Today, we’re celebrating the richest female musicians in Africa. These women have built successful careers in music and have amassed some serious wealth in the process. In Africa, women have always been at the forefront of music. From legendary musicians like Miriam Makeba and Angelique Kidjo, to modern-day superstars like Yemi Alade and Wizkid, African women have continued to wow us with their musical talent.
Table of Contents
Who are the Richest Female Musicians in Africa?
See Africa Today takes a look at the wealthiest female, African artists (in no particular order). Here they are.
1. Oumou Sangaré ($1.2 million)
Malian singer Oumou Sangare started her music career in the early 1990s and has since released six studio albums. She is well known for her soulful and powerful voice. Her music reflects traditional Malian music and Western soul and funk influences. As of 2022, Sangaré’s estimated net worth is $12 million.
African artist Oumou Sangaré. Photo/Wikiquote
Sangaré’s music has been praised by critics worldwide, and she has won several awards, including a Grammy Award nomination. Her success has helped to bring attention to African music and culture. She inspires many musicians and fans around the world and remains one of the most popular and well-respected African artists of all time. She is also a successful businesswoman, owning several businesses in Bamako, Mali’s capital.
2. Akothee ($10 million)
Akothee-Kenyan musician. Photo/GH Gossip.
Born Esther Akoth, Akothee earns her place among the richest female musicians in Africa due to her entrepreneurial undertakings besides music. The Kenyan artist has an estimated net worth of $10 million, according to Forbes. She founded Akothee Safaris, the Akothee Foundation charity and Akothee Homes real estate.
She is more popular for her flashy lifestyle and her love of luxury cars and big houses. In 2016, she made headlines when she bought herself a $220,000 Rolls-Royce.
3. Vanessa Mdee ($3 million)
Besides her musical career, Vanessa Mdee also works as a television presenter. The US-based Tanzanian artist started her music career in 2009, when she released her debut album “Nguvu Yetu”. The album was a commercial success in Tanzania and spawned the hit singles “Sisi”, “Kutoka Kwa Dunia”, and “Ndugu”.
In 2014, Mdee released her sophomore album “Kwetu”. The album’s lead single “Kwetu” became a massive hit, topping charts across East Africa. She made her TV debut as a host for “The Show” on MTV Africa. Her estimated net worth of over $8 million.
4. Angelique Kidjo ($6 million)
Angelique Kidjo. Photo/ The Guardian Nigeria.
Angelique Kidjo is a Beninese singer, songwriter, and actress. She is one of the most successful and internationally renowned African musicians of all time and also one of the richest female musicians in Africa, with an estimated net worth of $6 million. Her music career has spanned over three decades, and she has released many acclaimed albums.
She has multiple awards, including a Grammy and Tony Awards. Kidjo is also an advocate for social justice and human rights. In addition, she frequently speaks out about issues such as gender equality and climate change.
5. Salma Sky ($5 million)
Salma Sky is a famous Zambian artist. She has collaborated with artists such as JK and Macky 2. Some of her popular songs are “Nshibe”, “Kutamwisha”, and “I Believe”. She is known for her powerful voice and her ability to connect with her fans. She has won many awards, including the Zambian Music Award for Best Female Artist. Salma is a role model for young women in Zambia and is an advocate for women’s rights. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and she is also a huge fan of football (soccer). As of 2022, she has an estimated net worth of $6 million.
6. Yemi Alade ($5 million)
Yemi Alade. Photo/The Guardian Nigeria News
Yemi Alade is Nigeria’s songstress gifted immensely beyond her music. The ‘Johnny’ hitmaker is worth over $5 million as of 2024. Alade’s fortune is mainly from her entertainment career which she has massively invested in for the last decade. It’s no surprise that she appears on this list of the richest female musicians in Africa.
7. Khadja Nin ($5 million)
Khadja Nin is a Congolese singer, songwriter, and actress with an estimated net worth of $5 million. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Khadja Nin began her music career in the early 1980s. She is known for her soulful voice and eclectic mix of African, Latin American, and European styles in her music. Nin has released many albums throughout her career and won several awards, including a Grammy nomination.
8. Becca ($6 million)
Rebecca Akosua Acheampomaa Acheampong, popularly known as Becca, is a Ghanaian singer, songwriter, and actress. She rose to fame after winning the Miss Malaika Ghana beauty pageant in 2007. Her net worth is $6 million.
9. Tinashe ($6 million)
Tinashe Jorgensen Kachingwe, popularly known by her stage name Tinashe, is a Zimbabwean-American recording artist, dancer, actress, and model. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, on February 6, 1993, she began her entertainment career at three years of age. In 2007, at 14, Kachingwe starred in the film “Alaska Land” and made her television debut on an episode of “CSI: Miami”. She signed with Sony Music at 16 and released her first mixtape, “In Case We Die”, in 2012.
Her debut single, “2 On”, peaked at number 24 on the “US Billboard Hot 100” chart and was certified double platinum by the “Recording Industry Association of America” (RIAA). Tinashe has an estimated net worth of $6 million.
10. Tiwa Savage ($21 million)
Tiwa Savage. Photo/CNN
Tiwa Savage is the eye candy of the richest female musicians in Africa with over $21 million in her total net worth in 2024. The 44-year-old is among Africa’s most popular and successful musicians. The award-winning Nigerian artist is known for her vocal range, musical versatility and energetic stage performances.
11. Lerato Molapo ($35 million)
Lira South African Singer. Photo/sowetanlive.co.za.
Lerato Molapo, 45, is a successful South African artist born in Daveyton. Her $35 million fortune comes from her musical success which includes multi-platinum selling songs and 11 South African Music Awards.
12. Asa ($28 million)
Asa, a Nigerian-French singer is an amazing artist known for her musical exploits. She blends pop with soul and folks to create a distinctively unique sound. Her social advocacy on a range of issues including love has seen her amass a $28 million fortune.
13. Yvonne Chaka Chaka ($10 million)
Besides being a famous African artist on the international stage; Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s $10 million net worth makes her one of the richest female musicians in Africa. Her most famous songs globally include:
- Umqombothi
- I’m Burning
- Thank You Mr DJ
- Khomba
Although these female artists come from a variety of backgrounds, they all have one thing in common; their love for music. They continue to use their music as a tool to unite people and spread messages of hope across the continent.
