Over the years, fans have been asking questions about The Top Richest Musicians in Nigeria
To that question, it is difficult to arrive at the actual value of what each Nigerian musician holds, but bloggers and content developers can only estimate based on the endorsement, investments, assets, and deals acquired by the musicians.
Nigeria is blessed with several talented music artistes, it is easy to portray the Nigeria Music Industry as the hub of entertainment in Africa. Many icons have emerged and already had a legacy and some are still building as we have seen with Tuface Idibia, otherwise known as 2baba.
Today, we have a new group of musicians, with davido and wizkid currently leading the line. It is always a hot topic among fans, but we are not here to decide who is the best musician between Davido and Wizkid. As far as we know, they are both great artistes and also have a claim to a bragging right.
Therefore, this article will mostly centre on the achievement of these rich, great, and most popular musicians in Nigeria. You will also like to know a brief story of your favourite musicians which we will also provide.
BEHOLD, THE RICHEST MUSICIANS IN NIGERIA AND THEIR NET WORTH
Forget the rivalry, for now, these musicians are the best in Nigeria. A good quality music production translates to more deals, endorsements, and a better charge per show. These have immensely contributed to their growth and ranking power.
Even Forbes recognized them that they have no choice but to include them in their famous notebook. Therefore, the selection of the richest musicians in Nigeria will be according to Forbes and personal investigations.
Below are the wealthiest musicians in Nigeria:
20. Zlatan Ibile (Net worth: $1.8 million)
This Nigerian singer was born in Ilorin, Kwara State but built his music career in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Zlatan’s journey to music did not start until secondary school when he discovered that he had a penchant for music. In order to be fully aware if he had it in him, he tried several competitions until he finally succeeded with the major one, “One Mic Campus Tour”.
Winning the “One Mic Campus Tour” music competition, sponsored by Airtel Nigeria further helped the decision to fully evolve in music.
Zlatan’s real names are Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, but Zlatan is what everyone calls him. He owns a National Diploma in Business Administration from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State. The Zanku master has now become one of the fastest growing musicians in Nigeria. He has also featured for several music stars like Chinko Ekun, Davido, Seyi Shay, Tekno Miles, Naira Marley, Burna boy and Slim Case. However, he came into the limelight following the collaboration with Chinko Ekun and Lil Kesh on the 2018 hit single “Able God”.
And later came a piece of impressive single called, “Zanku” which also earned him the rookie of the year award in 2018. Zanku was followed by impressive and funny dance step that majority of Nigerian youths totally loved. Before the end of 2018, he released another song called, “Able God” and had Davido featured in it. Since then, he has won multiple awards and has accumulated a large fanbase.
Zlatan net worth is now $1.8 million and this could rise if he continues to give us this crazy and danceable songs he is known for.
19. D’banj (Net worth: $2.2 million)
Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo has several nicknames as revealed by him, you can call him Koko Master, Importer, Exporter, Kapela, Mensah, Skibanj, or cocoa water. Whatever your choice, D’banj seems to have stuck on him more. The name, ‘D’Banj’ was coined out of his full names Dapo and Oyebanjo and later evolved as his stage name.
The famous Nigerian singer, songwriter, rapper and television personality is a successful artiste when it comes to music production in Nigeria.
He became popular in 2005 when he released ‘Mobolowowon’, but it was the hit track, ‘Oliver Twist’ that totally announced him as ‘The Entertainer” he called himself. Oliver Twist was among the 10 hit songs in the UK singles chart in 2012 reaching No. 2 on the UK R&B chart.
D’banj has several awards to his name, however, the award produced by the track called “Mr Endowed” has a special meaning to the fans. It came at a time when there was no much trending songs, the fans need a new feel and the Koko Master delivered. Mr endowed was totally accepted by music fans and it became the must played songs online and in party.
The sounds, lyrics and endless energy of Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo brought a new sensation to the music fans. “Mr Endowed” was released on May 23, 2010. It was produced by Don Jazzy.
The music was nominated for Hottest Single of the Year at the 2011 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. However, it was the the remix version of the song that won “Most Gifted Male Video Award”.
There have been various reports about the actual networth of D’Banj, however based on different factors employed, D’banj net worth stands at $2.2 million.
