Top 10 Richest Female Musicians In Africa
African music is marked by a cohort of exceptionally talented female artists who through relentless dedication and artistry, have ascended to the upper echelons of the industry. Their achievements stand as a confirmation to the adage that states, What a man can do, a woman can do too. These women embarked on their musical journeys at various stages of life, some even starting in their formative years and persevering to reach the pinnacle of success.
In the contemporary landscape, a plethora of female musicians have amassed substantial wealth, not through competition, but rather through unwavering commitment to their craft. For those seeking insight into the most affluent female musicians, this discourse is tailor-made for you. Herein lies not only a compilation of the wealthiest female musicians in Africa, but also succinct profiles detailing their estimable net worth.
Richest Female Musicians In Africa
- Asa - $28 million (Nigeria)
- Oumou Sangaré - $12 million (Mali)
- Akothee - $10 million (Kenya)
- Tiwa Savage - $9 million (Nigeria)
- Mdee - $8 million (Tanzania)
- Angelique Kidjo - $8 million (Benin)
- Salma Sky - $6 million (Zambia)
- Zahara - $6 million (South Africa)
- Becca - $6 million (Ghana)
- Khadja Nin - $5 million (Congo)
1. Asa – $28 million (Nigeria)
Bukola Elemide, known by her stage name Asa, stands tall as the wealthiest female musician in Africa. This Nigerian/French luminary is renowned for her captivating performances, weaving melodies that resonate deeply with audiences. Born in Paris to Nigerian parents, Asa's family relocated to Nigeria when she was just two years old. Eighteen years were spent in the bustling city of Lagos before her return to Paris, which marked the pivotal juncture of her artistic voyage.
Asa's musical odyssey commenced in 2007 with the release of Eyé Adaba from her eponymous platinum-selling debut album. This opus resonated across continents, etching her name in the annals of musical prowess. Notable among her compositions is the iconic Jailer, a magnum opus despite her modest assessment. Asa's distinctive musical style distinguishes her within the Nigerian music sphere, coupled with her inclination towards independent work.
With an astounding net worth of $28 million, she claims a distinguished position among Nigeria's musical elite.
2. Oumou Sangaré – $12 million (Mali)
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Oumou Sangaré, our second luminary, commenced her musical journey in the early 1990s. Renowned for her commanding, soul-stirring vocals, Sangaré weaves a tapestry that melds traditional Malian harmonies with resonances of soul and funk from the West. With an estimated net worth of $12 million as of 2022, Sangaré's oeuvre has garnered critical acclaim, earning her a Grammy Award nomination and universal commendation.
Moreover, Sangaré's influence extends beyond the realm of music, serving as an ambassador for African culture on a global stage. Her entrepreneurial ventures further solidify her standing as one of Africa's foremost artistic luminaries.
3. Akothee – $10 million (Kenya)
In the Kenyan pantheon of musical wealth, Esther Akoth, better known as Akothee, reigns supreme with an estimated net worth of $10 million. A multifaceted artist and entrepreneur, Akothee's endeavors span the nonprofit Akothee Foundation, the real estate enterprise Akothee Homes, and Akothee Safaris.
Notably, Akothee is celebrated for her opulent lifestyle, characterized by a penchant for luxurious automobiles and palatial abodes. Her acquisition of a Rolls-Royce for $220,000 in 2016 garnered widespread media attention, further solidifying her status as one of the continent's most prosperous female musicians.
4. Tiwa Savage – $9 million (Nigeria)
Tiwa Savage, a luminary in Nigeria's musical constellation, commands both respect and affluence in equal measure. Her journey commenced as a backing vocalist for luminaries such as George Michael and Mary J. Blige in the UK, before her pivotal move to Nigeria in 2012 to join Mavin Records.
Since then, Tiwa has produced a constellation of chart-topping hits, amassing a fervent fanbase enamored by her creative ingenuity. Having transitioned to her own label, her estimated net worth of $9 million places her not only among Nigeria's wealthiest musicians, but also Africa's.
