Meet Top 10 Richest Musicians in Nigeria

Meet Top 10 Richest Musicians in Nigeria

0 Posted By Kaptain Kush

​The Nigerian music scene has evolved dramatically over the past two decades, transforming from a local hustle into a global force that commands stadiums, streams billions, and multimillion-dollar deals.

I’ve followed these artists closely since the early 2000s, back when many were grinding in Lagos studios with borrowed mics and dreams bigger than their bank accounts.

What separates the top earners today isn’t just talent; it’s smart moves, timing, and learning from the pitfalls that sink others.

Here are the top 10 richest musicians in Nigeria, based on estimates from industry reports, tour earnings, endorsements, streaming royalties, and investments.

Net worth figures fluctuate with market conditions and private deals, but these reflect credible consensus ranges. The order draws from recent analyses, where global breakthroughs and business savvy often tip the scales.

1. Wizkid (Ayodeji Balogun) — Estimated net worth: $80–132 million

Wizkid’s path shows the power of patience and international leverage. He broke through with “Ojuelegba” remixed by Drake, but the real money came from consistent albums like “Made in Lagos” and “Morayo,” plus billions in streams.

His Starboy label nurtures talent while generating royalties. I’ve seen him turn down quick cash for long-term brand control, a mistake many young acts make by chasing every feature. His low-key lifestyle hides savvy real estate plays in Lagos and abroad.

2. Davido (David Adeleke) — Estimated net worth: $90–120 million

Davido embodies relentless hustle and diversification. From his early HKN Gang days to DMW, he’s mastered endorsements (Pepsi, Infinix, Martell) and tours that sell out arenas worldwide. His purchase of a private jet in 2024 raised eyebrows, but it’s a tool for efficient global travel.

Early on, he overspent on flash, a common trap, but matured into smart investments like real estate in Banana Island and Atlanta. His family’s wealth helped him get started, yet his work ethic built the empire.

3. Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu) — Estimated net worth: $40–95 million

Burna Boy’s rise feels like a masterclass in authenticity paying off. He grinded through mixtapes, faced label issues, then exploded with “African Giant” and Grammy wins. His tours are among Africa’s most lucrative, headlining stadiums in Europe and America.

I’ve watched him avoid the overexposure trap that dilutes others’ brands, focusing on quality over quantity. Endorsements with Pepsi and Spotify add up, but live performances remain his cash engine.

4. Don Jazzy (Michael Collins Ajereh) — Estimated net worth: $50–90 million

Few understand the backend like Don Jazzy. He built Mavin Records into a powerhouse, launching Rema, Ayra Starr, and others while collecting production credits and equity. Unlike pure performers, his wealth stems from consistent business, avoiding the feast-or-famine cycle of touring.

Early Mo’ Hits success taught him diversification, a lesson he passes to signees. His quiet Lekki mansion and fleet belie a mind always calculating the next move.

5. Tiwa Savage — Estimated net worth: $40–86 million

Tiwa Savage’s journey highlights resilience. After early label struggles, she went independent, scored global collabs (Beyoncé’s “Black Is King”), and landed major endorsements.

Her net worth reflects music, acting, and brand deals. She’s navigated scandals and comebacks, proving longevity matters more than viral moments. Many female artists burn out chasing trends, but Tiwa invests wisely and mentors others.

6. Olamide (Olamide Adedeji) — Estimated net worth: $30–70 million

Olamide built YBNL from scratch, turning street anthems into a label empire with hits from Asake and Fireboy DML. His independence from major labels early on preserved earnings.

He avoided flashy mistakes that bankrupt peers, focusing on Yoruba rap dominance and smart signings. His wealth grows through royalties and ventures beyond music.

7. Rema (Divine Ikubor) — Estimated net worth: $30–55 million (rising fast)

Rema represents the new wave. Signed young to Mavin, his Afrobeats-rap blend exploded with “Calm Down” (Remix with Selena Gomez).

Streaming dominance and global tours fuel rapid growth. He’s avoided over-saturation, a pitfall for fast risers. His trajectory suggests he’ll climb higher soon.

8. Asake — Estimated net worth: $20–40 million (quick ascent)

Asake’s sound fused Amapiano and Fuji influences into something fresh, leading to sold-out shows and massive streams.