18. Kizz Daniel (Net worth: $3 million)
After rocking the Nigerian music fans for years, Kiss Daniel not making the list will be a great dishonour to the legacies he has already built. He is a top music star and needs no introduction. Of course everyone knows that!
Kiss Daniel is a stage name, his real names are actually Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe and also among the richest musician in Nigeria. He is best known for his singles “Woju” and “Yeba”.
Woju was released in 2014 and tagged one of the best works ever produced by a Nigerian musician. Just when we thought it can’t get better, then “Yeba” came into the spot. Since then, it has been a win-win for the music icon.
Kiss Daniel was born in Ogun State, Nigeria and had all his school life in the state. The Water Resources Management and Agrometeorology Graduate of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta started his music career during his tertiary school days but came into the spotlight in 2015, 2 years after graduation.
Kiss Daniel remains one of the wealthiest music stars in Nigeria and with an estimated net worth of $3 million.
17. Falz the bahd the guy (Net worth: $4 million)
Meet Folarin Falana, popular known as Falz the Bahd Guy, a surprise addition to the music industry. No one would have thought he’s going be a music star since he had a strong foundation in Law.
His parents are renowned lawyers and human right activists in Nigeria Femi and Funmi Falana, he studied in the famous University of Reading England, and graduated with an LLB honors degree in Law. He was called to the bar in 2012 after graduating from the Nigeria Law School in Abuja, Nigeria.
One would have expected him to go on to become a renowned lawyer like his parents, but instead, he chose to follow his passion in music.
Rewinding back, the fire started in his secondary school days. He formed a music group called “The School Boys” which he was the leader but ovation started for him in 2014 after a great collaboration with Yemi Alade – the hit track “Marry Me”. He got many nominations for awards after what was thought to be a breakthrough year for him, however, he did not win the awards until 2016.
In 2016, Falz won Viewer’s Choice Best New International Act, Album of the Year, Best Afro Hip Hop Video and also won Best Actor in a Comedy Movie/Series in a Funke Akindele’s Jenifa’s Diary. This particular movie further enhanced his stand as one to look out for.
Falz the bahd the guy is now rich and famous and with an estimated net worth of $4 million.
16. Teni (Net worth: $4.8 million)
Teni, the younger sister of Nigerian singer Niniola, is a female musician that has been able to grasp how a good music should be, and so far, we have been thrilled with her gift for producing great music.
Teniola Apata chose to use her name “Teni” as her stage name and already one of the most talented and successful female musicians in Nigeria. The singer, songwriter, and entertainer was a graduate of American InterContinental University in the USA where she obtained a degree in business administration.
Teni started professionally as a musician in 2016 and had her first music released the same year. Her debut single is “Amen” and signed to Shizzi’s Magic Fingers Records. In 2017, she left and signed with Dr. Dolor Entertainment. However, her breakthrough came with the hit singles, Uyo Meyo, Askamaya”, and “Case”.
In 2018, Teni won the award, “Rookie of the Year” by Headies Awards. She also claimed for herself “Best New Artist” at the 2018 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival and Best Pop Single Award by BET Awards.
Teni has enjoyed several nominations for awards since she had her breakthrough in the music industry and added quite a number of awards. She is lovely, bold, big and one of the richest musicians in Nigeria. Teni is currently worth $4.8 million as at now but could rise as she is really talented.
15. Yemi Alade (Net worth: $6 million)
Yemi Alade is a lady who never cease to amaze the Nigerian music fans mostly for her flexibility. Maybe, having both yoruba and Igbo parents have been the reason why she’s able to bring different styles to her music.
Her full names are Yemi Eberechi Alade, but Yemi Alade has become a name friends and fans call her. Her father’s name is James Alade, a commissioner of police from Ondo State and mother’s name is Helen Uzoma, a native of Abia State. She obtained her secondary education at Victory Grammar School, Ikeja and had University education at Unilag.
It was during her university days that she discovered her talent for music. To prove that, she signed up for the popular Peak Talent Show where she eventually emerged the winner. Shortly after that, she was signed to Effyzzie Music Group.
To cut the long story short, she did not just win the Best Female Artiste Award during her early days in music, but also Best Female Artiste in Western Africa. The female music icon have enjoyed several nominations and awards, a statement of how much of a hardworker she is.
