The 20 Richest Musicians in South Africa and their Net Worth

It is never unusual to find people wondering who the richest musicians in South Africa might be. This is because the industry has dominated the music scene in the whole of Africa for some time now, releasing back-to-back hits across different genres. From people like AKA to Master KG, who has kept the world spellbound and dancing in 2019, to many others that have been around for almost always, hard work has become the buzzword for music stars in the country. However, with emphasis on their finances, some have been duly paid by the industry, while others will still count their blessings.

How We Came By Our List Of The Richest Musicians in South Africa

It is tough for anyone to accurately determine the riches of any musical artist, whether in South Africa or anywhere else. This is because artists are not always free to discuss what they make from their endorsement deals and signing fees. After all, their contracts mostly come with a confidentiality clause.

More so, there is no accurate record for the sale of their albums, money made from streaming platforms, and the sale of their music. Other things such as what they make from performances and shows are not readily available because while some want to keep their finances as hidden as possible, others see no problem exaggerating things.

Either way, we look at things such as their successes in music, awards, endorsement deals, and other sources of income to come about our list of the richest musicians in South Africa. Therefore, we look at available online data and resources to come about the estimation.

Here Are The Richest Musicians In South Africa Right Now

1. Black Coffee

Bankable African Music Artists
image source
  • Net Worth: $60 million or R1,026,462,600.00
  • Age: 48 Years Old
  • Record Label: Soulistic Music, Ultra Music
  • Best Known for Home Brewed, Africa Rising
  • Other Sources Of Income: Endorsement deals, businesses, record label

DJ Black Coffee is considered the richest musician in Africa, with a massive purse of $60 million. Born Nkosinathi Maphumulo on 11 March 1976, he started his career in 1994 and has grown into many things, including a producer and businessman apart from being a DJ and musician.

Close to three decades in the business, DJ Black Coffee has released 9 albums and has worked with many big names in the industry. He came about his generous fortune from his music, endorsement deals, and businesses, including his investment company Flight Mode Digital and his stake in Gallo Music Investments (GMI). He charges a whopping R100,000 to R1.6 million to perform at events, making him a premium performer.

Endorsement deals Cars Awards
  • Hunter’s Cider
  • Bentley GT Continental
  • Maserati
  • Mercedes-Benz Station Wagon
  • Mercedes-Benz
  • SAMA
  • BET Award
  • DJ Awards
  • Dance Music Awards South Africa

2. Steve Hofmeyr

Richest Musicians in South Africa
Steve Hofmeyr (Image Source)
  • Net Worth: $19 million
  • Age: 59 Years Old
  • Record Label: Big Heart Productions
  • Best Known for: Amanda, Pampoen
  • Other Sources Of Income: Actor, TV personality, Endorsements

Steve Hofmeyr is the second richest musician in South Africa. Born in 1964, he has been in the music business professionally since 1989. Although he has recorded so much musical success, his fortune of over $19 million was built from many things such as his career as an actor, TV personality, published author, endorsement deals, and many other businesses.

Thus far, his music career has been a very successful one, with close to 30 albums to his name and more than two million copies sold. Some of his works include Desertbound (1989), Only Me (1990), No Hero (1992), Tribute (1993), Die Bok Kom Weer (1999), Beautiful Noise (2000), and Ek Kort… (2020). The often controversial social commentator has also appeared in more than 20 films, TV shows, and stage production and has published 10 books.

He has seen his fortune continue to shrink for a while due to his often controversial stands, which forced Multichoice to take off all his contents from their platforms after he encouraged fans to break their DSTV boxes.

Endorsement deals Cars Awards
NA
  • A Maserati
  • Toyota Hilux
  • Black Chrysler C300
  • A 1962 Cadilac Deville Sedan
  • SAMA awards

3. AKA

AKA
Twitter
  • Net Worth: $12 million
  • Age: 36 Years Old
  • Record Label: Sony Music Entertainment
  • Best Known for: Fella In Versace, Victory Lap
  • Other Sources Of Income: Endorsement deals, businesses

AKA arguably the biggest rap voice out of South Africa. He was born Kiernan Jarryd Forbes on November 28, 1988. He started his career as a musician in 2002. Since then, he has released chart-topping songs and successful albums, including Altar Ego (2011) and Touch My Blood (2018). In all, AKA has five albums, but it is not only through his music that he amassed his fortune.

