Her wealth at the time of her passing was substantial, and her estate continues to generate income through royalties from her albums, live performances, and merchandise.
Fassie remains one of the most beloved and celebrated musicians in South African history, with her music still being played and enjoyed today.
7. DJ Tira: The King of Kwaito and Gqom
Net Worth: $4 Million (approx.)
DJ Tira, born Mthokozi Khathi, is a household name in the South African music industry, known for his contributions to the Kwaito and Gqom genres. His influence in the Durban music scene, in particular, has shaped the sound of modern South African dance music. DJ Tira rose to prominence in the early 2000s and quickly established himself as a leading figure in the Kwaito scene.
Beyond his musical career, DJ Tira is a successful entrepreneur. He owns the record label, Afrotainment, which has launched the careers of many other successful South African artists, such as Big Nuz and DJ Cndo. He also runs a popular nightclub and has endorsement deals with major brands.
His ability to balance his role as an artist and businessman has contributed to his significant wealth.
Conclusion
South Africa is home to some of the most talented and wealthiest musicians in the world. From Black Coffee’s international success to Cassper Nyovest’s entrepreneurial ventures, these musicians have managed to carve out fortunes for themselves by combining their musical skills with savvy business moves. While each artist’s path to wealth is unique, one thing is certain: South African music continues to inspire and influence the world, with these top artists leading the charge.
As the music industry continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how these artists—along with the next generation—further expand their influence and fortunes. The combination of talent, business, and global appeal will continue to ensure that South African musicians remain at the forefront of both local and international music scenes for years to come
