Who is the richest artist in South Africa? Top 20 list and their net worth
Music is one of the highest-paying creative arts in the world for artists with a huge fan base. The largest portion of their revenue usually comes from live shows. Most artists continue to capitalize on their fame to venture into business and sign multi-million-dollar brand endorsement deals. Who is the richest artist in South Africa?
Source: Facebook
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Top 10 richest artists in South Africa
- Who is the richest artist in South Africa?
- 20. Hugh Masekela - Approx $1.5 million
- 19. Zahara - Approx $1.5 million
- 18. Riky Rick - Approx $1.5 million
- 17. Mafikizolo - Approx $2 million
- 16. Da L.E.S - Approx $2 million
- 15. Khuli Chana - Approx $2 million
- 14. Nasty C - Approx $2 million
- 13. Oskido - Approx $2 million
- 12. DJ Euphonik - Approx $2.5 million
- 11. DJ Sbu - Approx $3 million
- 10. Leon Schuster - Approx $3 million
- 9. Cassper Nyovest - Approx $3 million
- 8. Benjamin Dube - Approx $5 million
- 7. Juanita Du Plessis - Approx $5 million
- 6. Rebecca Malope - Approx $5 million
- 5. DJ Maphorisa - Approx $6 million
- 4. Die Antwoord - Approx $10 million
- 3. AKA - Approx $12 million
- 2. Steve Hofmeyr - Approx $19 million
- 1. Black Coffee - Approx $60 million
- Who is the richest rapper in SA?
- Who is the richest female artist in SA?
- Who is the richest between Cassper Nyovest and Maphorisa?
- Who is the richest South African DJ?
Key takeaways
- Black Coffee tops the list of Forbes richest artists in Africa. He is estimated to have a net worth of $60 million.
- The late AKA was one richest South African artists with an approximate net worth of $12 million.
- The duo Mafikizolo are among the wealthy South African artists worth $2 million.
- The richest female artist in South Africa is Rebecca Malope. She is worth approximately $5 million.
Top 10 richest artists in South Africa
Who is the top 10 richest in South Africa? Find out below alongside their approximate net worth.
| No | Artist | Net worth (Approximate) |
| 1 | Black Coffee | $60 million |
| 2 | Steve Hofmeyr | $19 million |
| 3 | AKA | $12 million |
| 4 | Die Antwoord | $10 million |
| 5 | DJ Maphorisa | $6 million |
| 6 | Rebecca Malope | $5 million |
| 7 | Juanita Du Plessis | $5 million |
| 8 | Benjamin Dube | $5 million |
| 9 | Cassper Nyovest | $3 million |
| 10 | Leon Schuster | $3 million |
Who is the richest artist in South Africa?
These are the top 20 richest artists in South Africa in 2025. Most of them have been in the industry for several years.
20. Hugh Masekela - Approx $1.5 million
Source: Facebook
- Full name: Hugh Masekela
- Date of birth:4 April 1939
- Date of death: 23 January 2018
- Age at death: 79 years old
- Place of birth: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Top hits: Soweto Blues, Bring Him Back Home
Hugh Masekela is listed among the richest artists in South Africa on Forbes. Masekela, born in 1939 in Witbank, South Africa, was a legendary trumpeter, composer, and singer. His career spanned over six decades.
Masekela blended jazz, Afrobeat, and South African music releasing more than 43 albums. He worked with music legends like Marvin Gaye, Dizzy Gillespie, Paul Simon, and Miriam Makeba. His hit song Grazing in the Grass became a global success.
Masekela’s wealth came from his successful career, endorsements, and investments. His music catalogue continues to generate income. He also owned properties and had strong business ventures. This combination of talent and savvy made him one of South Africa’s richest musicians.
19. Zahara - Approx $1.5 million
Source: Instagram
- Full name: Bulelwa Mkutukana
- Date of birth: 9 November 1987
- Date of death: 11 December 2023
- Age at death: 36 years old
- Place of birth: East London, South Africa
- Top hits: Loliwe, Country Girl
Zahara was a multi-award-winning and best-selling Afro-soul singer from Mzansi. Her debut album, Loliwe (2011), was certified double platinum, while her third album, Country Girl (2015), reached triple platinum status.