Forbes has turned in millions from his Supa Mega Show, which has thrived and set the bar for him above what many South African artists have accomplished. There is also the Supa Mega Merchandise from which the Beam Group CEO also makes money. Apart from all these, the highly competitive rapper has cashed out on many endorsement deals with top brands, including Reebok, Cruz Vodka, and Betway, among others.

Endorsement deals Cars Awards
  • Head Huncho
  • Red Bull
  • MTN
  • Rocka Headphones
  • Reebok
  • Cruz vodka.
  • Betway
  • BMW a white i8- R1.3 million
  • Blue BMW X6- R1.3 million
  • 2016 BMW X6 M- R2 million
  • Volkswagen Scirocco- R300,000
  • South African Hip Hop Awards
  • MTV Africa Music Awards
  • Namibia Annual Music Awards 2019
  • Kids’ Choice Awards
  • 2016-Metro FM Music Awards

4. Die Antwoord 

South African Bands
Die Antwoord (Image Source)
  • Net Worth: $10 million
  • Yolandi: 49 Years Old
  • Ninja: 39 Years Old
  • Record Label: Zef, Interscope
  • Best Known for: Baby’s on Fire, Ugly Boy
  • Other Sources Of Income: Acting, endorsement deals

Die Antwoord does not need any introduction both in the country and on the international scene. The group is made of Yolandi and Ninja, whose real names are Anri du Toit and Watkin Tudor Jones. They joined forces in 2008 to form the hip hop group, and in no time, they found themselves making a big name even beyond the country thanks to their debut album, $O$.

Because of the fame, they have built for themselves and their huge fan base, they have toured around different countries and continents, which has helped them to amass their generous wealth. What is more is that they have also enjoyed great streaming on platforms such as YouTube, where at a point, they were one of the most viewed African acts.

Five albums after they started, two EPs, and a mixtape, the South African hip hop duo have made their fortune from other things, including movie roles, endorsement deals, their merch, and other engagements.

Endorsement deals Cars Awards
  • Christian Dior
  • Nando’s Chicken
  • A Subaru WRX
  • A 1989 BMW 3
  • Myspace Best Music Video
  • South African Music Award for International Achievement
  • Favorite Rap and Hip-Hop Albums

5. DJ Maphorisa

Richest Musicians in South Africa
DJ Maphorisa (Image Source)
  • Net Worth: $6 Million
  • Age: 36 Years Old
  • Record Label: Blaqboy Music
  • Best Known for: Soweto Baby
  • Other Sources Of Income: DJying, record producer, endorsement deals

While everyone knows him professionally as DJ Maphorisa, it was as Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe that the South African vocalist, record producer, and DJ was born in 1987. He started his career a very long time ago, but until 2019, he released his EP Scorpion Kings together with Kabza De Small. Four others were released between 2019 and 2021, after the successful EP, and then he released his first studio album, Madumane, in 2021.

The music star made a better part of his fortune from his career as a DJ and music producer. He has also cashed in from businesses and endorsement deals.

Endorsement deals Cars Awards
  • Monster Energy Drink
  • Amstel
  • BMW M4- R1.5 million
  • Gusheshe BMW 325iS-
  • MTV Africa Music Award for Best Collaboration
  • South African Music Award for Best Produced Album

6. Rebecca Malope 

Rebecca Malope 
Rebecca Malope  (Image Source)
  • Net Worth: $5 million
  • Age: 55 Years Old
  • Record Label: Universal Music (Pty) Ltd.
  • Best Known for: Ukuzenza, Ngegazi Lemvana
  • Other Sources Of Income: Endorsement deals, Reality-TV

Famous as The African Queen of Gospel, Rebecca Malope is one of the biggest voices of gospel music in South Africa. She was born Batsogile Lovederia Malope in 1968, and she started her music career in 1984, meaning she is chasing 4 decades in the business. She has thus far released more than 30 albums and has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, earning her a place among the greatest gospel singers of all time.

She has seen many of her albums certified multi-platinum and take home many awards. Among her many albums are Rebecca (1987), “Woza Lovey” (1988), Ukholo lwam (1999), Siyabonga (2000), Bayos’ khomba(2013), AmaVIP (2014), and Lord You Are Good (2019). Interestingly, she did not start her career as a gospel artist even though she dominated the genre.

