Top 10 Richest South African Musicians
Music is the food to the soul and many people enjoy music. As a result of this, musicians make lots of money from releasing albums, streaming, and doing showbiz.
In this article we will be talking about the top 10 richest South African musicians, do well to read till the end as we unveil these artists and their net worth to you from the bottom to the top.
#10 – Cassper Nyovest – Net Worth $2 Million
Coming in at number 10 is hip-hop artist Cassper Nyovest with a net worth of $2 million. Cassper Nyovest, born Refiloe Maele Phoolo, is one of the best-selling artists in South Africa.
Since launching his music career in 2013, Cassper has released four studio albums and won numerous South African Music Awards.
His catchy beats and lyrics centered around his personal life and experiences growing up in South Africa have resonated with fans.
Between his music, business ventures, and sponsorships, Cassper earned his spot as one of the wealthiest musicians in South Africa.
At only 29, Cassper’s net worth will likely continue climbing as his devoted fan base grows and he expands into new business opportunities.
Keep an eye on this hip-hop star as he makes his way to the top.
#9 – Nasty C – Net Worth $2.5 Million
Nasty C is the stage name of Nsikayesizwe David Ngcobo, a popular South African hip-hop artist. At only 23 years old, Nasty C has already made a name for himself in the music industry.
His energetic and catchy songs have gained him fame across South Africa and beyond. Some of Nasty C’s hit songs include “Juice Back”, “Don’t Do It”, and “Palm Trees”.
His debut album Bad Hair reached number one on the iTunes chart in South Africa. Nasty C is known for clever lyrics, impressive wordplay, and a unique style. His music blends hip hop, trap, and R&B.
More so, Nasty C’s success has earned him various accolades, including the 2015 South African Hip Hop Awards’ Best Freshman Award.
Also, he has collaborated with major artists like Davido, Tellaman, and Riky Rick. Nasty C’s career is still on the rise, and his net worth continues to grow.
At $2.5 million, he ranks #9 on the list of South Africa’s wealthiest musicians.
#8 – AKA – Net Worth $12 Million
Interestingly, AKA is one of South Africa’s wealthiest Hip Hop Artists, with an estimated net worth of $12 million. Born Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, AKA is known for his energetic and charismatic stage presence.
He has released four studio albums since 2011, with hits like “Jealousy,” “Caiphus Song,” and “All Eyes on Me.”
AKA is considered a pioneer of South African hip hop. His music blends hip hop, kwaito, afrobeat and house music influences.
He has won numerous South African Music Awards and MTV Africa Music Awards. Outside of music, AKA has endorsement deals with brands like Cruz Vodka, Reebok and MTN.
He also owns a record label called Beam Group. Though his lavish lifestyle and outspoken personality are controversial at times, AKA’s impact on South African hip hop culture and popularity nationwide is undeniable.
His energetic and charismatic stage presence has earned him a devoted fan following. AKA’s musical style and entrepreneurial success have inspired many up-and-coming South African musicians.
Furthermore, at just 33 years of age, AKA has already built an impressive musical legacy.
#7 – Black Coffee – Net Worth $13 Million
Black Coffee, real name Nkosinathi Maphumulo, is one of the richest musicians in South Africa. The internationally acclaimed DJ and record producer is considered the pioneer of the local house music genre.
His distinctive Afro-house sound fused with electronic beats has gained him fame far beyond South Africa’s borders.
Black Coffee started his career in 1995 and has since released five studio albums and a live DVD. He has won numerous awards, including a BET Award, SAMA, and MTV Africa Music Award.
Meanwhile, Black Coffee has played at major music festivals like Coachella, Tomorrowland, and Ultra Music Festival. He has collaborated with artists like David Guetta, Usher, and Alicia Keys.
Similarly, Black Coffee owns a studio where he produces music, mentors up-and-coming artists, and holds music workshops. He also has endorsement deals with brands like Mercedes-Benz, Absolut Vodka, and Samsung.
Between touring, producing, and business ventures, Black Coffee has built an impressive net worth of $13 million, earning him a spot among the wealthiest musicians in South Africa.
#6 – Steve Hofmeyr – Net Worth $16 Million
Steve Hofmeyr is South Africa’s 6th richest musician with an estimated net worth of $16 million. Known as the “King of Afrikaans Music,” Hofmeyr has released over 50 albums in a career spanning more than 30 years.
The majority of Hofmeyr’s wealth comes from his music, including album sales, touring, and merchandise. He holds the record for the biggest-selling Afrikaans album of all time, ‘Toeka se Dae,’ which has sold over 500,000 copies.
Hofmeyr is also an actor, having appeared in several South African films and TV shows. Some of his most well-known songs are ‘Skree’, ‘Ek Verlang Na Jou’, and ‘Susanna’.
Hofmeyr has won numerous South African Music Awards, including Best Afrikaans Pop Album. He continues to record and tour, cementing his status as an Afrikaans music legend.
With such a long, successful career, Hofmeyr has rightfully earned his place among South Africa’s richest musicians.
#5 – Johnny Clegg – Net Worth $17 Million
Johnny Clegg, known as South Africa’s “White Zulu”, has amassed a fortune of over $17 million as one of the country’s most successful recording artists.
Clegg co-founded the mixed-race band Juluka in the late 1970s during apartheid. Juluka incorporated both Western and Zulu musical elements, with Clegg singing in both English and Zulu.
