Welcome the land so rich in cultural heritage and a plethora of artistic feel. The sound of Africa is like a bee trapped in a glass jar, someway somehow, you will still hear the buzzing. Africa has so many people harnessing those rich sounds into soothing and melodic rhythms, so much so that you can’t help but move your feet to the groove. From the Genge genre, to the Highlife, through Afro-pop and Afro-fusion, and Hip-Life to Afrobeats. You can hear the traditional African sounds seeping through into you ears and home. For those who have mastered the craft, they have amassed such immense wealth.

Below I will try to furnish you with the continents top 10 richest Musicians for 2023.

Youssou N’Dour – $145 million

Youssou N’Dour is a Senegalese singer, songwriter, musician, composer, occasional actor, businessman, and politician. For over three decades his music and craft has resonated throughout africa and the world, with a mesmerizing tenor voice to soothe the troubled hearts. His ventures being political, endorsement deals, recording deals and likes have help him claim the top spot as the richest musician on the African Continent.

Akon- $80 million

Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam, mononymously known as Akon, is a Senegalese-American singer, record producer, and entrepreneur. He has become a very influential figure in modern world music, he rose to prominence in 2004, following the release of his debut single “Locked Up” and its follow up, “Lonely”. These songs made him a global sensation and help him along his career amassing wealth through recording deals, endorsement packages, and eventual launching of his own record label. What has helped him to even further amass wealth is his ventures in the business world.

Black Coffee- $63 million

Born Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo, but popularly known by his stage name Black Coffee, is a South African DJ, record producer and songwriter. Coffee established his own record label Soulistic Music, and released his debut self-titled album Black Coffee, which incorporated elements of R&B and jazz. Born on  March 11, 1976, he has become an African Legend in the music sphere, amassing wealth along the way.

Wizkid- $30 million

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known professionally as Wizkid, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. A prominent figure in the modern day Afrobeats music scene, he is regarded as one of the most commercially successful and influential artists of the genre. He is now known as Big Wiz.

Davido- $28 million

Davido is a Nigerian-American singer, songwriter and record producer. He is widely regarded as one of the most celebrated Afrobeats artists of the 21st century. He is credited alongside Burna Boy and Wizkid for popularizing Afrobeats globally.

Don Jazzy- $18 million

Michael Collins Ajereh, known professionally as Don Jazzy, is a Nigerian record producer. He is the founder and the CEO of Mavin Records. Don Jazzy was co-owner of the now-defunct “Mo’ Hits Records” record label with D’banj. He at a stage in his life worked as a security man in the states at a McDonald branch.

Rudeboy- $15 million

Paul Okoye (born 18 November 1981), who is better known as Rudeboy, is a Nigerian singer. He rose to fame in the 2000s as a member of the P-Square duo with his identical twin brother Peter Okoye. Paul ‘Rudeboy’ Okoye started his career with the music group together alongside his twin brother, Peter Okoye. It was an Acapella group, getting inspiration from Michael Jackson’s dancing steps. Their debut album was the Last Nite, which was sponsored by a tobacco manufacturing company and they later got a KORA Awards nomination.

Mr. P- $12.5 million

Peter Okoye, who is better known as Mr P, is a Nigerian singer. He rose to fame in the 2000s as a member of the P-Square duo with his identical twin brother Rudeboy and in 2021 was awarded with an honorary Doctorate degree from ESCAE University in Benin Republic.

2Face Idibia- $12.2 million

Innocent Ujah Idibia Listen MON, known by his stage name 2Baba, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Noted for his vocal range, lyrical depth, and longevity, he is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest musicians of all time. He is labelled as the most bankable African Musician.

D Banj- $12 million

Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, better known by his stage name D’banj, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and television personality. His stage name D’banj is a combination of his first name, Dapo, and his surname, Oyebanjo. He is the founder of Mo’ Hits Records with producer Don Jazzy.

There are some other very well to do musicians in Africa, some notable mentions are Sarkodie from Ghana – with a Net worth of $9.5 million, Banky W from Nigeria – with a Net worth of $10.5 milion, Flavour from Nigeria – $9.7 million, Diamond Platinumz from Tanzania and Tiwa Savage from Nigeria both worth $9 million.

written by Felix Kwasi Annan