Rebecca Malope has made a good part of her $5 million net worth from her music career that has been unarguably very successful. More than that, she has also cashed in from various endeavors, such as being a TV personality. She has appeared as a judge on Idols South Africa and Clash of the Choirs South Africa. 

Endorsement deals Cars Awards
  • Bon Vovage LC3 Catering Pots
  • A Land Range Rover
  • Toyota Prado
  • SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards Classic of All Time
  • South African Music Awards Best Traditional Faith Music Album
  • Metro FM Music Awards Best Gospel Album
  • Kora Awards Best Female African Gospel Artist
  • Coca-Cola Full Blast Music Show: Best Established Local Artist

7. Juanita Du Plessis

Richest Musicians in South Africa
Juanita Du Plessis (Image Source)
  • Net Worth: $5 million
  • Age: 51 Years Old
  • Record Label: Juanita Records
  • Best Known for: Ska-Rumba
  • Other Sources Of Income: Merch, Endorsements, business

Afrikaans country singer Juanita Du Plessis has sustained in the music business for a very long time, with more than two decades to her resume. She is one of the most respected voices in her genre who, unlike many others on the list, made her money majorly from her music itself and not from endorsement deals and businesses, including her line of perfume and other beauty kits. She has released more than 20 albums, with many of them certified platinum.

The Ska-Rumba singer has released sold more than 3 million copies of her records and has taken home many awards in the process. Her net worth of more than $5 million has also contributed to her involvement in business, endorsement deals, and career as a presenter.

Endorsement deals Cars Awards
  • Stijl Salon Garsfontein
  • Mercedes-Benz c180
  • A BMW
  •  CMA (Country Music Association in Namibia) awards
  • South African Music award
  • Huisgenoot’s Tempo Awards
  • Ghoema Music Awards

8. Benjamin Dube

  • Net Worth: $5 million
  • Age: 62 Years Old
  • Record Label: Spirit Music/Dube Connection
  • Best Known for: He Keeps on Doing, Do It Lord
  • Other Sources Of Income: Businesses, Endorsements

Another gospel singer who has made it among the richest musicians in South Africa is Benjamin Dube. Considered to be one of the most significant musicians in the country, looking at the religious genre as he has been able to mentor many others. A chart-topping and award-winning musician, he was born in 1962 to a father who was a minister and a mother who was also a gospel singer. He started singing in the footsteps of his mother at the young age of 7. That was also when he started touring, and by 12, he had already started playing different instruments.

With many years spent in the industry, he has released several albums both as a solo act and together with his family members under the Dube Family singers. This has helped him accrue his net worth that is now estimated at $5 million. Some of his albums include “Vader Vergeef,” which he released with his siblings, Glory in His Presence (2019), I Feel Like Going On (2000), and Celebration (2007).

Apart from his music, Benjamin Dube recorded his high fortune through his businesses, including his music label, Dube Connection, licensed to Sony BMG and Spirit Music.

Endorsement deals Cars Awards
  • Bogart Man
  • Mercedes Benz
  • BMW 705Li
  •  Crown Gospel Music Awards
  • South African Music Association
  • Gospel Legend Award

9. Cassper Nyovest 

Richest Musicians in South Africa
Image Source
  • Net Worth: $3 million
  • Age: 33 Years Old
  • Record Label: Family Tree Records
  • Best Known for: Mama I Made It, Tito Mboweni, Doc Shebeleza
  • Other Sources Of Income: Endorsement deals, businesses

The Archrival of AKA, no one expects Cassper to ever be far away from AKA. While the debate regarding the greater rapper of the two is something that may never come to an end, it is no secret that they are both among the richest musicians the country can boast of.

The Mama I made it crooner has a net worth of $3 million, a bigger part of which he has made from his career as a rapper. Born Refiloe Maele Phoolo in 1990, the rapper has been in the game since he was 12, and by the time he was 16, he decided to quit schooling and dedicate his time to music; his decision has paid him well. Since then, he has steadily risen in the hip hop industry in South Africa, becoming one of the very best. Cassper Nyovest has released 5 successful studio albums, including Tsholofelo (2014), Refiloe (2015), Thuto (2017), and Any minute now (2020).

