Top 10 Richest Rappers In South Africa (2024)

While the South African music industry is filled with a lot of talented folks doing what they seem to be passionate about, certain artists fit into the category of the richest rappers in South Africa as they have been able to accumulate a lot for themselves.

These wealthy rappers in South Africa include AKA, Casper Nyovest, Ntokovo Mdhuli, Die Antwoord, Nasty C, Nadia Nakai, Khulane Morule, Kwesta, Da L.E.S and Shane Eagle. These rappers have been around for a while now, and can also boast of various hit songs and albums.

Top 10 Richest Rappers In South Africa

1. AKA

Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, known as AKA, is the richest rapper in South Africa. His net worth is approximately $12 million, and although he is now late, is still loved by many music lovers in the country. A famous rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer who was born on January 28, 1988, in Cape Town, he was able to make a significant impact on the country’s music scene and beyond before his death.

His music often blends hip-hop with elements of pop and electronic dance music, creating a unique sound that appeals to a broad audience. AKA is unique for his ability to craft lyrics that address both personal experiences and broader social issues. His songs often touch on topics like love, identity, and the challenges faced by South Africa’s youth.

Before his death, he was involved in various collaborations with international artists, further expanding his reach and influence. He is also known for his dynamic live performances and has headlined major music festivals and events in South Africa and abroad.

2. Casper Nyovest

Casper Nyovest, whose real name is Refiloe Maele Phoolo is another South African rapper with a net worth of $8 million and is therefore a well-to-do guy in the community. Born in 1990, in Mafikeng, he has become one of the most influential figures in the country’s hip-hop scene and has made a significant impact on the African music industry as a whole.

He is known for his versatile and innovative approach to rap music, blending various genres and styles to create his unique sound. His lyrics often touch upon personal experiences, social issues, and the challenges of growing up in the country. One of his most remarkable achievements was filling up the 94,736-seat FNB Stadium in Johannesburg in 2017, a feat that earned him international recognition and showcased his immense popularity. He is also the founder of Family Tree Records, a record label that has nurtured emerging talent in South Africa’s music industry.

3. Ntokozo Mdluli

Popularly known as K.O. and with a net worth of $4.8 million, Ntokozo Mdluli is one of the wealthiest rappers in South Africa. Born on October 13, 1989, in Soweto, K.O. has become a respected figure in the music industry, known for his lyrical prowess and contributions to the growth of hip-hop in the country.

K.O. gained fame as a member of the hip-hop group Teargas, alongside fellow artists Ma-E and Ntukza. The group’s debut album, “K’shubile K’Bovu,” released in 2006, marked their entry into the music scene and quickly garnered attention for its fresh and innovative sound.

In 2014, K.O. embarked on a solo career with the release of his debut album, “Skhanda Republic.” This album was a game-changer in South African hip-hop, introducing a unique fusion of local influences and international hip-hop elements. K.O.’s impact on the industry goes beyond his music. He is also an entrepreneur, having co-founded the record label and entertainment company CashTime Life.

4. Die Antwoord

Worth $3.5 million, Die Antwoord, a musical group, stands out as a force in the music industry. Formed in Cape Town in 2008, the group consists of its two core members, Ninja (Watkin Tudor Jones) and Yolandi Visser (Anri du Toit), with various collaborators over the years. Die Antwoord’s style blends elements of rap, electronic music, and hip-hop with a distinctly South African twist, creating a sound that’s both polarizing and captivating.

One of their earliest viral hits, “Enter the Ninja,” catapulted them to international fame, thanks to their eccentric music videos and captivating stage personas.

5. Nasty C

With a net worth of around $3 million, Nasty C is one of the richest rappers in South Africa. Born on February 11, 1997, in Durban, Nasty C, whose real name is Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo, has risen to international acclaim for his lyrical prowess and musical talent. He is now one of the leading figures in the country’s hip-hop scene.