YBNL backing helped, but his work ethic sealed it. He learned from predecessors to prioritize quality releases over quantity.

9. Timaya (Inetimi Alfred Odon) — Estimated net worth: $20–35 million

Timaya’s longevity stands out. From “Plantain Boy” to consistent hits, he built a brand around dancehall vibes. Endorsements and real estate in Port Harcourt add stability. He once overspent on lifestyle, but course-corrected to focus on sustainable income.

10. 2Baba & Phyno — Estimated $20–40 million range

Veterans like 2Baba paved the way with classics and business (plant-based ventures). Phyno dominates Eastern rap with consistent output and tours.

These figures come from cross-referenced sources, including industry insiders, streaming data, and public deals, though exact numbers stay private. What unites them is evolving beyond music: bad contracts sink careers, poor management wastes fortunes, and ignoring investments leaves artists vulnerable.

The scene rewards those who treat music as a business. Afrobeats’ global surge means this list will shift, but discipline separates enduring wealth from fleeting fame.

What People Ask

Who is the richest musician in Nigeria?
The richest musician in Nigeria varies by source and year due to private deals and market fluctuations, but Davido and Wizkid frequently top lists with estimates often ranging from $65 million to over $100 million, driven by global tours, streaming royalties, endorsements, and investments. Burna Boy and Don Jazzy also rank highly through consistent output and label businesses.
What is Wizkid’s net worth?
Wizkid’s net worth is commonly estimated between $65 million and $132 million. His wealth builds from massive streaming numbers, international collaborations like the Drake remix of “Ojuelegba,” Starboy label earnings, and smart real estate choices rather than constant flashy spending.
What is Davido’s net worth?
Davido’s net worth typically falls in the $90 million to $100 million range or higher in some reports. Endorsements with brands like Pepsi and Infinix, sold-out world tours, his DMW label, and assets like a private jet contribute heavily, though he has learned to balance early overspending with long-term investments.
How much is Burna Boy worth?
Burna Boy’s estimated net worth ranges from $40 million to $95 million. Grammy wins, headline stadium tours across continents, Pepsi deals, and a focus on authentic Afrobeats that resonates globally keep his earnings strong without over-relying on quantity of releases.
Who are the top 10 richest musicians in Nigeria?
Common top 10 lists include Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Olamide, Rema, Asake, Timaya, and veterans like 2Baba or Phyno. Rankings shift based on recent tours, streaming, and business moves, but these artists consistently feature due to diversified income streams beyond just music sales.
How do Nigerian musicians make their money?
Beyond album sales and streams, top earners rely on international tours that sell out arenas, high-value brand endorsements, label ownership for royalty cuts from signees, real estate in Lagos and abroad, and occasional ventures like fashion or tech. Live performances often outpace recorded music in profitability for global stars.
Is Don Jazzy richer than performing artists?
Don Jazzy often ranks high, with estimates around $50 million to $90 million, thanks to Mavin Records producing hits from Rema, Ayra Starr, and others. Unlike touring artists who face inconsistent income, his production credits, equity in the label, and endorsements provide steadier wealth accumulation.
Why do net worth estimates for Nigerian musicians vary so much?
Net worth figures come from different sources like Forbes Africa, industry insiders, or media reports, and many deals stay private. Streaming royalties, tour guarantees, and investments aren’t always public, plus currency fluctuations and undisclosed assets lead to wide ranges across lists.
How has Afrobeats contributed to musicians’ wealth in Nigeria?
Afrobeats’ global explosion opened doors to massive Spotify and Apple Music streams, collaborations with international stars, and sold-out shows in Europe and America. This shift turned local talents into worldwide brands, multiplying earnings through licensing, sync deals, and festival headlining slots that pay far more than domestic gigs.
Who is the richest female musician in Nigeria?
Tiwa Savage frequently leads among female artists, with estimates from $40 million upward. Her wealth stems from music hits, acting, major brand partnerships, and independence after label challenges, showing how resilience and global appeal help female artists build lasting fortunes in a competitive industry.
Can upcoming artists become as rich as these top musicians?
Yes, but it requires more than talent—smart management, avoiding exploitative contracts, building a strong online presence for viral moments, securing international deals, and diversifying into labels or investments. Many current top earners started small and learned from early financial mistakes to scale sustainably.