South Africa’s music industry has produced some of the continent’s wealthiest entertainers, with fortunes spanning from R50 million to over R1 billion. The 2025 rankings reveal fascinating shifts from previous years, with gospel and Afrikaans artists commanding surprisingly high positions alongside hip-hop and electronic music stars.
While Black Coffee dominates at an astonishing R1.1 billion, the list includes unexpected names that challenge conventional assumptions about wealth distribution in the South African music scene.
Black Coffee ($60 Million)
Nkosinathi Maphumulo, better known as Black Coffee, stands in a category of his own with an estimated net worth of $60 million (R1.1 billion), making him South Africa’s richest musician and Africa’s wealthiest DJ.
What sets Black Coffee apart isn’t merely his Grammy-winning production or his chart-topping releases. He’s built a sophisticated investment portfolio spanning over 15 documented ventures across tech, hospitality, and real estate. His holdings include approximately 20% of Gallo Music (South Africa’s oldest record label), a stake in the fintech company Yoco, which serves over 150,000 SMEs, and his Soulistic Music agency, which manages top African DJs.
Black Coffee commands €400,000 (R7.7 million) per Ibiza set through his multi-year Hï Ibiza Saturday night residency. In 2025, he made headlines by purchasing “The Pentagon” on Clifton’s Nettleton Road, Cape Town’s most expensive street, for approximately R157 million. His “Black Coffee on the Thames” performances in July and August 2025 sold out within two hours, marking the first time a DJ headlined London’s Old Royal Naval College.
His 2022 Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album (“Subconsciously”) solidified his international status, and subsequent collaborations with Drake on “Honestly, Nevermind” expanded his global reach.
Steve Hofmeyr ($15-19 Million)
With a net worth estimated between $15 million and $19 million, Steve Hofmeyr ranks as South Africa’s second-wealthiest musician. His 40-year career in Afrikaans music has proven extraordinarily lucrative.
Hofmeyr isn’t just a musician. He’s a multi-talented entertainer who’s built his fortune through acting, presenting, and farming, as well as his music career. His success spans television and film, with his music catalogue consistently selling platinum. Beyond entertainment, Hofmeyr has invested in farming, which contributes significantly to his overall wealth.
AKA ($12 Million)
Despite his tragic murder on February 10, 2023, Kiernan Forbes (AKA) remains South Africa’s third-richest musician with an estate valued at approximately $12 million. His legacy continues to generate substantial revenue through his music catalogue and brand partnerships.
His posthumous album “Mass Country,” released two weeks after his death, achieved platinum certification and surpassed 42 million Spotify streams worldwide. The Forbes family manages his estate, honouring his planned rollout strategy. Key assets included his R7 million Bryanston home and luxury vehicle collection.
AKA rose to become one of South Africa’s greatest hip-hop stars, starting his career in 2006. His Instagram following of 3 million remains active, with the account now managed by his family’s social media team, which continues to celebrate his life and legacy.
Die Antwoord ($10 Million)
The alternative hip-hop duo Die Antwoord, consisting of Yolandi Visser and Ninja, has accumulated a combined net worth of approximately $10 million. Established in 2008 in Cape Town, the group rose to global fame through their unique visuals and rave-techno-infused rap tracks.
Their wealth primarily comes from international touring and their massive YouTube presence, with videos that have accumulated over 1.2 billion views. Unlike many South African musicians who rely heavily on local performances, Die Antwoord built their fortune on the global stage, performing at major festivals worldwide. Their “Zef” culture aesthetic has become iconic, influencing fashion and music scenes internationally.
DJ Maphorisa ($6-10 Million)
Themba Sekowe, professionally known as DJ Maphorisa, has an estimated net worth of $6 million to $10 million. He is a successful crossover artist who has mastered multiple genres throughout his career.
First signed to Kalawa Jazmee Records, Maphorisa’s production credits include Drake’s “One Dance,” Kwesta’s “Ngud,” Uhuru’s “Y-Tjukuta,” and Shekhinah’s “Suited.” He holds multiple awards, including Best Amapiano Record at the 2019 Dance Music Awards South Africa and three wins at the 2024 SAMAs.