She had numerous chart-topping singles, including Stay, Impilo, Loliwe, and Phendula. The singer has received several top accolades from South Africa and beyond. They include 17 SAMAs, one Nigerian Entertainment Award, one Kora Award, and three Metro FM Awards.
In 2020, singer Zahara was featured on BBC's 100 Women list. Her reality series, Zahara: As I Rise, debuted on SABC1 in February 2023. Zahara passed away on 11 December 2023. Her death was mourned in the entire continent and beyond.
18. Riky Rick - Approx $1.5 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Rikhado Muziwendlovu Chifaro Makhado
- Date of birth: 20 July 1987
- Date of death: 23 February 2022
- Age at death: 35 years old
- Place of birth: KwaMashu, South Africa
- Top hits: Family Values, Boss Zonke
Riky Rick was a South African hip-hop artist, songwriter, producer, and businessman. He, unfortunately, passed away in February 2022, but his music continues to carry his legacy. He was one of the richest musicians in South Africa.
His studio album, Family Values (2015), was certified platinum by RISA. Riky Rick received several top accolades, including the Best Collaboration award and MVP/Hustler of the Year award at the 2021 South African Hip Hop Awards. The Boss Zonke hitmaker founded Cotton Club Records.
17. Mafikizolo - Approx $2 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full names: Nhlahla Nciza and Theo Kgosinkwe
- Dates of birth: 15 March 1978 and 15 August 1973
- Ages: 47 and 52 years old (as of 2025)
- Places of birth: Schweizer-Reneke and Kagiso, Krugersdorp, South Africa
- Top hits: Ndihamba Nawe kuphela, Kwela Kwela
Mafikizolo is an Afro-pop duo consisting of lead singer Nhlahla Nciza and composer Theo Kgosinkwe. The band entered the entertainment industry in 1997 as a Kwaito group of three, including their late member Tebogo Madingoane who passed away in 2004.
The band has released ten studio albums, including Idwala (2022), 20 (2017), Reunited (2013), and Kwela (2003). Mafikizolo's sound continues to redefine African music over 25 years later. They have worked with many great artists across the continent, like Davido and Jah Prayzah.
The duo has sold over 1 million units and won several awards, including 14 SAMAs, and two MTV Africa Music Awards.
16. Da L.E.S - Approx $2 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Leslie Jonathan Mampe Jr.
- Date of birth: 26 July 1985
- Age: 40 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Washington, D.C., United States
- Top hits: Heaven, All Eyes On Me
Da L.E.S is a South African-American hip-hop star and record producer. He was born in Washington, D.C., United States, to South African parents. He developed a passion for singing from a young age and started making music professionally in 1993.
The artist is credited for introducing a new era of fun rap. He has released seven studio albums and several singles, including his 2013 hit, Heaven, featuring Maggz and AKA.
Da L.E.S and AKA were good friends, and he is the godfather to his daughter Kairo Forbes. AKA was also the godfather of Da L.E.S' daughter, Madison.
15. Khuli Chana - Approx $2 million
Source: UGC
- Full name: Khulane Morule
- Date of birth: 27 August 1982
- Age: 43 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Mmabatho, South Africa
- Top hits: Buyile, Konka and more
Khuli Chana is a Motswako rapper and songwriter. He has been in the industry since the early 1990s and has released several projects, including Planet of The Have Nots (2018), One Source (2016), Lost in Time (2012), and Motswakoriginator (2009).
In March 2023, Khuli Chana graduated from AFDA with an Honours degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
14. Nasty C - Approx $2 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo
- Date of birth: 11 February 1997
- Age: 28 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Durban, South Africa
- Top hits: SMA, Whipped
Nasty C is an award-winning South African hip-hop artist, songwriter, and record producer. He was born on 11th February 1997 and started releasing mixtapes in the early 2010s.
His debut studio album, Bad Hair, came out in 2016, followed by Strings and Bling in 2018. The hip-hop star signed a joint venture with New York City-based Def Jam Records in March 2020. He is considered the richest artist in South Africa with a net worth of $2 million.
He has won several top accolades in Mzansi, including the SA Hip Hop Award for Best Freshman. In 2017, he received nominations for the BET Award for Best International Act: Africa and the MTV Europe Music Awards.
