Top 20 richest rappers in South Africa in 2025 (with infographic)

Rapping requires plenty of practice and the ability to choose words carefully. In the past, rappers were associated with defiance of moral authority, but now rapping is accepted as an art and career. Most young people enjoy rap music and adore the rappers they consider the best in the industry. Discover the top 20 richest rappers in South Africa below.

Key takeaways

• This article lists the richest rappers in SA based on their estimated net worth.
• These artists have amassed a lot of wealth primarily from their music careers.
• Wealthy South African rappers are famous for their quality music and lavish lifestyles.

Who are the richest rappers in South Africa?

South Africa has its unique traditional style of music. Due to globalization, urbanization, and the interaction of cultures, artists merge European hip-hop with native Mzansi tunes to create rap music that has a sense of uniqueness. Here are the top 20 richest rappers in South Africa in 2025.

Musicians make money through album sales, live performances, and merchandise sales. Many rappers, such as Watkin Tudor Jones have made millions from their careers. Here is a breakdown of profiles of the richest South African rappers.

20. Focalistic - $500,000

• Full name: Lethabo Sebetso
• Date of birth: 26 May 1996
• Age: 28 years (as of February 2025)
• Place of birth: Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
• Top hits: Ke Star, Champion Sound, PelePele, and more

Focalistic rose to fame after his single Ke Star, which reached No. 16 on Billboard Top Triller Global charts. Since then, he has released more hit songs, including Ke Star, Champion Sound, PelePele, and Ka Lekeke. The artist raps in Sepitori—a vernacular spoken in Pretoria townships. According to TheCityCeleb, Focalistics' net worth is approximately $500,000.

19. A Reece - $500, 000

• Full name: Lehlogonolo Ronald Mataboge
• Born: 27 March 1997
• Age: 27 years (as of February 2025)
• Place of birth: North West, South Africa
• Top hits: Couldn't, Reece Effect, Mgani, and more

A-Reece caught the music industry's attention as an unsigned sixteen-year-old with the release of his song, Cassper Picture. From there, his debut studio album, Paradise (2016), had multiple hit singles, including Couldn't and Mgani. Online sources like Cnyakundi's website estimate rapper A-Reece's net worth is about $500,000.

18. JR Tabure - $500,000

• Full name: Tabure Thabo Bogopa Junior
• Date of birth: 13 March 1987
• Age: 37 years (as of February 2025)
• Place of birth: Bloemfontein, South Africa
• Top hits: Gata Le Nna, So Hot, Show Dem, and more

JR Tabure rose to fame when his debut single, Gata Le Nna, became significantly popular on radio stations like YFM and Metro FM and earned him awards like the Song of the Year and Hip Hop award at the Hype Awards.

The rapper further solidified his status with his debut album, The Main Event, and secured endorsement deals with companies like Renault SA. He also won R1 million from e.tv's Tropika Island of Treasure reality show in 2011. Wikisouthafrica reports that JR Tabure's net worth is around $500,000.

17. Boity Thulo - $950,000

• Full name: Boitumelo Thulo
• Date of birth: 28 April 1990
• Age: 34 years (as of February 2025)
• Place of birth: Potchefstroom, South Africa TV host
• Top hits: Wuz Dat?, Own Your Throne, Bakae, and more

Boity Thulo is among the richest female rappers in South Africa. She started rapping in 2017 when she opened for Migos in South Africa.

In 2018, Boity released her debut single, Wuz Dat?, featuring Nasty C, and it became the first single by a female rapper in South Africa to be certified Platinum.

The lady was named among Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 for her contribution to entertainment. The Nubianpage reports Boity Thulo's net worth to be $950,000.

16. Sho Madjozi - $1.5 million

• Full name: Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif
• Born: 9 May 1992
• Age: 32 years (as of February 2025)
• Place of birth: Limpopo, South Africa
• Top hits: John Cena, Kadigong, Chale, and more

Sho Madjozi proudly highlights the Tsonga culture with her remarkable Gqom beats. The multifaceted South African artist was mentioned on Forbes Africa’s “30 Under 30” list in 2019.

Additionally, veteran WWE wrestler, John Cena, surprised her in 2019 when she was performing her viral single, John Cena, on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Multiple sources, including Nupebaze, estimate Sho Madjozi's net worth is about $1.5 million.

15. Gigi Lamayne - $1.5 million

• Full name: Genesis Gabriella Tina Manney
• Born: 7 July 1994
• Age: 30 years (as of February 2025)
• Birthplace: Lenasia, South Africa
• Top hits: Alamba Chini, Fufa, Mojo Mojo, and more

Gigi Lamayne began rapping at age 16 and released her first mixtape, El Principio-16, under Scratchbeats Records. She got a record deal at Bentley Records after winning the Shiz Niz Mixtape competition and won the Best Female at the South African Hip Hop Awards in 2013. According to a publication by the Allfamousbirthday, Gigi Lamayne's net worth is about $1.5 million.