His journey in the music industry began at a young age when he started rapping and writing lyrics. Nasty C gained widespread recognition with his mixtapes, showcasing his raw talent. In 2016, he released his debut album, “Bad Hair,” which received critical acclaim and established him as a major force in African hip-hop. His music often reflects his personal experiences and addresses social issues, making him a voice for the youth in South Africa.

One of his standout qualities is his ability to fuse different musical elements, seamlessly blending hip-hop with elements of Afrobeat and R&B, creating a unique sound that resonates with a global audience. Aside from being a rich rapper, his achievements include numerous awards, such as multiple South African Music Awards (SAMAs), MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs), and a BET Award nomination.

 6. Nadia Nakai

Nadia Nakai’s net worth is about $2.5 million, making her one of the richest rappers in the country. Born Nadia Nakai Kandava on May 18, 1990, she has carved her name in the music industry with her unique style and powerful presence.

Nadia Nakai’s passion for music began at a young age, inspired by her family’s love for the art form. She initially pursued a degree in marketing but eventually decided to follow her true calling in music. Her breakthrough came when she signed with the record label Family Tree Media, founded by fellow South African rapper Cassper Nyovest.

Beyond her music, Nadia Nakai has become a fashion icon, known for her stylish and daring outfits. Her fashion sense has earned her recognition in the entertainment and fashion industries, making her a role model for aspiring artists.

7. Khulane Morule

Khulane Morule, popularly known as Khuli Chana, is another rich rapper in South Africa, worth around $2 million. He was born in Mmabatho and has been around for some time now. From being a member of the Morafe group before opting to proceed with his career as a solo artist, he is known for different songs where he showcased what he has.

8. Kwesta

Senzo Brikka Vilakazi, famously known as Kwesta, is one of the wealthiest rappers in South Africa, worth around $2 million. Born on August 11, 1988, in Katlehong, he rose to fame with his distinctive lyrical prowess and storytelling abilities. His journey in the music industry began in the mid-2000s where he showcased his raw talent and dedication to the craft.

Kwesta’s music often delves into personal experiences, social issues, and the complexities of life in South Africa, resonating with a wide audience. His ability to seamlessly blend various musical influences, including kwaito and traditional African sounds, into his hip-hop style adds a unique flavour to his music.

Beyond his musical achievements, Kwesta has earned numerous awards and accolades, including the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) and MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs).

9. Da L.E.S

Da L.E.S, whose real name is Leslie Jonathan Mampe, is worth around $2 million too. Famous as a rapper and hip-hop artist known for his contributions to the music industry, he was born in 1982.

Da L.E.S rose to fame as a member of the rap group Jozi, which gained popularity in the mid-2000s for its innovative fusion of hip-hop with Kwaito, a genre native to South Africa. One of Da L.E.S’s defining characteristics is his ability to seamlessly blend American hip-hop influences with South African musical elements. His music often incorporates catchy hooks, slick wordplay, and nice beats.

Beyond his music, Da L.E.S is known for his fashion-forward style and charismatic stage presence. He has collaborated with numerous artists both locally and internationally, solidifying his position as a South African hip-hop icon. His impact extends beyond music; he has also ventured into entrepreneurship and is involved in various business ventures.

10. Shane Eagle

Shane Eagle can boast of a net worth that is around $2 million. Hence, he is one of the richest in the industry, known not only to be a rapper, but also a songwriter, TV personality, and record producer. His real name is Shane Patrick Hughes, and he was able to grow into fame after ending up in fourth place on Vuzu’s rapping reality competition in 2015 (The Hustle).

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Conclusion:

The names highlighted above are those of the wealthiest rappers in South Africa. They have a large fan base in the country via their impressive skills in their trade. They are surely good at what they do and they have acquired wealth which makes them wealthy personalities in the country.

It is no secret that rappers sometimes lie or grossly overestimate what they have, other rappers have lived such wasteful lifestyles that when they go broke people start to wonder if they ever had the money in the first place. Furthermore, we have often said that popularity is not the same as money. Not every artist knows how to maximize the potential presented by his popularity so as to make money and be among the richest rappers in South Africa.

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