The band faced censorship and harassment due to apartheid laws banning mixed-race artistic collaborations. Despite this, Juluka became one of the most popular bands in South Africa.
After Juluka disbanded in 1985, Clegg formed his second integrated band, Savuka. Savuka’s music also fused Western pop and South African musical traditions, gaining international fame and helping bring South African music to global audiences.
With over 20 albums and a successful international touring career spanning over 40 years, Clegg has rightfully earned his place among South Africa’s wealthiest musicians.
Known for timeless anthems like “Scatterlings of Africa” and “Asimbonanga”, Clegg’s impact on South African music and culture is unparalleled.
Though he retired from music in 2017, Clegg’s unifying message of racial harmony and national pride lives on in his musical legacy.
#4 – Die Antwoord – Net Worth $20 Million
Die Antwoord, South Africa’s zef rap-rave crew, takes the #4 spot with an estimated net worth of $20 million.
Formed in 2008, the duo of Ninja and Yolandi Visser found overnight success and fame with their eclectic style and sound.
Their unique zef counterculture aesthetic incorporates South African street culture, hip hop, and rave music.
Die Antwoord’s breakthrough album $O$ in 2009 and their 2012 follow up Ten$ion introduced the world to their strange and fascinating style.
Videos for songs like “I Fink U Freeky” and “Fatty Boom Boom” went viral, gaining tens of millions of views.
Die Antwoord has since toured the world, playing at major music festivals in the US, Europe, Australia and South Africa.
They have collaborated with famous artists like Cypress Hill, Dita Von Teese, and Jack Black.
Beyond music, Die Antwoord has dabbled in acting, with roles in films like Chappie in 2015 and Alien: Covenant in 2017. They have a cult following and continue to push creative boundaries.
Though controversial and polarizing, Die Antwoord’s enormous success and distinct South African flavor has had a huge influence on pop culture, fashion, and music worldwide.
They represent the zef counterculture movement that celebrates individuality and rejects social norms. After over a decade, Die Antwoord continues to surprise and subvert expectations.
Their high energy and rebellious style have resonated with fans globally, cementing their status as South Africa’s top musical export.
#3 – DJ Euphonik – Net Worth $24 Million
DJ Euphonik, whose real name is Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe, is one of South Africa’s most successful DJs and music producers.
Through his music, Euphonik has amassed an estimated net worth of $24 million, making him the 3rd richest musician in South Africa.
Euphonik is known for producing house music and hosting popular parties. He has traveled the world performing at major music festivals and events.
Some of his hit songs include “4 The Love of House”, “Don’t Let Go”, and “Take Me There”. In addition to creating music, Euphonik has other business ventures.
He started his own record label, High Stakes Records, which produces up-and-coming musical artists. Euphonik also has endorsement deals with various brands like Mercedes Benz, Cîroc, and Samsung.
While $24 million is an impressive number, Euphonik’s net worth will likely continue to grow over the coming years through future music releases, performances, and business deals.
His widespread popularity and influence in South Africa’s music scene show no signs of slowing down.
#2 – Hugh Masekela – Net Worth $30 Million
Hugh Masekela is a world-renowned South African trumpeter, singer and composer known for his jazz compositions and anti-apartheid activism.
His musical career has spanned over five decades, during which time he has released over 40 albums. Masekela was born in Witbank, South Africa in 1939.
At a young age, he learned to play piano and began singing in a choir. He developed an interest in jazz in his teens and learned to play trumpet.
In the 1950s, Masekela joined the Jazz Epistles, one of the first all-black jazz bands in South Africa.
In 1960, at the age of 21, Masekela left South Africa to begin what would become 30 years of political exile. He enrolled at London’s Guildhall School of Music, where he studied classical trumpet.
Masekela then moved to New York, where he recorded his debut album Trumpet Africaine. He went on to collaborate with many musicians, including Harry Belafonte and Paul Simon.
Masekela’s music often carried anti-apartheid messages, calling for change in South Africa. His songs like “Soweto Blues” and “Bring Him Back Home” became anthems for the anti-apartheid movement.
Masekela finally returned to South Africa in 1990 following the end of apartheid and Nelson Mandela’s release from prison.
Today, Masekela continues to record and tour. His decades of accomplishments as a pioneering African musician and activist have made him an inspiration to many.
With a net worth of $30 million, Hugh Masekela remains an influential figure in South African culture.
#1 – Charlize Theron – Net Worth $130 Million
Charlize Theron tops our list as South Africa’s wealthiest musician. This Academy Award-winning actress and producer has a net worth of $130 million.
Born in Benoni, Gauteng, Theron rose to fame in the late 1990s with roles in films like The Devil’s Advocate (1997) and Mighty Joe Young (1998).
Her breakthrough came with the serial killer film Monster (2003), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Since then, she has starred in numerous other films, including North Country (2005), Hancock (2008), Young Adult (2011), A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014), and Mad Max: Fury Road (2015).
Outside of acting, Theron is involved in several philanthropic causes. She founded the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project to support African youth in the areas of health, education, and community development.
She also serves as a UN Messenger of Peace and founded the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the top 10 richest musicians in South Africa are a testimony to the success and popularity of music in the country.
From legends like Charlize Theron to new stars like Black Coffee, these musicians have found success both locally and internationally.
These musicians are also an inspiration to aspiring artists, showing that hard work and talent can lead to great success.