music, AKA Sim Dope

Twitter users were surprised when they found out that “Sim Dope” was in fact a real person at the memorial service for slain rapper AKA. Image: Thotloetso Kutlwano Mogotsi | Instagram.

Music Moguls: The top five wealthiest music stars in SA

The music industry is one of the biggest moneymakers in the world. Here’s a look at the five wealthiest music stars in South Africa.

music, AKA Sim Dope

Twitter users were surprised when they found out that “Sim Dope” was in fact a real person at the memorial service for slain rapper AKA. Image: Thotloetso Kutlwano Mogotsi | Instagram.

Ever wondered who the wealthiest artist in South Africa is? We take a look at the net worth of the country’s hottest and subsequent richest music stars.

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THE TOP FIVE WEALTHIEST MUSIC ARTISTS IN SOUTH AFRICA

There is no denying it. The music industry is one of the most lucrative industries in the world. It is, therefore, no wonder artists are some of the wealthiest people in the world.

While most of their income derives from live shows, many also dabble as entrepreneurs and, with their social media following, can have multi-million-dollar brand endorsement deals.

Here’s a look at the top five wealthiest local music artists.

BLACK COFFEEWith a net worth estimated at a whopping $60 million (about R1.1 billion), Black Coffee is the richest artist in South Africa, Zalebs report.

According to Briefly, Black Coffee, or Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo, was born on 11th March 1976 in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal. He began his career in 1994 and has since released eight studio albums. He is a Grammy winner and has two Metro FM Awards, four DJ Awards, and eight SAMAs.

Black Coffee
A look at Black Coffee’s net worth, houses, cars and more. Image via Instagram @realblackcoffee.

2. STEVE HOFMEYR

His net worth is estimated at $19 million (about R349 million), and 53-year-old Steve Hofmeyr is still performing and laughing all the way to the bank, Briefly reports.

Steve’s first entered the music industry in 1989 and has released more than 20 albums. Over the years, and thanks to his outspokenness, the singer regularly finds himself in the middle of controversy.

steve hofmeyr
Steve Hofmeyr has issued an apology for his comments regarding the LGBTQIA+ community on his Facebook page.  Image: Supplied

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3. AKA

Even after his death, the slain rapper AKA remains one of SA’s best-selling South African hip-hop stars. According to Briefly, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes’ has a net worth of about $12 million (estimated at over R220 million). Buzz South Africa reports that AKA made his money from being an entrepreneur, record producer, and audio engineer.

AKA
Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, who was shot dead in February this year, has received six nominations for the Metro FM Music Awards 2023. Image via Instagram @akaworldwide

4. DIE ANTWOORD

Worth a cool $10 million (about R180 million), Die Antwoord is an alternative hip-hop band from Cape Town consisting of Yolandi Visser and Ninja, according to TheNetWorthPortal.

The rap group gained international fame but made headlines for all the wrong reasons when their foster son, Gabriel ‘Tokkie’ du Preez, accused the band of child abuse and exploitation in 2022.

Die Antwoord
Die Antwoord. Image via Instagram @dieantwoord.

5. DJ MAPHORISA

Known as one of the wealthiest DJs and music producers in SA, Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe, or DJ Maphorisa as he is known, has a net worth of $6 million (more than R108 million), ZAlebs report.

As the owner of the Bagboy Music record label, he has reportedly combined forces with artists including Wizkid, Drake, Black Coffee, and Runtown.

DJ Maphorisa, rich
DJ Maphorisa. Image via Instagram @djmaphorisa

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CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY MARIETTE VAN NIEKERK