Music is one of the highest-paying creative industries worldwide, especially for artists with a dedicated fan base. The majority of their revenue comes from live performances, business ventures, and lucrative endorsement deals. South African musicians have capitalized on their fame to build wealth, making a name for themselves both locally and internationally.
Here are the top 16 richest artists in South Africa in 2025:
16. Mafikizolo – Approx. $2 million (R36,743,800)
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, Kwela Kwela
Mafikizolo, an iconic Afro-pop duo, has been shaping South African music since 1997. Originally a trio, the group faced tragedy with the passing of member Tebogo Madingoane in 2004 but continued to thrive. Their music blends Kwaito, Afro-pop, and house elements.
They have released ten albums, including Idwala (2022) and 20 (2017), and have collaborated with artists like Davido and Jah Prayzah. Mafikizolo has sold over a million records and won 14 SAMAs and two MTV Africa Music Awards, cementing their place among South Africa’s richest artists.
15. Da L.E.S – Approx. $2 million (R36,743,800)
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, a South African-American rapper and producer, has significantly impacted the hip-hop scene. Born in Washington, D.C., he later moved to South Africa and became known for his feel-good party anthems.
With seven studio albums to his name, he gained mainstream recognition with Heaven (2013), featuring AKA and Maggz. His close friendship with AKA extended beyond music, as they were godfathers to each other’s daughters. Da L.E.S’s fortune comes from album sales, brand endorsements, and live performances.
14. Khuli Chana – Approx. $2 million (R36,743,800)
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
Khuli Chana is a pioneer of Motswako rap, blending Setswana and English lyrics to create a unique sound. Active since the early 1990s, he has released notable projects such as Motswakoriginator (2009), Lost in Time (2012), and One Source (2016).
His contributions to South African hip-hop have earned him several awards and a solid fan base. In 2023, he graduated from AFDA with an Honours degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, further expanding his business ventures.
13. Nasty C – Approx. $2 million (R36,743,800)
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 rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He began releasing mixtapes in the early 2010s before breaking into the mainstream with his debut studio album, Bad Hair (2016). His follow-up album, Strings and Bling (2018), solidified his status in the industry.
In 2020, Nasty C signed a joint venture deal with Def Jam Records, further expanding his reach globally. He has won multiple accolades, including the SA Hip Hop Award for Best Freshman and received nominations for the BET Awards and MTV Europe Music Awards.
12. Oskido – Approx. $2 million (R36,743,800)
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 pioneer in South African music, known for his contributions to Kwaito, Afro-house, and Amapiano. Entering the industry in the late 1980s, he co-founded Kalawa Jazmee Records in 1992, a label that has nurtured top artists like Bongo Maffin, DJ Zinhle, and Mafikizolo.
Aside from music, Oskido is a successful entrepreneur. He launched the Daruma by Oskido Japanese restaurant in 2019, diversifying his income streams and cementing his legacy in the industry.
11. DJ Euphonik – Approx. $2.5 million (R45,929,750)
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 DJ, producer, and radio presenter, primarily focused on house and techno music. He started remixing tracks in the early 2000s and gained national recognition with the release of Cool and Deadly, which topped the 5FM charts.
He has collaborated with prominent artists like Black Coffee, Richie Hawtin, Nicky Romero, and Afrojack. Euphonik’s long-standing presence in the music industry and successful brand collaborations have contributed to his richest artist status.
10. DJ Sbu – Approx. $3 million (R55,115,700)
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 multi-faceted entertainer, entrepreneur, and author. He gained prominence in the early 2000s as a radio DJ and TV presenter before transitioning into music production. His albums, including MoFaya (2014) and Sound Revival series, have enjoyed massive success.
Beyond music, DJ Sbu is a successful businessman. He co-founded TS Records before venturing into the beverage industry with the MoFaya energy drink. In 2017, he sold a 26% stake in the company to Coca-Cola for R493 million. He is also a published author and a motivational speaker.
9. Leon Schuster – Approx. $3 million (R55,115,700)
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 legendary South African comedian, actor, and musician. He has been entertaining audiences since the 1970s with his comedy albums, prank shows, and blockbuster films. His movies, including Mr Bones, Mad Buddies, and Mama Jack, have grossed millions at the South African box office.
Despite facing controversy over racially insensitive content in his films, Schuster remains a household name. His music career, combined with his film earnings, has solidified his status as one of the richest artists in South Africa.
8. Cassper Nyovest – Approx. $3 million (R55,115,700)
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 is one of South Africa’s most successful hip-hop artists. He started making music in the early 2000s and has built a strong career with multiple hit songs. Known for his high-energy performances and lyrical prowess, Cassper was often considered a major rival to the late AKA.
In addition to his music, Cassper has expanded into business. He launched his liquor brand, Billiato, in September 2021 and established the Root of Fame sneaker line in July 2021 under Drip Footwear. He also founded his record label, Family Tree Records, in 2014, making him a key player in the South African music industry.
