African Music Culture

10 Richest Female Musicians in Africa

Tiwa Savage
Avatar of Jesca
Written by Jesca

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. So without further ado, here are the 10 richest female musicians in Africa!

1. Oumou Sangaré

richest female musicians in Africa

Oumou Sangaré. Photo/bynder.southbankcentre.

Sangaré 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.

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 is an inspiration to 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 Mali and one of the richest female musicians in Africa.

2. Akothee

richest female musicians in Africa

Akothee-Kenyan musician. Photo/GH Gossip.

Akothee, born Esther Akoth, is a Kenyan musician and businesswoman with an estimated net worth of $10 million, according to Forbes. She’s the founder of Akothee Safaris, the Akothee Foundation charity and Akothee Homes real estate business.

The Kenyan artist is one of the richest female musicians in Africa, known 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

10 richest female musicians in Africa

Vanessa Mdee. Photo/Wikepedia.

Besides her musical career, Mdee also works as a television presenter. Mdee 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. In 2018, she began hosting the MTV Africa show “The Show”. Mdee is originally from the city of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. She is of Swahili descent. As of 2022, Mdee has an estimated net worth of $8 million.

4. Angelique Kidjo

 richest female musicians in Africa

Angelique Kidjo is a Beninese singer, songwriter, and actress. Photo/pitchfork.com.

Angelique Kidjo is a Beninese singer, songwriter, and actress. She is one of the most successful and internationally renowned African musicians of all time. Angelique Kidjo is one of the richest female musicians in Africa, with an estimated net worth of $8 million.

Her music career has spanned over three decades, and she has released many acclaimed albums. She has won multiple awards, including a Grammy and Tony awards. Kidjo is also an advocate for social justice and human rights, and she frequently speaks out about issues such as gender equality and climate change.

5. Salma Sky

 richest female musicians in Africa

Salma Sky, the African zambian female vocalist. Photo/zambianmusicpromos.com.

Salma Sky is a Zambian singer with many popular songs. She has collaborated with artists such as JK and Macky 2. Some of her most well-known songs are “Nshibe”, “Kutamwisha”, and “I Believe”. Salma 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. Zahara

richest female musicians in Africa

Zahara-a South African singer and songwriter. Photo/Wikipedia.

Zahara is a South African singer and songwriter. She is best known for her hit single “Loliwe” which was released in 2011. Zahara is one of the richest female musicians in Africa. She has an estimated net worth of $9 million. She accumulated this net worth through her successful music career.

She has released several hit singles and albums that have done well commercially. Besides her music career, Zahara has also ventured into acting and has appeared in a few films and television shows. All of her ventures have been successful, making her one of the most successful African musicians today.

7. Khadja Nin

10 richest female musicians in Africa

Khadja Nin-a Congolese singer, songwriter, and actress. Photo/afrocharts.com.

Khadja Nin is a Congolese singer, songwriter, and actress. She is one of the richest female musicians in Africa 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

 richest female musicians in Africa

Becca/Rebecca Akosua Acheampomaa-a Ghanaian singer, songwriter, and actress. Photo/newshuntermag.com.

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. As of 2022, she has an estimated net worth of $6 million.

9. Tinashe

10 richest female musicians in Africa

Tinashe a Zimbabwean-American recording artist, dancer, actress, and model. Photo/seventeen.com.

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 3 when she began modelling and acting.

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

richest female musicians in Africa

Tiwa Savage. Photo/Bella Naija.

Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. She is one of Africa’s most popular and successful musicians, with an estimated net worth of $5 million. Savage is known for her vocal range, musical versatility and energetic stage performances.

Savage’s music career kicked off in 2009 when she became a backup singer for the pop duo P-Square. She later embarked on a solo career and has since released three studio albums. She is also a judge on The Voice Nigeria with  several awards, including a BET Award, two MTV Africa Music Awards, and two MOBO Awards.

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. We salute these inspirational women and their accomplishments. What do you think about them? Who is your favourite female musician from Africa? Let us know in the comments below.

[convertful id="221063"]

About the author

Avatar of Jesca

Jesca

Besigye is a Ugandan writer and a teacher by profession. She loves adventure and travelling that's why she loves writing travel blogs.

Leave a Comment