Even though Hip Hop Pantsula’s (HHP) ‘Wamo Tseba Mtho’ first brought him to the limelight, he has since taken charge of his fate with great music and hard work, for which he now enjoys his massive net worth. He also makes money from Samsung South Africa, Ciroc, Coca-Cola, and KFC SA.

Endorsement deals Cars Awards
  • MTN
  • AG Mobile
  • Shoprite
  • Samsung South Africa
  • Coca-Cola
  • KFC SA
  • Castle Lite
  • Nike SA
  • Mercedes-Benz V-class
  • BMW 428
  • Mercedes-Benz microbus
  • Bentley GT Continental
  • Rolls Royce Phantom
  • South African Hip Hop Awards
  • Metro FM Awards
  • Channel O Music Video Awards
  • South African Music Award

10. Leon Schuster

  • Net Worth: $3 Million
  • Age: 72 Years Old
  • Record Label: EMI Music South Africa
  • Best Known for: Hie’ Kommie Bokke, Mr. Bones
  • Other Sources Of Income: Films, comedy, endorsements

Leon Schuster is one of the most versatile and talented South Africans. He has made his mark as a musician and also as an actor and filmmaker. He was born in 1951, and at an early age, he got drawn into acting. He started his career first as an actor and comedian in the early 1970s before starting music in the 1980s. 

His net worth of $3 million was made from his vast career covering everything in the show business, including acting, singing, presenting, comedy, and many more in between. One of his most acclaimed works as an actor is Mr. Bones, which recorded more than R33 million in Box Office in South Africa. His other successful works include You Must Be Joking! Too which grossed over R43 Million and Mr. Bones 2: Back from the Past, which grossed R35 million.

As a musician, he has released more than 20 albums, including Broekskeur (1983), Briekdans (1984), Hie’ Kommie Bokke (1995), Hie’ Kommie Bokke 2! (2007), and
Dra Die Bok (2008). His 1995 hit CD Hier Kom Die Bokke (‘Here Come The Bucks’) was awarded the biggest selling CD of the year, while Gatvol in Paradise, the CD that came next, sold more than 125,000 units.

Even though he has made money through different avenues, he has also lost so much money due to some of his works termed racially insensitive. This has led ShowMax to remove at least 6 of his films from the South African streaming service.

Endorsement deals Cars Awards
  • WestBank
NA
  • FNB Sama Music Award
  • Golden Horn Award for Best Actor in a Feature Film
  • Lifetime Achievement Award

11. Dj SBU

DJ Sbu
image source
  • Net Worth: $3 million
  • Age: 46 Years Old
  • Record Label: EMI
  • Best Known for: MoFaya
  • Other Sources Of Income: Entrepreneurship, Endorsement

Sbusiso Leope, or DJ Sbu as known professionally, is one of the most dedicated South African musicians who have thrown their weight into business. He was born and raised in poverty, but that has instilled a hustling spirit in him that when so many others are spending the little they are making, he is busy thinking of ways to multiply.

Describing himself as an African industrialist, DJ Sbu started his career as a DJ before becoming a broadcaster, and then he continued to add other things to his list. He is regarded today as a musician, DJ, media personality, businessman, published author, public speaker, and much more. Under his belt are several albums; MoFaya, Home Coming – The African Odyssey, Sound Revival Vol. 1, and Sound Revival Vol. 2.

In addition to being the former co-owner of TS Records, he is also involved in numerous businesses, including MoFaya drink, which remains his biggest business yet.

Endorsements Cars Awards
  • J&B Whiskey
  • Porsche Boxster
  • Range Rover Sport
  • Aston Martin Vantagea
  • South African Music Awards for Artist of the year
  • South African Music Awards for Record of the year
  • 18th Annual South African Music Awards for Remix of the Year “Lengoma.”
  • South African Music Awards for Best Remix
  • Metro FM awards, Record of the Year

12. Dj Euphonik

Richest Musicians in South Africa
Image Source
  • Net Worth: $2.5 million
  • Age: 40 Years Old
  • Record Label: euNITE / Euphonik Productions
  • Best Known for: Don’t Wanna Be, Silento
  • Other Sources Of Income: Djying, Endorsement deals, Businesses

No one can take it from Dj Euphonik that he deserves every single rand he has to his name. He was born Themba Mbongeni Nkosi in 1987, but he is also known professionally as DJ Themba. He has been in the music business since 2004 as a musician, DJ, radio personality, and producer. However, he has gained a better respect for his works as a DJ.

