Afrobeats Royalty: Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy And Rema, Bio, Net Worth And Music Career Highlights
Afrobeats, a genre that blends African rhythms with global sounds, has risen to global prominence in recent years, with Nigerian artists leading the charge. Among these artists, Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Rema stand out as true icons of Afrobeats, having achieved monumental success not just in Africa but around the world. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the lives, careers, net worths, and music highlights of these four Afrobeats royalty figures, who have defined the genre and are continuing to shape its future.
Davido: The OBO of Afrobeats
Biography:
David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, was born on November 21, 1992, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, but was raised in Nigeria. He comes from a wealthy and influential family, with his father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, being a prominent businessman and founder of the Adeleke University in Osun State. Davido’s musical journey began at a young age, influenced by his Nigerian heritage and exposure to Western culture. He studied music at the Oakwood University in the United States before dropping out to pursue a career in music.
Career Highlights:
Davido’s debut single, “Back When,” released in 2011, immediately caught the attention of the Nigerian music industry. His 2012 debut album, Omo Baba Olowo, included hits like “Dami Duro,” which became a nationwide anthem. Since then, he has released numerous successful albums and singles, including the iconic "Fall," which broke records as the longest-charting Nigerian song on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 2017, he became the first African artist to sell out the 02 Arena in London, further solidifying his status as a global Afrobeats ambassador. In 2020, Davido released his album A Better Time, which featured collaborations with major international artists like Nicki Minaj, Lil Baby, and Chris Brown.
Net Worth:
As of 2025, Davido’s net worth is estimated at approximately $100 million. His wealth comes from his successful music career, endorsement deals with brands such as MTN, Pepsi, and Infinix, as well as his family’s business ventures.
Music Style and Influence:
Davido’s music combines Afropop with highlife, dancehall, and R&B influences. His energetic performances and catchy beats have made him one of the most recognizable African artists globally. His influence has extended beyond music, contributing to the popularization of Afrobeats worldwide.
Wizkid: The Starboy
Biography:
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, better known as Wizkid or Starboy, was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. Wizkid’s passion for music began at an early age, and he joined the church choir, where his love for singing developed. His career took off when he signed with the EME label and released his debut album, Superstar, in 2011, which included hits like “Holla at Your Boy” and “Tease Me.”
Career Highlights:
Wizkid’s 2016 album, Sounds From the Other Side, marked a significant milestone in his career. The album featured the global smash hit “One Dance,” a collaboration with Drake, which became one of the biggest songs of the year. His international presence continued to grow as he worked with artists such as Beyoncé on the song “Brown Skin Girl,” and collaborated with Chris Brown, Skepta, and others.
In 2020, Wizkid released Made in Lagos, an album that was met with critical acclaim and featured hits like “Ginger” (with Burna Boy) and “Essence” (featuring Tems). “Essence” went on to become a global sensation, charting on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Wizkid and Tems recognition at international award shows.
Net Worth:
Wizkid’s net worth as of 2025 is estimated to be around $75 million. His income streams include music royalties, global endorsements with brands like Pepsi, Nike, and Ciroc, and his own Starboy label.
Music Style and Influence:
Wizkid is known for his smooth blend of Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall, and pop. His ability to seamlessly merge Nigerian sounds with international appeal has made him one of the most influential African artists in the world. Wizkid’s contribution to the global recognition of Afrobeats cannot be overstated, and his music continues to inspire the next generation of African artists.
Burna Boy: The African Giant
Biography:
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, known professionally as Burna Boy, was born on July 2, 1991, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He grew up listening to a diverse range of music, from reggae to Afrobeat legends like Fela Kuti. Burna Boy’s love for music was nurtured at an early age, and he later moved to London to study at the University of Sussex. His musical influences span across Afrobeat, reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop.
Career Highlights:
Burna Boy’s breakthrough came with the release of his 2012 single “Like to Party,” which led to his debut album, L.I.F.E.(2013). However, it was his 2018 album Outside and the 2019 album African Giant that established him as a global superstar. African Giant received critical acclaim and included hits like “Anybody,” “Gbona,” and the Grammy-nominated “On the Low.”
In 2020, Burna Boy won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album for Twice as Tall, cementing his place as one of the world’s top African artists. His blend of Afrobeat, reggae, dancehall, and pop, alongside his thought-provoking lyrics, have earned him a dedicated fanbase across the globe.
Net Worth:
Burna Boy’s net worth as of 2025 is estimated at $60 million. His earnings come from record sales, touring, international collaborations, and lucrative endorsement deals with brands such as Pepsi and Budweiser.
Music Style and Influence:
Burna Boy’s music is a fusion of Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall, and pop, with a unique African twist. His music often reflects on social and political issues, making him a voice for the African diaspora. Burna Boy’s influence stretches beyond music, as he continues to raise awareness for African culture and identity on the global stage.
Rema: The Afrorave King
Biography:
Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, was born on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Nigeria. Rema’s journey into music began with freestyles on Instagram, where he gained the attention of D’Prince, a member of Mavin Records. After signing with Jonzing World and Mavin, Rema released his self-titled debut EP in 2019, which included the breakout hit “Dumebi.”
Career Highlights:
Rema’s career took off in 2019 with the success of “Dumebi,” which became a nationwide anthem. In 2022, Rema released his debut album, Rave & Roses, which showcased his unique blend of Afrobeats, trap, and international sounds. The album included hits like “Calm Down,” which became a global hit and charted on the Billboard Hot 100 for several weeks. Rema’s collaboration with Selena Gomez on the remix of “Calm Down” catapulted him to international stardom.
In 2023, Rema continued his success with Rave & Roses Ultra, breaking records as the first African album to surpass 2 billion streams on Spotify. His consistent growth has solidified his place among Afrobeats royalty.
Net Worth:
As of 2025, Rema’s net worth is estimated at $5 million. His earnings come from his music career, endorsement deals, and streaming royalties, as well as collaborations with international brands.
Music Style and Influence:
Rema is known for his fusion of Afrobeats with trap and hip-hop elements, which he refers to as “Afrorave.” His music resonates with both African and international audiences, making him one of the fastest-rising stars in the global music scene. Rema’s influence continues to grow as he represents the new wave of Afrobeats artists.
FAQs
1. Who is the richest among Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Rema? As of 2025, Davido is considered the richest, with an estimated net worth of $100 million, followed closely by Wizkid with $75 million.
2. What are some of Davido’s biggest hits? Some of Davido’s biggest hits include “Fall,” “If,” “FIA,” “Risky,” and “A Better Time.”
3. Has Wizkid won any Grammy Awards? Yes, Wizkid won a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2021 for his work on Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift.
4. What is Rema’s music style? Rema’s music style blends Afrobeats with trap, hip-hop, and international influences, creating a unique sound he calls “Afrorave.”
5. How did Burna Boy make history at the Grammys? Burna Boy made history by winning the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album for Twice as Tall in 2021.
6. What is the most successful song by Wizkid? Wizkid’s “One Dance” with Drake is one of his most successful tracks, having topped international charts and becoming a global hit.
Conclusion
Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Rema have not only shaped the Afrobeats genre but have also become global ambassadors for African music. Their unique sounds, rich musical legacies, and tireless dedication to their craft have made them household names both in Africa and internationally. Each artist has carved out his own space in the music world, pushing boundaries and creating new paths for future generations of African artists. With their ever-growing influence, these four Afrobeats stars are set to remain at the top of the music world for years to come.