For her effort and dedication, she now has networth of $6 million and the figure could surge if she continues to do what she does best.
14. Reminisce (Net worth: $7 million)
Talking about rappers who know how to use yoruba language to thrill the audience and fans, Reminisce is a known figure and no doubt one of the finest music icon. He also performs in English, but I love him mostly for the way he flows in yoruba language.
Reminisce was said to have developed his rapping skills by emulating the american rappers, snoop dogg, jay z and Nas and so far it has worked out well for him.
Okay, he is a legend and yes you heard it right! Reminisce real name is Remilekun Abdulkalid Safaru and also known as, “Alaga Ibile”. His first song was recorded in 2006 at Coded Tunes, but the album never left the studio, but instead, he chose to focus on schooling.
After graduating at the Kwara State Polytechnic, he later returned to his music career in 2008 and got it worked out well with 9ice, the gongo aso music star. The track is titled “Bachelor’s Life” in 9ice’s “Gongo Aso”. After his success with 9ice, he has been able to produce high quality work and also get to work with some top nigerian music stars.
One would have thought Reminisce is only good at making music until he got a role in “King of Boy”, a movie by Kemi Adetiba. The movie was a great success and gave fans something to talk about. There were even talks that it may be one of the best works in the movie industry.
Money? Reminisce has got it and remained one of the richest music stars in Nigeria. He is currently worth $7 million.
13. Mi Abaga (Net worth: $8 million)
Jude Lemfani Abaga is one of the most successful rappers in Nigeria and Africa and born on the 4th of October in 1981. He has been active as a rapper, singer, and songwriter since 2004.
The famous Nigerian songwriter and rapper who is better known as M.I, rose to prominence in 2006 when his song “Crowd Mentality” became the talk of the town in Jos.
It was never easy to take a stand especially when the likes of Eedris Abdulkareem and Ruggedman have found a place in the market, yet, through dedication and love for rap music, he quickly warmed his way into the hearts of many. His major success began to manifest when he joined hands with his friend, Djinee. Among the hottest singles that gave him spotlight was “Safe” which gather great momentum in the music industry.
The track also got him awards at the City People, N.E.A Nigerian Music Video Awards and among others. M.I. Abaga has worked with several talented stars, they include Don Jazzy, Wizkid, Kel, Jesse Jagz, and Ice Prince.
He was signed to the record label, the Chocolate City company, a renowned music label in Nigeria, which made leave his hometown to Abuja. This move eventually brought him into the limelight. After 13 years of being a part of the label with several successes to his name, M.I Abaga left Chocolate City. During his reigns as the Kind of raps, he’s often compared with Kanye West, Jay Z and Lil Wayne.
He has enjoyed some international recognition in South Africa from the popular MTVbase Awards, Channel O music Award, and also the American BET Awards.
M.I Abaga now runs a production company called Rytchus Era Productions with his brother Jesse Abaga (Jesse Jagz).
12. Tekno (Net worth: $8.3 million)
Augustine Miles Kelechi, hugely known as “Tekno” is a Nigerian male singer and songwriter who has some great list of good tracks to his name.
Like D’banj, he has acquired several stage names such as Alhaji Tekno, Golden Boy of Africa, and Slim Daddy but Tekno has been more dominant. Mention Tekno and it will ring several bells.
The Bauchi Born Superstar is a native of Ivo Local Government Area in Ebonyi State. He had his early days in the northern parts of Nigeria due to the fact that his father was a member of the Nigerian Army. His family has been very supportive since he shown his deep interest in music, at 8 years old, he was put in a music school where he mastered the rudiments of playing the piano and guitar.
His father also played a guitar, maybe that motivated Tekno to be the best he can. At such a young age, he was really clear of what he was going to be, therefore there was no looking back for tekno.
Alhaji Tekno got his first break when he signed under K-Money Entertainment. This contract produced his first singles titled “Holiday” featuring Davido which got massive airplay.
In the moment of this massive acceptance by the fans, Tekno got another major break after meeting Julius Agwu, one of the best Nigerian comedians. This was during an event in Abuja, after treating the audience to “Onye Ne Kwu”, his remix of Ice Prince’s “Oleku”.
Several awards have also been credited to his name and he will always be another music star who has entertained Africa and Nigeria. Tekno is currently worth $8.3 million.