Dj Euphonik has released several studio albums, For The Love of House Volume 1 to For The Love of House Volume 6. He also has several mixed albums. That said, while music is what opened the door for him, his net worth of over $2.5 million was built from various endeavors, including DJying, endorsement deals, and his investments in real estate. He reportedly has 14 properties in Johannesburg.

Also, he has put his money into shoe production, having collaborated with the Italian shoe company Superga to release limited editions of shoes at different times.

Endorsement deals Cars Awards
  • NextBuys SA
  • Aston Martin DBS
  • Rolls Royce
  • 2015 Mini Cooper
  • Metro FM award

13. Oskido 

Richest Musicians in South Africa
Oskido (Image Source)
  • Net Worth: $2 million
  • Age: 56 Years Old
  • Record Label: Kalawa Jazmee Records
  • Best Known for: Brothers of Peace: King of Kwaito Uyagawula, Akhiwe, Big Jam
  • Other Sources Of Income: Endorsements, businesses

Hardly would anyone not expect Oskido to be among the richest musicians in South Africa, having been in the music industry consistently for more than 3 decades. Born Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa in 1967, the multitalented South African musician had his first professional romance with music in 1989 and later became one of the stars that pioneered the Kwaito genre.

He co-founded Kalawa Jazmee Records in 1992, and with his talent in music, he continues to remain relevant for many years. Though he started his career as a musician, he subsequently became a producer. He has released many projects, including Mixmaster Vol. 1 (1991–1994), Big Jam Vol. 1 & 2 (1993–1995), Brothers of Peace: King of Kwaito Uyagawula (1996), and Akhiwe (2020). Among the big names he has produced are Winnie Khumalo, Boom Shaka, DJ Zinhle, Magesh, Bongo Maffin, Mafikizolo, and Alaska.

His net worth of $2 million was built from various sources, including music and his various businesses. He started his Daruma By Oskido Japanese Restaurant in 2019, and he also owns a luxurious apartment which he rents out as an Airbnb for guests.

Endorsement deals Cars Awards
NA
  • A Mercedes-Benz
  • A Bentley
  • Channel O Music Video Awards
  • SA Dance Music Awards
  • MTV Africa Music Award
  • South African Music Award

14. Nasty C 

Nasty C’s Net Worth in 2021 and the Cars He Spends On
image source
  • Net Worth: $2 Million
  • Age: 27 Years Old
  • Record Label: Def Jam Records
  • Best Known for: Hell Naw, Bad Hair Extension, and Send Me Away (SMA)
  • Other Sources Of Income: Endorsement deals

Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo may be the youngest on the list, but by no chance is he a pushover. The rapper has gained attention and respect for his musical talent as a rapper and songwriter both in South Africa and worldwide. Among the best in the country’s rap business, Nasty C was born in 1997, and he started his career in 2013 at the young age of 16. It didn’t take him long before he made it clear that he was here for a serious business. This is why he has a net worth that is estimated at $2 million.

The young hip-hop star and lyricist has released three albums and two EPs, including Bad Hair (2016), Strings And Bling (2018), and Zulu Man with Some Power (2020). He has worked with many international stars, including TI, Runtown, Davido, and French Montana.

Like others on the list, Nasty C made his fortune from his music career and his many endorsement deals. He has also made several TV appearances, which have added some drops to his wealth.

Endorsement deals Cars Awards
  • Mercedes Benz
  • Puma
  • Axe
  • Redbat
  • Mercedes AMG GT
  • Mercedes AMG C43
  • The Headies Award
  • Metro FM Music Awards
  • South African Hip Hop Awards

15. Khuli Chana

  • Net Worth: $2 Million
  • Age: 41 Years Old
  • Record Label: Mythrone Records
  • Best Known for: Hape Le Hape, HaveNots
  • Other Sources Of Income: Endorsement deals

Khuli Chana is, without a doubt, one of the most fantastic rappers on the shelf that South Africa has to display. He has enjoyed a great career since joining the music scene in 1992 and has risen to gain recognition both in the country and in other parts of the world.

Born on 27 August 1982, the rapper was a member of the group, Morafe before he decided to go solo after the group broke. Since then, he has released three albums and has performed at many shows and events, clinching many awards along the way, including a South African Music Award for Album of the Year in 2013 with his album, Lost In Time.

