Top 10 Richest DJs in South Africa (2023)

While the South African music scene has produced several DJs who are skillful in what they do, we can’t ignore the fact that certain of these guys are in a different league. They fit into the category of the wealthiest DJs in South Africa and have made a name for themselves in the industry.

The richest DJs in South Africa are Black Coffee, DJ Shimza, DJ Zinhle, DJ Oskido, DJ Tira, DJ Maphorisa, Lerato Kganyago, Kabza De Small, DJ Fresh and DJ Euphonik. Interestingly, there has been an upgrade in the requirements for DJs in South Africa with a lot of newbies building a career in Disc jockeying and making a fortune from it.

Top 10 Richest DJ in South Africa

1. Black Coffee ($60 Million)

Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo popularly known as Black Coffee is a DJ, producer, singer, and businessman in South Africa. He is one of the prominent DJs in South Africa and on the African continent. He is an award-winning DJ and artist. Asides from Disc jockeying, Black Coffee also owns a record label and other business outfits.

an iconic figure in the entertainment industry. Born on March 11, 1976, in Durban, his rise to fame began years ago when he started DJing at local clubs in Durban. He quickly gained recognition for his unique blend of house music, which incorporated elements of South African rhythms and melodies.

Black Coffee is unique for his ability to bridge the gap between traditional African sounds and contemporary electronic music. In 2018, he won the DJ Awards’ “Breakthrough DJ of the Year” and “Dance Nation of the Year” categories, cementing his status as a global EDM sensation.

He has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious music festivals and venues, including Coachella, Tomorrowland, and Ibiza. He’s collaborated with international stars like Usher and Alicia Keys, further expanding his influence beyond South Africa’s borders.

2. DJ Shimza ($5 million)

Worth around $5 million, DJ Shimza is one of the wealthiest DJs in South Africa. His real name is Ashley Raphala, and he was born in 1984. He also started as a local DJ before growing into an international sensation. His rise to fame began at a young age when he started DJing at local events and clubs. His talent and passion for music quickly garnered attention, and he soon became a sought-after DJ in the Johannesburg scene. He later ventured into music production, releasing hit tracks that earned him recognition within South Africa and beyond.

One of Shimza’s notable achievements was his participation in the global music festival scene. He performed at prestigious events like Tomorrowland in Belgium and Ibiza, showcasing his talent on an international stage and cementing his status as a world-class DJ.

In addition to his DJing work, Shimza is an entrepreneur. He founded SHIMUZIC Productions, a multimedia and entertainment company that supports emerging artists and promotes South African music globally. Indeed, his dedication to music and his entrepreneurial spirit have made him a respected figure both at home and internationally.

3. DJ Zinhle ($3 million)

DJ Zinhle is known to be the current richest female DJ in South Africa, worth $3 million. DJ Zinhle, whose real name is Ntombezinhle Jiyane, was born in 1983 in Dannhauser and has grown to become reputable in the South African music industry. Today, she is not only a talented DJ, but also a music producer and businesswoman.

Throughout her career, DJ Zinhle has received numerous awards and nominations, including the South African Music Award for Best Female DJ. She has played a pivotal role in breaking gender barriers in the male-dominated DJ industry, inspiring many female DJs to pursue their dreams.

4. DJ Oskido ($2.6 million)

Oscar Bonginkosi Mdlongwa, popularly known as DJ Oskido, is one of the richest DJs in South Africa with a net worth of $2.6 million. Born on November 23, 1967, he grew to become a highly influential and legendary figure in the South African music industry. Indeed, he has made significant contributions to the country’s music scene, particularly in the space of house and kwaito music.

Oskido’s career began in the late 1980s when he co-founded the influential Kalawa Jazmee Records, a record label that played a pivotal role in shaping the South African music landscape. His dedication to the music industry has earned him numerous awards, including South Africa’s prestigious South African Music Awards (SAMAs). He has consistently championed local talent and played a pivotal role in the growth of the South African music scene.

5. DJ Tira ($2.2 million)

DJ Tira, whose real name is Mthokozisi Khathi, is a prominent figure in the South African music industry worth $2.2 million. Born on August 24, 1976, in Durban, he has made significant contributions as a DJ, producer, and record label owner. With a career spanning several decades, DJ Tira has become a household name in the world of South African music.