11. Banky W (Net worth: $8.5 million)
Banky W is known by his stage name, but his real name is Olubankole Wellington. The Nigerian singer, rapper, actor and politician was born in the United States on 27 March 1981. When he was five years old, his family moved back to Nigeria and Banky W later joined the Church choir. Joining the Church choir eventually made him discover what he thought wasn’t there at that very young age.
He had his primary and secondary education in Lagos State, Nigeria, but later returned to the United States for his tertiary education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York on a scholarship.
While studying for a certificate in 2002, he explored his music career, and even started his own record label called E.M.E. Banky W, also known as Mr Capable, also got a work at GlobalSpec which is in line with his passion. He left US after nine years in the state and established his record label in Lagos. He was able to get young and talented unknown artists at that time to sign. Niyola, Shaydee, Skales and Wizkid were all part of the set up.
He had a great relationship with Etisalat Nigeria and eventually wrote their first theme song, called “0809ja for life”. Back in the Building was his first album ever and was produced in 2006. He also acted in some great movies like Sugar rush, Up north and the wedding party but the wedding party is clearly the fans’ favourite.
On his Political career, there have not been any major success but one could commend him for never being afraid to try his hands on many things. He ran for the Lagos’ Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in Nigeria’s House of Representatives in 2018 under Modern Democratic Party, formed in 2017, but lost to already established political figure, Babajide Obanikoro of the All Progressive Congress.
As of now, the fine musician currently has a networth of $8.5 million and he is happily married to Adesua Etomi. A budding beautiful actress who acted alongside Banky W in the movie, “The Wedding Party”.
10. Tiwa Savage (Net worth: $9 million)
Now here is a great female musician that has continued to melt our hearts, her full name is Tiwatope Savage. Born in Lagos, but later moved to London for her secondary education.
The Isale Eko Born singer, songwriter, and actress, Tiwa Savage later began her journey into music after being discovered by Mary J. Blige and George Michael and worked as a backup vocalist for them. She then went on to participate in the X factor 2006 series where she only got to the “judges’ houses” stage.
As young as she was at the time, Tiwa Savage was able to combine her studies with her music career, but what she did mostly was writing songs for artistes which did not sit well with her, but girl got to do it while waiting for her big break. Finally, it dawned on her that home could give her a better chance, and moved back to Nigeria.
This was at a time when the music fans have not fully accepted Nigeria female artistes despite the success of international female artistes like Beyonce, Shakira and Mary J. Blige.
Tiwa Savage’s first performance was not acceptable because the Nigerian audience believed she was too foreign and trust us, we like to roll. Sachets of drinking water were thrown at her. After such experience, she had to move back to the state.
Upon returning to the US, she immediately worked on a single, titled, “Love Me, Love Me, Love Me” which came with lot of controversial. It sparkled so much noises and reactions because in its video, it has Tiva Savage in revealing clothes and lying with a topless man. It was banned by Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission but was accepted by Youtube. Fans beginning to listen and watch video on Youtube, which gave her the kind of attention and popularity she was looking for. A proof, that there is no bad publicity.
Tiwa Savage later returned back to Nigeria and by 2012, she got signed to Pepsi as Ambassador. In 2016, she also signed with the popular rap king, Jay Z under Roc Nation. To cut the long story, she is now at the top of her career despite the challenges faced at the early days.
She has also won multiple awards that many of her peer group can only dream of. Tiwa Networth is currently worth $9 million and could rise giving how much of a talent she is. Besides, everyone loves Tiwa Savage.
9. Peter and Paul Okoye (Psquare Net worth: $10 million each)
The twin brothers treated Nigerians and Africans to sensational music for more than a decade. Only a handful of singers become iconic and stand the test of time, but such is the case with the two brothers. Psquare needs no introduction even if you were born in 2010.
Peter and Paul Okoye definitely know what it takes to rock a party but how about a little biography from them? Here we go.
Psqaure was of origin of Ifite Dunu, Anambra State, in the eastern part of Nigeria but was born in Jos on 18 November 1981. They had their secondary education at St. Murumba secondary school, and eventually joined the school music and drama club where they began dancing and mimicking songs by MC Hammer, Bobby Brown, and Michael Jackson.