13. Oskido - Approx $2 million
Source: UGC
- Full name: Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa
- Date of birth: 23 November 1967
- Age: 58 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Brits, South Africa
- Top hits: Ngizimisele, Tsa Mandebele
Oskido is a DJ, recording artist, producer, and entrepreneur. He was born on 29th November 1967 in Brits, North West Province and debuted in the entertainment industry in the late 1980s.
The artist works across different genres, including Kwaito, Afro-house, and amapiano. He co-founded Kalawa Jazmee Records alongside Don Kaka and Christos Katsaitis in 1992. The record label produces music for top artists like Bongo Maffin, DJ Zinhle, Winnie Khumalo, Boom Shaka, and Mafikizolo.
Oskido is also a savvy entrepreneur. He established Daruma by Oskido Japanese Restaurant in 2019.
12. DJ Euphonik - Approx $2.5 million
Source: UGC
- Full name: Themba Mbongeni Nkosi
- Date of birth: 6 December 1983
- Age: 42 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Mpumalanga, South Africa
- Top hits: Cool and Deadly, Don't Wanna Be (Your Friend)
DJ Euphonik is a renowned South African DJ, presenter, and music producer focusing mainly on house and techno sounds. He began remixing in the early 2000s and produced his first album with DJ Kent called Kentphonik in 2004.
His fame skyrocketed when his track, Cool and Deadly, with Nyanda and DJ Fresh, reached number one on the 5FM Top 40 list. DJ Euphonik worked at YFM from 2004 to 2006 before moving to 5FM. He has worked with notable artists like Black Coffee, Richie Hawtin, Nicky Romero, and Afrojack.
11. DJ Sbu - Approx $3 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Sibusiso Leope
- Date of birth: 28 May 1997
- Age: 28 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Thembisa, South Africa
- Top hits: Remember When It Rained, Lengoma
DJ Sbu is a South African radio DJ, television presenter, and entrepreneur. He studied Sound Engineering at African Media University and Electrical Engineering at Technikon Witwatersrand.
He began his media career in the late 1990s and was at YFM from the early 2000s to 2010. The DJ's work in music includes MoFaya (2014), Sound Revival Vol 1 and 2 (2011 and 2012), and Y-Lens Vol 1 (2006).
He has won several SAMAs and a Metro FM award for Record of the Year (2016). DJ Sbu co-owned TS Records with Thembinkosi until its shutdown in 2017.
Sbu established the MoFaya energy drink. In 2017, he sold a 26% stake in the company to Coca-Cola for R493 million.
He is also a public speaker and published author, and some of his books are The Beginning, The Art of a Hustler, and Billionaires Under Construction.
10. Leon Schuster - Approx $3 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Leon Schuster
- Date of birth: 21 May 1951
- Age: 74 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Vereeniging, South Africa
- Top hits: Hie' Kommie Bokke, Ag Pleeze Daddy
Leon Schuster is a multi-talented singer, actor, filmmaker, and comedian. He was born on 21st May 1951 in Vereeniging and has been entertaining South Africa since the 1970s.
Leon Schuster has released over 20 albums, including Dra Die Bok (2008), Oh Schuks... I'm Gatvol (2004), Gautvol in Paradise (1997), and others.
His most notable movie roles include Bones in the Mr Bones film series, Frank in Frank and Fearless, Boetie in Mad Buddies, and Jack Theron in Mama Jack.
In 2020, some of his films were removed from Showmax for containing racially insensitive content in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests.
9. Cassper Nyovest - Approx $3 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Refiloe Maele Phoolo
- Date of birth: 16 December 1990
- Age: 35 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Mahikeng, North West, South Africa
- Top hits: Mama I Made It, Good for That
Cassper Nyovest was born on 16th December 1990 in Mahikeng, North West, South Africa. He started making music in the early 2000s after dropping out of school and has risen to become one of the most successful artists in the country.
He was often considered to be the late AKA's greatest rival. Some of his hits include Mama I Made It, Good for That, Move for Me, Summer Love, Pardon My Arrogance, and others. Cassper Nyovest has also ventured into business.