He boasts of over $2 million, which places him among the richest musicians in South Africa. Although his music made him famous and rich like many others, endorsement deals have also added to the thickness of his purse. He has had deals with brands such as KFC, Absolute Vodka, and Aston Martin, among many others. All these have added millions of Rand to his account, but what is more, he is also a businessman who owns and operates two music recording companies. He netted himself R1.8 million in 2016 after he sued the South African police for shooting him due to mistaken identity.

Endorsement deals Cars Awards
  • KFC
  • Absolute Vodka
  • Aston Martin
  • Jeep
  • Aston Martin
  • Volvo
  • African Muzik Magazine Award
  • South Africa Music Awards

16. Da L.E.S

  • Net Worth: $2 million
  • Age: 38 Years Old
  • Record Label: SME South Africa
  • Best Known for: Heaven
  • Other Sources Of Income: Endorsement deals and business

Da L.E.S is another interesting rapper famous in South Africa and the United States thanks to his amazing talent and unbending spirit. Born Leslie Jonathan Mampe, Jr., he has been active as a rapper since the early 1990s. Nonetheless, he became a huge sensation when he released his hit single Heaven, where he featured AKA and Maggz in 2012.

He has recorded and released seven studio albums, with some that were very successful. But then, that is not the only thing that has made him as rich as he is today. Da L.E.S is also a music producer and a major brand ambassador for Sovereign Brands. He promotes  Luc Belaire and Bumbu Spirits for the company, with big names, including Rick Ross and DJ Khaled amongst its ambassadors. The exact thing he makes from this deal is unknown, but if the guesses are anything to go by, he walks away with a good amount of money.

Endorsement deals Cars Awards
  • Luc Belaire and Bumbu Spirits
  • Ciroc
  • Ama Kip Kip
  • Vodacom
  • Deezer
  • SprayGround
  • NA
  • MTV Africa Music Award
  • South African Music Awards

17. Mafikizolo

Mafikizolo
image source
  • Net Worth: $2 million
  • Age (Theo Kgosinkwe): 50 Years Old
  • Age (Nhlanhla Nciza): 46 Years Old
  • Record Label: Universal Music Group
  • Best Known for: Ndihamba Nawe, Looto
  • Other Sources Of Income: Merchandise, Endorsement deals

The musical duo is made of Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza. Tebogo Madingoane was supposed to be the third member of the group, but he died in 2004. The group was formed in 1996, and with close to 10 studio albums to their name, they are now regarded as one of the best musical groups in the country, which is not surprising that they also emerge as one of the richest musicians in South Africa.

After the group’s first two albums, it landed real success and recognition with the third album, Gate Crashers, released in 2000. Their albums have sold many copies, and they got the opportunity to perform at different events around the world, giving them an edge in terms of their net worth of over $2 million. One of the things that have favored them for long and helped them record platinum sales is that their music continues to appeal to both the younger and the older generation.

Their wealth has not only been built through music, as they have also made huge money from various endorsement deals they have enjoyed over the years like most other musicians. Their merchandise online is also doing well and sending some money to their accounts.

Endorsement deals Cars Awards
  • Sanlam Group
  • BMW X5
  • Hyundai van
  • Bentley
  • MTV Africa Music Awards
  • South African Music Awards
  • Channel O Africa Music Awards
  • MOBO-Award

18. Riky Rick

  • Net Worth: $1.5 million
  • Age: 36 Years Old
  • Record Label: Makhado Makhado Agency
  • Best Known for: Nafukwa, Boss Zonke
  • Other Sources Of Income: Entrepreneur, Fashion designer, endorsements,

Riky Rick is yet another rapper to make our list, thanks to his talent as a rapper and his determination and hustling spirit. Born Rikhado Makhado in 1987, he started his career as a musician when he was still very young, as a fulfillment of a dream he had when he was a little child. The Boss Zonke crooner has only managed to release an album and two EPs (Family Values in 2015, Scooby Snacks EP in 2017, and Stay Shining EP 2017), but even with that, he can attain a great height in music.

Beyond that, his business sense and many important endorsement deals have also kept his numbers in a good place. Through his Cotten Fest, he can organize one of the biggest music events in the country and has very lucrative merch. In addition to that, he has a unisex salon under the Legendary Barber chain. He decided to start the salon instead of using the money to buy an expensive chain. This may be a new investment to him, but it has also dipped some good money into his pockets.