In 1997, the duo started breaking dancing, and formed the group called “Smooth Criminals, an idea inspired by their music Idol, Michael Jackson. Their great dancing steps made them popular in the city of Jos, that they got several invites.
Later in 1999, they got admitted into the University of Abuja to study Business Administration. Therefore, there was a need to disband the group, “Smooth Criminals” since all five members are to leave for different schools. When Peter and Jude Okoye got into the campus, they formed their group variously called “P&P”, “Double P”, and “Da Pees” until they finally settled for Psquare. A name that became their stage name when they became active in the Nigeria music world.
After being accepted by Nigerians and music fans from around the world, the duo have been nominated more than 15 times for an award and also won not less than 17 awards. They include MTV Europe Music Awards, Soul Train Music Awards, The Headies, City Mag 9th Awards Show, Nigerian Music Awards (NMA), BET Awards, and MTV Africa Music Awards.
Peter and Paul, Psquare, currently networth stands at $10 million each.
8. Timaya (Net worth: $10.5 million)
Timaya is now one of the highest-paid musicians in Nigeria but the question is how did he manage to pull such feat?
His real name is Inetimi Timaya Odon, began his career in 2005 with the release of “Dem Mama”, a production that sent shivers to several music fans at that time.
Going back, Timaya’s success in the music industry did not come on a platter of goal, he had to earn it despite the difficulties of having to switch between street hustles and his love for music.
Timaya was born on 15 August 1977 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State but originally from Odi, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. His dad was a banker, mother was a trader and the last of fifteen children. He had both his primary and secondary education in Port Harcourt, even at time he always sneaked out of the house to attend late-night music events. However, he did not manage to finish his secondary school in Port Harcourt as the mum arranged for him to move to Lagos. When he got to lagos, he was admitted to Lagos’ Ikeja Grammar School, where he eventually got a secondary school certificate (SSCE).
After his school in Lagos State, he moved back to Port Harcourt to further his studies, got admitted into the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State to study Banking and Finance but dropped out after a series of poor performance in the first semester. Call him a dropout, he is not the first to drop out of school to pursue his love.
He later went back to Lagos to join Eedris Abdulkareem’s hip-hop group as a backup vocalist, a beginning of greater things to come. After working for about 3 years as a backup vocalist, he left the group to focus on being a better version of himself.
To cut what could be an epistle short, The man called Timaya is now one of the richest musicians in Nigeria and also has on lock several nominations and awards. His net-worth is currently $10.5 million, a huge figure if you ask me.
7. Phyno (Net worth: $11 million)
We have talked about music stars that love to rap in their native language. Another is Phyno, that makes rapping beautiful in Igbo Language. Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, otherwise known as Phyno, is one of the top wealthiest musicians in Africa and Nigeria.
Despite not being an Igbo, it’s always melody in my ears whenever I listen to Phyno songs either in airplay or from any of my devices. Meanwhile, he is also good when it comes to displaying in English.
He started his musical career while in secondary and it was during that time he adopted the name, “Phyno”, a name given by one of his high school friends due to his extraordinary nature when it comes to music.
During his secondary school days, he had to learn how to play the drums and piano which helped him to create his own rendition of every recording he heard. Despite his first love to become a pilot, he later pursued a certificate in public administration at the Institute of Management and Technology in Enugu. In his second year at the school, he started making money from music and he gradually warmed his way into the spotlight.
in 2010, he relocated to Lagos to further enhance his career and luckily for him, he later got accepted but that did not fully come until 2012 when he produced his first music album titled, “No Guts, No Glory” which featured great and talented music stars like Omawumi, Efa, Olamide, P-Square, Timaya, Flavour N’abania, MI, Ice Prince, Runtown, Mr. Raw, and Stormrex. The songs were mostly in Igbo and Nigerian Pidgin.
Since then, it has been several wins for Phyno and is also one of the highest paid musicians in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of $11 million.
6. Olamide (Net worth: $12 million)
Olamide Adedeji needs no introduction on the streets, has been able to create all kinds of songs using Yoruba and English, but he will mostly be adored for his ability to use his native language to produce a great melody.
Even the non-yoruba speakers can not just hate but love how well he flows on the rap field. He is a great music icon, respected by fans and even by his own comrades.