He launched his liquor brand, Billiato, in September 2021 and founded the Root of Fame sneaker company in July 2021 under Drip Footwear. He established his record label, Family Tree Records, in 2014.
8. Benjamin Dube - Approx $5 million
Source: UGC
- Full name: Benjamin Dube
- Date of birth: 29th November 1962
- Age: 63 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Top hits: Bow Down and Worship, Ngiyakuthanda
Benjamin Dube is one of the most successful gospel artists from South Africa. He was born on 29th November 1962 in Johannesburg to a religious family; his father was a preacher while his mother sang gospel songs.
Benjamin started singing at age seven and has been making music professionally since the early 1980s. Dube has been in the gospel industry for over three decades and has helped mentor several upcoming artists.
He is the founder and CEO of High Praise Centre in Vosloorus, Johannesburg and established his music label, Dube Connection. Benjamin Dube has worked with prominent figures like Bishop T.D. Jakes, Israel Houghton, Bishop John Francis, and others. Benjamin Dube's net worth is estimated to be $5 million.
7. Juanita Du Plessis - Approx $5 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Juanita Du Plessis
- Date of birth: 26 April 1972
- Age: 53 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Windhoek, Namibia
- Top hits: Ska-Rumba, One Day At A Time
Juanita Du Plessis has established herself as one of the best-selling Afrikaans singers in Southern Africa. The Namibian-born artist made her professional singing debut in the late 1990s. She has released over 20 albums and sold over 3 million records. The majority of Juanita's projects are certified multi-platinum.
6. Rebecca Malope - Approx $5 million
Source: Facebook
- Full name: Rebecca Malope
- Date of birth: 30 June 1968
- Age: 57 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Mpumalanga, South Africa
- Top hits: Siyabonga, Somlandela
Dr Rebecca Malope, also called The African Queen of Gospel, is a multi-award-winning veteran South African gospel musician. She was born on 30th June 1968 in Nelspruit and has been active in the industry since 1984.
The multi-platinum singer rose to fame in the 1990s and has since released over 36 albums and sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Her success in music easily makes her the richest artist in South Africa.
She is known for songs like Siyabonga, Somlandela, Lord You Are Good, Adonai, Bless My Country, and others. Rebecca Malope received honorary doctorates from the University of California and the University of KwaZulu-Natal for her unmatched contribution to music.
She was also honoured with the Order of Ikhamanga from President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2021.
5. DJ Maphorisa - Approx $6 million
Source: UGC
- Full name: Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe
- Date of birth: 15 November 1987
- Age: 57 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Soshanguve, South Africa
- Top hits: Izolo, Biri Marung
DJ Maphorisa, real name Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe, is a renowned DJ, record producer, songwriter and vocalist. He owns the Baqboy Music record label.
He worked with several top artists, including Wizkid, Drake, Major Lazer, Young Stunna, Killer Kau, Black Coffee, and Runtown.
He produces music from different genres, including Afropop, amapiano, and house music. As a vocalist, DJ Maphorisa has released singles like Abalele (2021) and Midnight Starring (2018).
4. Die Antwoord - Approx $10 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full Names: Anri 'Yolandi Visser' du Toit and Watkin Tudor 'Ninja' Jones
- Date of birth: 1 December 1984 and 26 September 1974
- Age: 41 and 51 years old (as of 2025)
- Places of birth: Port Alfred and Johannesburg, South Africa
- Top hits: I Fink U Freeky, Baby's On Fire
Die Antwoord is a South African alternative hip-hop band from Cape Town. The group was established in 2008 and comprises rappers Anri 'Yolandi Visser' du Toit and Watkin Tudor 'Ninja' Jones and producers Lil2Hood and HITEK5000.
The rap group rose to global fame because of their unique visuals and rave-techno-infused rap tracks. They have released several songs that climbed the charts in Europe, North America, and Australia.
Their reputation has been tainted lately when their foster son, Gabriel 'Tokkie' du Preez, came out in early 2022 to accuse the band of the mistreatment and exploitation of a child.
3. AKA - Approx $12 million
Source: Facebook
- Full Name: Kiernan Jarryd Forbes
- Date of birth: 28 January 1988
- Date of death: 10 February 2023
- Age at death: 35 years old
- Place of birth: Durban, South Africa
- Top hits: All Eyes On Me, Fela In Versace
AKA, real name Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, was one of South Africa's best-selling hip-hop stars and continues to make money from beyond the grave. He released his first studio album, Alter Ego, in 2011, followed by several chart-topping tracks.