One of DJ Tira’s notable achievements is his ability to blend different musical styles seamlessly, creating nice and danceable tracks that resonate with a wide audience. His DJing skills have earned him a reputation as one of the best in the business, and he’s a regular fixture at major music events and festivals across South Africa and beyond. DJ Tira’s impact on South African music can’t be overstated. He’s received numerous awards and accolades, including several South African Music Awards (SAMAs).

6. DJ Maphorisa ($2.2 million)

DJ Maphorisa, whose real name is Themba Sekowe, is not only a prominent and influential DJ in the country but also one of the affluent ones with a net worth that is around $2.2 million. He is also a record producer and musician. Born in 1987 in Soshanguve, South Africa, his journey to musical stardom began at a young age.

Maphorisa first gained recognition as part of the music duo “Uhuru,” which played a pivotal role in popularizing the sub-genre known as “Afro House” internationally. He is renowned for his production skills and versatility, effortlessly blending various genres like Amapiano, Gqom, and Afrobeat into his music. His collaborative efforts with artists such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Major Lazer have helped bridge the gap between African and international music markets.

7. Lerato Kganyago ($2 million)

Lerato Kganyago is a well-respected South African media personality known for her versatility and influence in the entertainment industry. Born on July 22, 1982, in Soweto, she is not only a DJ, but also a television presenter, actress, model, and businesswoman who is worth around $2 million. She has been able to carve a remarkable career that spans radio, television, and entrepreneurship.

Lerato Kganyago’s journey to stardom began as a model, where she quickly gained recognition for her beauty and poise. Now, she’s known for her impressive DJing skills and has performed at various high-profile events and clubs, both in South Africa and abroad. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions, including multiple South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs). Her ability to excel in various domains, from media to music and entrepreneurship, makes her a true icon and a source of inspiration to many aspiring talents in South Africa and beyond.

8. Kabza De Small ($2 million)

Kabza De Small, whose real name is Kabelo Petrus Motha, is one of the richest DJs in South Africa and has risen to become one of the most prominent figures in the country’s contemporary music scene.

He played a pivotal role in shaping the genre of Amapiano with his distinct style characterized by nice beats and a blend of electronic and traditional South African sounds, and he seems to be rewarded with fame and money. What sets him apart is his exceptional production skills and his ability to craft music that resonates with diverse audiences. His tracks have a cross-generational appeal, making him a favourite not only among the youth but also among older music enthusiasts.

In addition to his musical prowess, Kabza De Small is known for his humility and dedication to his craft. He has inspired a new generation of South African musicians to explore and embrace Amapiano, leading to the genre’s continued growth and international recognition.

9. DJ Fresh ($2 million)

Thato Sikwane, popularly known as DJ Fresh, is a highly influential figure in the South African music industry. He is a celebrated DJ, radio host, and music producer.

His career began to soar in the late 1990s when he joined the South African radio station YFM, where he became one of the most recognizable voices on the airwaves. He is also known for producing and performing music that seamlessly blends various genres, including house, hip-hop, and kwaito, a uniquely South African genre.

Furthermore, DJ Fresh’s impact extends globally. He has performed at renowned international music festivals and collaborated with international artists, elevating South African music on the world stage.

10. DJ Euphonik ($1.9 million)

DJ Euphonik was born in 1983 and is a prominent South African DJ, music producer, and radio presenter. His real name is Themba Nkosi, and his career has spanned over two decades, earning him recognition and respect in the industry.

As a music producer, DJ Euphonik has released several successful albums and singles, collaborating with renowned artists both within South Africa and internationally. His tracks often dominate the charts and dance floors, making him a household name in the South African electronic music scene.

In addition to his musical pursuits, Euphonik is known for his entrepreneurial ventures. He has a keen eye for trends and a passion for innovation, making him a multifaceted figure in the entertainment industry. He has won numerous awards and accolades, solidifying his status as a trailblazer in South African music.

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Closing

Highlighted above are the A-list richest DJs in South Africa who have a big influence on the electronic music scene in the country. They have not only made a name for themselves but they have also acquired some wealth for themselves as well.

Disc jockeying has become a lucrative profession in South Africa as opposed to the old belief that does not consider it a profession. Some DJs in South Africa have perfected their expertise in the craft and have in turn gained fame and endorsement deals as well as wealth. Asides from Disc jockeying, a lot of them have ventured into other businesses that have contributed immensely to their wealth.

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