Olamide was born in Bariga, Lagos State on the 15th of March, 1989. He had his higher education at Tai Solarin University of Education
As a young music artiste who was looking for his big break, it was very difficult to get it but somehow he pushed forward to release his first debut single, “Eni Duro” in 2010 which was received with so much admiration and excitement. After that wild excitement by the fans, he later came up with his first album titled Rapsodi.
The album, “Rapsodi” featured several singles but the one music that got people on was “Omo to shan” and further gave Olamide, the applause and popularity. It was even aired on several radio stations in Nigeria, making it one of the most played songs at that time.
He entered into a contract with ID Cabasa’s Coded Tunes record label and was managed by Toni Payne. Shortly after, 2012 precisely, he left and started his own record label, “YBNL Nation”.
The Nigerian rapper, olamide has featured many great musicians in Nigeria such as Davido, Tiwa Savage, Samklef, Kayswitch, Dammy Krane, and many more. He has been able to win several awards to his names and he is still relevant in the music industry.
Olamide is also one of the top 10 richest musicians in Nigeria and presently has a networth of $12 million.
5. 2Baba (Tuface Idibia net worth: $16 million)
The famous king of not just R&B, but also hip hop, reggae, gospel, Afrobeats and Afropop needs no introduction. His real names are Innocent Ujah Idibia, but fondly called by his stage names, 2baba or 2face Idibia.
Not only is 2baba one of the biggest music stars in Nigeria, but was able to evolve with the music industry, not many of his comrades are still in the spotlight which says so much of his incredible ability.
Here is a short bio on Tuface Idibia. Innocent Idibia was born in Jos, Nigeria but he is of the Idoma ethnic group in the southern part of Benue State, Nigeria. He got his secondary education in Benue. After his secondary education, he later got into Institute of Management & Technology, Enugu (IMT), where he did his preliminary National Diploma course in business administration and management.
While studying in the school, he was able to invest his time in music, performed and organized shows and parties for students of University of Nigeria and Enugu State University of Science & Technology. He later dropped out of IMT and moved to Lagos to pursue a career in music.
On getting to Lagos, he was able to link with an old friend and rapper called Blackface, and another friend, Face who they all share the same vision. They went on to form the trio band called Plantashun Boiz. They were really impressive in those days to the extent that they became the talk of the town.
A feud ensued between the boys and they were disbanded in 2004. Yet, that did not stop 2baba as he arguably became the best ever musician ever made in Nigeria. Tuface is one of the most decorated Nigerian musicians with several nominations and awards to his name. For his effort, he has been able to accumulate an estimated net worth of $16 million.
4. Burna Boy (Net worth $17 million)
Burna boy is one of the highest paid musicians in Nigeria, and also in Africa. It has been a very long walk for the music icon but first, let’s start with his short bio.
Burna boy’s full names are Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu Rex and was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He had his education at Corona Secondary School in Agbara, Lagos State but later moved to London to complete his studies. He holds a Certificate in Media Technology from the University of Sussex, followed by Media Communications and Culture at Oxford Brookes University.
His career has never heen short of ups and down, but over the years he has been able to established himself as one of the best musicians in Nigeria. He got into the spotlight in 2012 after releasing his first album titled “Like to Party” and followed by other albums which eventually won him several nominations and awards, but it was his fourth album, “African Giant” that gave him a huge following both in Nigeria and Abroad.
The album was nominated for Best World Music Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards which he eventually lost to another African Female Artiste, Angélique Kidjo. He later went on to win The African Artiste of the year at the 2020 VGMA’s. Burna boy has acquired several awards and nomination including the celebrated BET Awards, The Headies Awards, and All Africa Music Awards. Today, he is still one of the biggest musicians in Nigeria and he is not slowing down anytime soon.
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, Burna Boy’s current net worth is $17 million and is one of the most celebrated nigerian music stars in the world.
3. Don Jazzy (Net worth: $18.5 million)
Blessed with a flair for leading people, Michael Collins Ajereh, popular known as Don Jazzy, is one of the richest and talented music icons in Nigeria. Although, he acts mostly as a record producer, one can not deny his music talent.
Don jazzy was born on 26 November 1982 in Umuahia, Abia State. The family later relocated to Ajegunle in Lagos State where he was bred up. He got his education at the co-educational high school and Federal Government College Lagos. However, he has shown interest in music at a tender age of 12 years and began to play the bass guitar.