14. Spoek Mathambo - $1.5 million

• Full name: Nthato Monde James Mokgata
• Date of birth: 14 May 1985
• Age: 38 years (as of February 2025)
• Place of birth: Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa
• Top hits: Control, Gwababa, Skorokoro, and more

Spoek Mathambo rose to fame in the late 2000s with his fusion of different music. He has released songs like Control, Gwababa, Skorokoro, and Mshini Wam. The Popularbio states that Spoek Mathambo's net worth is approximately $1.5 million.

13. Yanga Chief - $1.5 million

• Full name: Yanga Ntshakaza
• Date of birth: 17 October 1987
• Age: 37 years (as of February 2025)
• Place of birth: Mthatha, Eastern Cape
• Top hits: Utatakho, Emehlweni, Ntoni Na, and more

Yanga Chief is known for his hit song, Utatakho, with the late South African rapper AKA, and his 2020 debut album, Pop Star. He also wrote and sang on AKA's song, Jika, in 2018 and has won awards such as the South African Hip-Hop Awards and South African Music Awards. According to Wikilogy, Yanga Chief's net worth is around $1.5 million.

12. Jack Parow - $1.5 million

• Full name: Zander Tyler
• Date of birth: 22 February 1982
• Age: 43 years (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Parow, Cape Town, South Africa
• Top hits: Novo Set, Balkan Mix, Scandal Set, and more

Jack Parow has worked with other prominent artists like Die Antwoord and Francois Van Coke. His studio albums include Jack Parow, Eksie Ou, and Afrika 4 Beginners.

A publication by the Allfamousbirthday website states that Jack Parow's net worth is around $1.5 million, making him one of the richest rappers in South Africa.

11. Shane Eagle - $2 million

• Full name: Shane Patrick Hughes
• Date of birth: 7 June 1996
• Age: 28 years (as of February 2025)
• Place of birth: Rabie Ridge, Midrand, South Africa
• Top hits: Let It Flow, Empty Highways, Cutting Corners, and more

Shane Eagle rose to fame in 2015, after finishing fourth place on the first season of the Vuzu rapping reality competition, The Hustle.

He released several non-album singles before his debut album, Yellow, came out in 2017. The album features his gold-certified lead single, Let It Flow. Online sources like Abtc.ng estimate Shane Eagle's net worth as $2 million.

10. Da L.E.S - $2 million

• Full name: Leslie Jonathan Mampe, Jr.
• Date of birth: 26 July 1985
• Age: 39 years (as of February 2025)
• Place of birth: Washington, DC, United States
• Top hits: Heaven, Kontrol, Oceans, and more

Da L.E.S achieved early success with his band, Jozi, and is most known for his solo single, Heaven, which was released in 2013, and features the late AKA and Maggz.

Since then, the rapper has released several albums, including High Level and Elon Musk. Some of his top singles are Heaven (2013), Kontrol (2014), and Oceans (2016). The Famousnetworth states that Da L.E.S' net worth is about $2 million.

9. Kwesta - $2 million

• Full name: Senzo Brikka Vilakazi
• Date of birth: 11 August 1988
• Age: 36 years (as of February 2025)
• Place of birth: Katlehong, South Africa
• Top hits: Ngud, Khethile Khethile, Ngiyaz'fela Ngawe, and more

At the age of 13 years, Kwesta formed the Ghetto Fellaz rap group with friends. The group changed its name to The Juvenylz. Senzo. He later launched a solo career and co-founded an independent media company called RapLyf Records with Kid X.

The rapper was named to Forbes Africa's 30 under 30 list in 2018. Some of his most reputable accolades include 6 South African Music Awards, 4 South African Hip Hop Awards, 1 MTV Africa Music Awards, and 1 Metro FM Awards. Glusea states that Kwesta's net worth is around $2 million.

8. Khuli Chana - $2 million

• Full name: Khulane Morule
• Date of birth: 27 August 1982
• Age: 42 years (as of February 2025)
• Place of birth: Mmabatho, South Africa
• Top hits: Khuliyano, HaveNots, Tswa Daar, and more

Khuli Chana was in the Morafe group before becoming a solo artist. He rose to fame after releasing his major successful album Motswakoriginator, which infuses both the Setswana and English languages.

Some of his studio albums are Motswakoriginator (2009), Lost in Time (2012), and Planet of The Have Nots (2019). According to TheCityCeleb, Khuli Chana's net worth is about $2 million.

7. Nasty C - $3.1 million

• Full name: Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo
• Date of birth: 11 February 1997
• Age: 28 years (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Diepmeadow, South Africa
• Top hits: Way It Go, God Flow, Let Me In, and more

Nasty C is a global sensation who became famous after releasing Way It Go ft. Youngsta and Tumi. According to Avenuegh, Nasty C's net worth of around $3.1 million makes him one of the ten richest rappers in South Africa.