The rapper, who is also an entrepreneur and music producer, revealed that his wife is always keeping him from spending lavishly, a sense that he has also built on his own, and it is also thanks to this that his fortune is in a good state. He is a co-founder of the Makhado Makhado Agency, and he is also behind Cotton Club Records.

Endorsement deals Cars Awards
  • Kiwi shoe products
  • Vaseline
  • Remy Martin
  • Mercedes AMG GTS coupe- R2 million
  • Porsche- R1.5 million
  • Mini Mercedes Benz (unknown model)- R1.5 million
  • MTV Africa Music Award for Video of the Year
  • South African Hip Hop Awards
  • Metro FM Awards

19. Zahara 

Richest Musicians in South Africa
Image Source
  • Net Worth: $1.5 million
  • Age: 35 Years Old
  • Record Label: Warner Music Group
  • Best Known for: Loliwe
  • Other Sources Of Income: Endorsement deals and businesses

Everyone else knows her as Zahara, but it is as Bulelwa Mkutukana that she was born in 1987. The South African singer and songwriter have steadily grown into one of the biggest stars in the South African music scene. She was only 6 years old when she started singing in her school choir, and by the time she was 9, her voice to strong enough to get her a place in the senior choir.

When she was 24 years old, Zahara released her debut album, which went wild almost instantly. In the first 13 days of its release, Loliwe went Platinum to double the record after 17 days. Selling more than 100,000 copies in South Africa and clinching 8 awards at the South African Music Awards in 2012, it was clear that she was not here for a short ride. The album would end up selling more than half a million copies. Her second album, Phendula, was not a pushover either; neither was her album Country Girl nor was her fourth Mgodi, which went gold only 6 hours after it was released.

Apart from making money from her very successful albums, she landed a deal with Emperors Palace Hotel, where she would perform at the luxury hotel chains worldwide. The lucrative deal was to last for five years. This became a major boost for her net worth. The singer and songwriter is also a businesswoman who owns 10 percent stakes in a company she did not reveal. She also owns a logistics business, among others, all of which have continued to add to her numbers.

Endorsement deals Cars Awards
  • Samsung
  • Audi A5 drop top- R500,000
  • Range Rover Evoque SUV- R400,000
  • African Muzik Magazine Awards
  • Annual South African Music Awards
  • Nigeria Entertainment Awards
  • Kora Awards
  • Channel O Music Video Awards
  • Metro FM Music Awards

20. Kelly Khumalo 

  • Net Worth: $1.5 million
  • Age: 39 Years Old
  • Record Label: Universal Music South Africa
  • Best Known for: Voice of Africa
  • Other Sources Of Income: Acting, Reality TV, business, endorsement deals

Kelly Khumalo is another big name in the South African music scene who has been around for almost forever. She is a versatile and highly talented individual who is into many things apart from music, including reality shows, dancing, and acting, all of which have added her net worth up to an estimated $1.5 million.

Born in 1984, Kelly started her career in the early 2000s, and by the time she released her first album, T.K.O, in 2005, she became an instant star. Years down the line, she has released as many as 10 albums, and despite the many controversies that have been attached to her name, she remains one of the big female voices in South African music.

Khumalo has made her fortune from many things such as her TV show, Life With Kelly Khumalo, her own drink Controversy Gin, endorsement deals, and other businesses to her name.

Endorsement deals Cars Awards
  • Glutathione South Africa
  • Ferrari
  • South African Music Awards

Others Who Could Have Made The Richest South African Musician List

Apart from the aforementioned, there are many others who, although have not made our lists of the 20 richest South African musicians, are still doing very well for themselves. Such big names include the following:

  • Hugh Masekela (now late), who also had a net worth of $1.5 million;
  • Prince Kaybee, whose net worth is estimated at $1 million,
  • Kabza De Small, who is also in the same net worth range, and then Babes Wodumo.

There are other bigger names that one should naturally expect on the list, but because there is little financial data about them or their actual net worth are still under review, we cannot feature them.

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Tim van der Walt
Tim van der Walt
Tim is another of our talented writers, the one who plays music on replay, drinks more coffee than beer, plays video games, and reads poetry. In between, Tim reviews products, write about computers, games, and talk tech and arts. If there is a WIII, he thinks it could be caused by bad writing.

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