7. Benjamin Dube – Approx. $5 million (R91,859,500)
Full name: Benjamin Dube
Date of birth: 29 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 a highly influential gospel artist in South Africa. Born into a religious family, he started singing at age seven and launched his professional career in the early 1980s. Over the past three decades, he has remained a dominant force in gospel music, mentoring upcoming artists along the way.
In addition to his music career, Dube is the founder and CEO of High Praise Centre in Vosloorus, Johannesburg, and owns his record label, Dube Connection. He has collaborated with notable figures such as Bishop T.D. Jakes, Israel Houghton, and Bishop John Francis. His long-standing career and business ventures have contributed to his estimated net worth of $5 million placing him in the top 10 of the richest artists in South Africa
6. Juanita Du Plessis – Approx. $5 million (R91,859,500)
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 is one of Southern Africa’s best-selling Afrikaans singers. The Namibian-born artist began her professional music career in the late 1990s and has released over 20 albums, selling more than 3 million records. Many of her projects have been certified multi-platinum, demonstrating her popularity and impact on the music industry.
Juanita’s ability to consistently produce chart-topping music has made her one of the richest artists in South Africa. Her influence in Afrikaans music remains unparalleled, and her financial success stems from album sales, live performances, and endorsements.
5. Rebecca Malope – Approx. $5 million (R91,859,500)
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, known as The African Queen of Gospel, is a multi-award-winning South African gospel artist. She has been active in the music industry since 1984 and became a household name in the 1990s. Over her illustrious career, she has released more than 36 albums and sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
Her contributions to gospel music have earned her multiple awards, honorary doctorates from the University of California and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and recognition from South African presidents. In 2021, President Cyril Ramaphosa honored her with the Order of Ikhamanga for her exceptional contribution to music. Her enduring success has cemented her place as one of South Africa’s richest artists.
4. DJ Maphorisa – Approx. $6 million (R110,231,400)
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 is a renowned DJ, record producer, songwriter, and vocalist. He is the founder of Baqboy Music and has collaborated with top artists like Wizkid, Drake, Major Lazer, Young Stunna, Killer Kau, Black Coffee, and Runtown.
Producing music across genres like Afropop, Amapiano, and house music, DJ Maphorisa has remained a dominant force in South African music. His vocal tracks, such as Abalele (2021) and Midnight Starring (2018), have contributed to placing him as one of the richest artists in South Africa.
3. Die Antwoord – Approx. $10 million (R183,719,000)
Full names: Anri ‘Yolandi Visser’ du Toit and Watkin Tudor ‘Ninja’ Jones
Dates of birth: 1 December 1984 and 26 September 1974
Ages: 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, an alternative hip-hop band, gained global fame with their unique visual aesthetic and rave-techno-infused rap tracks. Formed in 2008, the group consists of rappers Yolandi Visser and Ninja, along with producers Lil2Hood and HITEK5000.
Their music has topped the charts in Europe, North America, and Australia. However, their reputation has been tainted in recent years due to allegations from their former foster son, Gabriel ‘Tokkie’ du Preez, regarding mistreatment and exploitation.
2. Steve Hofmeyr – Approx. $19 million (R349,066,100)
Full name: Steve Hofmeyr
Date of birth: 29 August 1964
Age: 61 years old (as of 2025)
Place of birth: Pretoria, South Africa
Top hits: Amanda, Lucille
Steve Hofmeyr has been active in the South African music industry since 1989 and has released over 20 albums. His wealth comes not only from his music career but also from his ventures as a published author and entrepreneur, he is in the number two spot as one of the richest artists in South Africa
Despite his financial success, his net worth has been affected by controversies, including accusations of racism and negative views toward the LGBTQ+ community. In 2019, Multichoice removed all of his content from its networks, prompting him to call for a boycott of the company.
1. Black Coffee – Approx. $60 million (R1,102,314,000)
Full name: Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo
Date of birth: 11 March 1976
Age: 49 years old (as of 2025)
Place of birth: Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Top hits: You Need Me, DO 4 LOVE
Black Coffee is the richest artist in South Africa, with an estimated net worth of $60 million. Born in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, he began his music career in 1994 and has since become an internationally recognized DJ and record producer.
Over his career, Black Coffee has released eight studio albums and won numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award, two Metro FM Awards, four DJ Awards, and eight SAMAs. His success on the global stage has solidified his position as South Africa’s richest artist.
The Richest Artists in South Africa
The South African music industry has produced incredibly successful artists who have built their wealth and have been deemed as the richest artists in South Africa through talent, business ventures, and global collaborations. From legends to contemporary stars, these musicians continue to shape the industry while securing financial success. Their journeys reflect the immense potential within South Africa’s music scene, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps.
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