His partnership with Kabza De Small pioneered the Amapiano movement and gave rise to the Scorpion Kings duo. With nearly 20 years in music, Maphorisa has successfully crossed over from Afrobeat and Gqom to becoming one of Amapiano’s kings.
Beyond music, he co-owns BlaqBoy Music with Sony, runs a shisanyama restaurant in Midrand, and commands R200,000 to R300,000 per performance. His August 29, 2025, Scorpion Kings Live at Loftus Versfeld Stadium attracted over 50,000 people.
Rebecca Malope ($5 Million)
Dr Rebecca Malope, known as “The Queen of Gospel,” has accumulated an estimated net worth of $5 million over her remarkable 40-year career. She won the 1987 Shell Road to Fame Competition with the gospel song “Shine On,” launching her professional music journey.
Malope’s career spans more than three decades, during which she’s sold approximately 10 million albums worldwide, making her one of the best-selling gospel artists of all time. An astonishing 36 of her albums have reached multi-platinum status. She hosted her own syndicated television show, “It’s Gospel Time,” between 2004 and 2019.
In 2021, President Cyril Ramaphosa honoured her with the Order of Ikhamanga (OIS) for her distinguished contribution to South African music. She received honorary doctorates from both the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of California for her contribution to the music industry.
Benjamin Dube ($5 Million)
Reverend Benjamin Dube has built an estimated net worth of $5 million through his gospel music ministry and pastoral work. He is a music ministerial visionary, songwriter, singer, music producer, mentor, and pastor to many musicians.
Dube’s solo career launched in 1986 with the release of “High Spirit.” He founded High Praise Centre in 1994, a non-profit organisation located in Vosloorus, Johannesburg, which now has over 2,000 members.
Dube has collaborated with prominent figures, including Bishop T.D. Jakes, Israel Houghton, and Bishop John Francis. He established his music label, Dube Connection, affiliated with SonyBMG and Spirit Music. His 2021 collaboration with Rebecca Malope on “Zilungiselen” reached the Top 5 on iTunes within a day of release.
Juanita Du Plessis ($5 Million)
Juanita Du Plessis has established herself as one of the best-selling Afrikaans singers in Southern Africa with an estimated net worth of $5 million. The Namibian-born artist made her professional singing debut in the late 1990s and has since released over 20 albums, selling more than 3 million records.
The majority of Juanita’s projects are certified multi-platinum, cementing her position as a dominant force in Afrikaans pop music. She represents the sustained earning power of the Afrikaans music industry, where artists can build substantial fortunes through consistent album sales, touring, and loyal fan bases spanning generations.
Cassper Nyovest ($3-8 Million)
Refiloe Maele Phoolo, known professionally as Cassper Nyovest, has an estimated net worth of $3 million to $8 million, built through his music and business empire.
What distinguishes Cassper is his diversified wealth. He built Billiato tequila, ranked 8th among South Africa’s top liquors, alongside a R100 million sneaker partnership with Drip Footwear through his Root of Fame brand. He established his Family Tree Records label in 2014, signing stars like Nadia Nakai and Gemini Major. His MTN endorsement deal reportedly earns him R5 to R8 million annually.
Cassper revolutionised South African music with his “Fill Up” concert series, staging sold-out shows at TicketPro Dome (2015), Orlando Stadium (2016), and FNB Stadium (2017). His upcoming Fill Up Toyota Stadium on December 6, 2025, continues this legacy.
His awards include Most Gifted Male at the 2014 Channel O Music Video Awards and wins at the MTV Africa Music Awards for Best Hip Hop (2015) and Best Live Act (2016). His 2025 single “Guess Who’s Back” signals a return to hip-hop roots, and a collaborative album with Nasty C, “Thick & Thin,” has been announced.
Leon Schuster ($3 Million)
Leon Schuster rounds out the top 10 with an estimated net worth of $3 million. The multi-talented singer, actor, filmmaker, and comedian has been entertaining South Africa since the 1970s through his unique comedy-music crossover career.
Schuster has released over 20 albums and starred in numerous successful films throughout his career. His wealth comes primarily from film royalties and his extensive body of work spanning five decades.