5. Mdee – $8 million (Tanzania)
Vanessa Mdee, also known as Mdee, navigates the realms of music and television with equal finesse. Her inaugural album, Nguvu Yetu, released in 2009, catapulted her into the musical stratosphere, yielding hit singles that resonated across East Africa.
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In 2014, her sophomore effort, Kwetu, ascended to the zenith of regional charts, cementing her status as a musical luminary. Simultaneously, Mdee's foray into television, hosting The Show on MTV Africa, added another dimension to her multifaceted career. With an estimated net worth of $8 million, she occupies a distinguished position among East Africa's musical elite.
6. Angelique Kidjo – $8 million (Benin)
Angelique Kidjo, a paragon of talent and accolades, hails from the vibrant musical landscape of Benin. Her three-decade career is marked by a plethora of critically acclaimed albums and a litany of prestigious awards, including Grammy and Tony honors.
Beyond her musical prowess, Kidjo stands as a fervent advocate for social justice and human rights, employing her platform to champion causes such as gender equality and climate change. Her estimated net worth of $8 million positions her among Africa's most prosperous female musicians.
7. Salma Sky – $6 million (Zambia)
Salma Sky, a luminary in the Zambian musical landscape, commands an estimated net worth of $6 million. Collaborations with prominent artists like JK and Macky 2 have further solidified her standing in the industry. Renowned for her evocative voice and innate ability to connect with audiences, Salma has garnered numerous accolades, including the Best Female Artist in Zambian Music Award.
A fervent advocate for women's rights, Salma serves as a beacon of inspiration for young women in Zambia, demonstrating that success knows no gender bounds. Her passion for family, friends, and football (soccer) further underscores her multifaceted persona.
8. Zahara – $6 million (South Africa)
Bulelwa Mkutukana, widely known as Zahara, hails from the fertile musical soil of South Africa. Her meteoric rise to fame in 2011 with the release of the chart-topping single Loliwe catapulted her into the limelight. With an estimated net worth of $6 million, Zahara stands as one of Africa's most affluent female musicians.
In addition to her musical triumphs, Zahara has ventured into acting, making notable appearances in both movies and television programs. This diversification of her endeavors further underscores her status as one of the most successful African musicians.
9. Becca – $6 million (Ghana)
Rebecca Akosua Acheampomaa Acheampong, known by her stage name Becca, emerges as a luminous figure in the Ghanaian musical firmament. Her net worth, estimated at $6 million, attests to her prosperous career. The pinnacle of her acclaim was marked by victory in the Miss Malaika Ghana beauty contest in 2007.
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Becca's musical oeuvre, notably the debut studio album Sugar released in 2007, garnered five nominations at the 2008 Ghana Music Awards. A litany of accolades, including a Kora Award, four Ghana Music Awards, and three 4Syte TV Music Video Awards, further solidifies her standing as a preeminent figure in Ghana's music scene.
10. Khadja Nin – $5 million (Congo)
Rounding off our roster of the wealthiest female musicians in Africa is Khadja Nin, an accomplished actress, singer, and songwriter from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Her musical odyssey, which commenced in the early 1980s, is distinguished by a fusion of African, Latin American, and European influences, underscored by her resonant voice.
Throughout her illustrious career, Khadja Nin has released numerous albums and garnered a Grammy nomination, a testament to her enduring artistry. With an estimated net worth of $5 million, she claims a well-deserved place among Africa's most affluent female musicians.
In conclusion, the upper echelons of African music bear witness to a cadre of extraordinary female artists whose artistry, diligence, and entrepreneurial acumen have propelled them to the zenith of the industry. Their achievements, a testament to the adage What a man can do, a woman can do too, serve as an inspiration to aspiring artists across the continent.
In the musical riches, these women stand as beacons of creativity and resilience, transcending boundaries and amassing wealth that eclipses many of their peers. Their stories illuminate a narrative of triumph, each unique and yet collectively emblematic of the indomitable spirit that defines Africa's musical legacy.