6. Okmalumkoolkat - $4.8 million

• Full name: Simiso Brian Mkhasibe
• Date of birth: 27 July 1983
• Age: 41 years (as of February 2025)
• Place of birth: Umlazi, South Africa
• Top hits: Amalobolo, The Mpahlas, Uthando To The T, and more

After Okmalumkoolkat graduated from college, he moved to Johannesburg, where he met Doctor SpiZee, with whom he formed Dirty Paraffin.

He has released singles such as Amalobolo, The Mpahlas, and Uthando To The T. According to Idolnetworth, Okmalumkoolkat's net worth is approximately $4.8 million.

5. K.O - $4.8 million

• Full name: Ntokozo Mdluli
• Date of birth: 13 October 1980
• Age: 44 years (as of February 2025)
• Place of birth: Soweto, South Africa
• Top hits: Supa Dupa, Caracara, Skhanda Love, and more

Ntokozo Mdluli (alias K.O) was part of the Teargas rap group, which released its debut album, K'shubile K'bovu, in 2006. After leaving Teargas, Mdluli pursued a solo career.

His first song as a solo artist, Skhanda Republic, made him a national star. The Idolnetworth states that K.O.'s net worth is around $4.8 million.

4. Nadia Nakai - $5 million

• Full name: Nadia Nakai Dlamini
• Date of birth: 18 May 1990
• Age: 34 years (as of February 2025)
• Place of birth: South Africa
• Top hits: Like Me, Umfazi, Amai, and more

Nadia Nakai is a South African-born Zimbabwean rapper. Her first TV appearance was on e.tv's Shiz Niz hip-hop show, where she won the Mixtape 101 competition.

After that, she released her debut single, Like Me, and rose to prominence. Multiple online sources, including Citimuzik, estimate Nadia Nakai's net worth as $5 million.

3. Cassper Nyovest - $8 million

• Full name: Refiloe Maele Phoolo
• Date of birth: 16 December 1990
• Age: 34 years (as of February 2025)
• Place of birth: Mahikeng, South Africa
• Top hits: Phumakim, Gusheshe, Malome, and more

Casper Nyovest is considered one of the richest South African hip-hop artists. He rose to stardom in 2014 after releasing his debut album Tsholofelo.

The rapper continues to make power moves in the industry. According to Zalebs, Cassper Nyovest's net worth was around $8 million by 2002.

2. Yolandi Visser - $10 million

• Full name: Anri du Toit
• Date of birth: 1 December 1984
• Age: 40 years (as of February 2025)
• Place of birth: Port Alfred, South Africa
• Top hits: Banana Brain, Get Up Ninja Dubstep, Cookie Thumper, and more

Yolandi Visser is one of two vocalists in the alternative hip-hop group Die Antwoord. She was initially thought she was white, but it is speculated that she was born during apartheid to a Black father.

Visser moved to Cape Town in 2003 and met Ninja (Watkin Tudor Jones). They started rapping together and formed Die Antwoord with Hi-Tek and DJ. According to Celebritynetworth, Yolandi Visser's net worth is about $10 million.

1. Watkin Tudor Jones - $10 million

• Full name: Watkin Tudor Jones
• Date of birth: 26 September 1974
• Age: 50 years (as of February 2025)
• Place of birth: Johannesburg, South Africa
• Top hits: Enter the Ninja, Bang On The Drum, Organ Grinder, and more

Watkin Tudor Jones, who uses the stage name Ninja, is famous for being a member of the South African hip-hop group Die Antwoord, with Yolandi Visser.

His music group became internationally famous in 2010 after their Enter the Ninja music video went viral. Besides singing, Tudor directed and acted in the film, Chappie. The Celebritynetworth estimates Watkin Tudor Jones' net worth as $10 million.

Who is richer, A-Reece or Nasty C?

Nasty C is richer than A-Reece. According to online sources, the former is worth around $3.1 million, while A-Reece's net worth is about $500,000.

Who were the biggest rappers in South Africa?

South Africa's most popular rappers who are dead are Pro Kid, AKA, and Costa Titch.

Who is the most loved rapper in South Africa?

A-Reece, Nasty C, Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta, and the late AKA (Kiernan Jarryd Forbes) are among the most loved rappers in South Africa.

Who is the richest singer in South Africa today?

Black Coffee, whose real name is Nkosinathi Maphumulo, is the wealthiest artist in South Africa, with an estimated net worth of $60 million. The DJ and record producer has released eight studio albums and won several top accolades.

Who is the richest person in South Africa?

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla Motors, is the richest South African, with a net worth of $264 billion. Followed by Johann Rupert, whose net worth is $11.8 billion. Rupert is the chairman of Richemont, a Swiss luxury goods company, and Remgro.

The richest rappers in South Africa are always working towards producing high-quality songs for their audiences. The popularity of their songs is adequate evidence of their hard work and dedication.

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Source: Briefly News