The rapper, unfortunately, passed away on 10th February 2023 (aged 35) after being gunned down in Durban. His final album, Mass Country, was released posthumously in February 2023, about two weeks after his sudden demise.
AKA was also an entrepreneur, record producer, and audio engineer.
2. Steve Hofmeyr - Approx $19 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full Name: Steve Hofmeyr
- Date of birth: 29 August 1964
- Ages: 61 years old (as of 2025)
- Places of birth: Pretoria, South Africa
- Top hits: Amanda, Lucille
Steve Hofmeyr was born on 29th August 1964 in Pretoria. He has been active in the music industry since 1989 and has released over 20 albums. Apart from music, he is a published author and entrepreneur.
Hofmeyr's net worth has reduced due to the various controversies surrounding him. He has been accused of racism and having negative views towards the LGBTQ+ community.
In 2019, Multichoice removed all of Steve Hofmeyr's content on its networks, prompting him to encourage his fans to boycott the company and destroy their DStv boxes. Steve Hofmeyer's net worth is estimated at 19 million.
1. Black Coffee - Approx $60 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full Name: Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo
- Date of birth: 11th March 1976
- Ages: 49 years old (as of 2025)
- Places of birth: Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Top hits: You Need Me, DO 4 LOVE
Black Coffee is the richest artist in South Africa. He was born on 11th March 1976 in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal and began his career in 1994.
The DJ and record producer has released eight studio albums and won several top accolades, including a Grammy, two Metro FM Awards, four DJ Awards, and eight SAMAs.
Who is the richest rapper in SA?
The late AKA is still the richest rapper in South Africa in 2023 with an estimated net worth of $12 million. The multi-award-winning artist has four studio albums and one collaborative album, Be Careful What You Wish For (with Anatii).
He received three SAMAs, six SA Hip Hop Awards, two Metro FM Music Awards, and four nominations for BET Awards.
Who is the richest female artist in SA?
Gospel musician Rebecca Malope is considered the wealthiest female artist in Mzansi, with an estimated net worth of $5 million. The multi-platinum certified singer has been in the industry for over three decades and has sold over 10 million albums globally.
Who is the richest between Cassper Nyovest and Maphorisa?
DJ Maphorisa is richer with an estimated net worth of $6 million while Cassper Nyovest has a net worth of $3 million.
Who is the richest South African DJ?
Black Coffee is the richest South African DJ. He is also the richest artist in South Africa with a net worth of approximately $60 million.
If you ever need to know who the richest artist in South Africa is, the list above tells you the top 20. These artists have released several chart-topping tracks and continue to build a growing international audience. They are also using their revenue and influence to establish profitable businesses.
Briefly.co.za published the top 22 richest people in South Africa. According to Forbes, Mzansi has the highest number of billionaires on the continent, with five people making it to the Forbes billionaires club.
Elon Musk is South Africa's richest person, with a net worth of 264 billion. He is followed by Johann Rupert with $11.8 billion. Find out who are the wealthiest people in the country.
Source: Briefly News
Maryn Blignaut (Head of Human Interest Stories Desk) Maryn Blignaut is the Editor-in-Chief at Briefly News. She holds a BA in Communication Science from the University of South Africa (2016) and has over seven years of journalism experience. She specialises in digital journalism and feature writing. Maryn completed the AFP Digital Investigation Techniques course and multiple Google News Initiative training programmes. For enquiries, contact maryn.blignaut@briefly.co.za.
Alice Wabwile (Lifestyle writer) Alice Wabwile is a multifaceted content creator and Project Assistant at AfDAN, boasting over four years of experience. Holding a BCom degree from the University of Nairobi School of Business, she has cultivated a dynamic skill set through roles such as her tenure at Strathmore University's Data Science Department, where she contributed significantly to research. Recognized for her exceptional talent, she clinched the Writer of the Year Award. Beyond her professional endeavours, Alice is an engaged member of the Rotaract Club of Kabete. For inquiries, reach out to her at alicenjoro01@gmail.com