Despite getting admitted to the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo state to study business management studies, it did not stop his passion for music and sounds. Instead, he continued to acquire knowlege of traditional and percussion instruments.
Don Jazzy played drums for a local church in London and continue to develop his gift for music production. Even when he was working as a security guard in London, he continued to make the right connections and thereby associating with JJC, 419 Squad, Solek, Kas and D’Banj.
He co-founded and managed the now-defunct record label Mo’ Hits Records in 2004. He now manages Mavin Records which he established in 2012.
As a music producer, he has brought many artistes into the spotlight including D’banj, Wande Coal, Dr SID, D’Prince, and Tiwa Savage. And so far, it has worked well for most of them. In 2012, he was a cast in Moses Inwang’s movie The Last 3 Digits. Other popular figures in the movie are Nonso Diobi, Ali Baba, Dr Sid, and A.Y.
Don Baba J has won several awards and is still a huge presence in the music industry. His net worth is $18.5 million and given his reputation to spot talent, that figure could rise soon.
2. Wizkid (Net worth: $20 million)
There is no music artiste like WizKid: one of the brilliant musicians in Nigeria, a magnificent performer and global icon. He is arguably the most decorated super star in the history of African music, and a definition of an international artiste.
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (Wizkid) was born on born 16 July 1990 in Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria. His mother is a Christian and his father practices Islam. He grew up listening to music legends like Sunny Ade, Bob Marley and the controversial music icon named Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
Wizkid attended Ijebu Ode Grammar School, and was able to get his own band which they called, “The Glorious Five”. Which produced an album that was never the talk of the town.
Things started getting better when he met OJB Jezreel, a record producer. Through him, he was able to learn how recording is done and also get to meet hugely popular music icons at the time. He was present when 2baba was recording his Grass 2 Grace album and also get to watch Sound Sultan’s debut album, “Jagbajantis”.
Several people were there for Wizkid but he always speak highly of Naeto C as one of the people who helped and guided him during his early days in music. He co-wrote “Omoge You Too Much”, a song from Banky W.’s The W Experience album. He has also worked with Naeto C, Ikechukwu, and M.I.
On the higher education part, wizkid has not had much success, he had to drop out of schools twice in order to focus on his music career. First, it was Lagos State University (LASU) in 2009 and also Lead City University. After the second drop out, he has fully re-emerged himself into music and was able to come up with several nominations and awards.
Wizkid is a king and we are not surprised he is among the top 10 Richest Musicians In Nigeria. Wizkid is now worth a staggering amount of $20 million.
1. Davido (Net worth $21 million)
Success is being good at something and doing it so well that people pay you, Davido surely knows what it takes to get good music in the air.
David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as “Davido”, is one of the richest nigerian musicians. He was born into a wealthy family, his father Adedeji Adeleke is a business magnate and his mother Vero Adeleke was a university lecturer. But that did not stop Davido from making a name for himself.
He could choose to use his family name especially when he is from the renowned Adeleke family in Ede, but he instead focused on being a better part of himself without depending on the legacies that have already been built by the Adeleke’s.
Davido had his secondary education at British International School in Lagos. When he was 16 years old, he moved to Alabama in the USA to study business administration at Oakwood University. While studying at the school, Davido was already into music, he got himself musical equipment and started making beats. In order to realise his dreams of becoming a full fledged music artiste, he dropped out of school and relocated to London, where he had time to improve on his vocals. This is of course was not accepted by the family especially his dad.
After returning to Nigeria, Davido had to honour his father who was bent on him having a university degree. He got into Babcock University to study Music and graduated in 2015.
His first debut album was “Omo Baba Olowo”. The album featured many great artistes that include Shina Rambo, Naeto C, 2 face idibia, Ice Prince, and Kayswitch. Despite the few negatives from his critics, the album won Best R&B/Pop Album and received a nomination for Album of the Year at The Headies 2013.
After that, Davido continued to make great music for the fans which improved his brands. Having a team of young and talented people around him, who do the job of helping him project and negotiate contracts have made him become the richest musician in Nigeria.
Does Davido actually have the 30 billion in his account? The answer is No but when we look at the dynasty his father has already built, we can say there is a chance of him attaining such figure.
