Who are the richest rappers in South Africa? Here’s a list of the top 10 wealthiest and highest-paid South African (SA) rappers in 2023.
South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa. You are likely to consider that to the Western countries considering how developed it is to other African countries.
Much of the hip-hop in South Africa is derived from Western beats and samples mixed with localized rhythms and accents and drives the urban culture of the continent.
South Africa has got some of the dopest rappers on the African continent. Most of them are the artists behind most of the trendy songs we hear on a daily on our television sets and streaming platforms with millions of views and plays.
African hip-hop began in the ‘80s, emerging from the urban centers of Cape Town and Johannesburg.
In the late 2010s, when young South African rappers including AKA, Nasty C, Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta, and Riky Rick gave the continent more than the music, the movement achieved continental dominance.
These artists arrived with an influential lifestyle, partnering with luxury brands, and releasing albums that grew into classics.
There are certainly some artists who charge more for performances and features and others who do extra business to rapping and this raises their net worth making them richer than their colleagues. TheDistin in this list will reveal the richest rappers in South Africa as of 2023.
The richest rapper in South Africa is rapper AKA, followed by Die Antwoord, one of the group’s best rappers in South Africa from the year 2020 to 2023.
In summary, below is a comprehensive list of the top 10 richest rappers in South Africa in 2023 with their net worth and brief biography facts about them, according to Forbes magazine.
Top 10 richest rappers in South Africa 2023
1. Rapper AKA – $15 million
- Net Worth: $15 million
- Age: 35 years old (as of 2022)
- Birthday: January 28, 1988
- Birthplace: Cape Town, South Africa
- Full name: Kiernan Jarryd Forbes
- Parents: Lynn Forbes
- Instruments: Vocals
- Children: Kairo Owethu Forbes
Who is the richest rapper in South Africa? Rapper AKA is the richest rapper in South Africa in 2023. He was the second-richest from the year 2020 to 2021 and is currently the wealthiest on our list.
Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, known professionally as AKA, is a South African rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur.
Born and raised in Cape Town, Western Cape to Lynn Forbes, Kiernan Forbes gained significance after releasing his single “Victory Lap” which was released from his debut studio album, Altar Ego.
Forbes continued his success by releasing studio albums which include Levels (2014), Touch My Blood (2018), and the collaborative album, Be Careful What You Wish For alongside Anatii (2017).
In April 2020 Forbes alongside vodka brand Cruz launched the watermelon-flavored drink with his initials on the bottles. That same month, Forbes was featured as a special guest on WWELive events which were held in Johannesburg and Cape Town. As for 2019, he was the roastee for the Comedy Central Roast special.
What is AKA’s net worth? Famous South African rapper AKA has a current net worth of $15 million. Per CaKnowledge, AKA makes 0.1+ million per month.
2. Die Antwoord – $10 million
- Net Worth: $10 million
- Birthplace: Cape Town, South Africa
- Label: Zef; Cherrytree; Interscope; Kobalt
- Nickname: The Answer
Die Antwoord is one of the richest rappers in South Africa in 2023. Most importantly, it’s good to note that Antwoord comprises 2 hip-hop rappers, a male, and a female.
Die Antwoord is a South African alternative hip-hop group formed in Cape Town in 2008. The group comprises rappers Watkin Tudor “Ninja” Jones and Anri “Yolandi Visser” du Toit, a male/female duo, and producers HITEK5000 and Lil2Hood.
Die Antwoord’s male vocalist, Watkin Tudor “Ninja” Jones, was part of the South African hip-hop scene for many years, fronting acts such as The Original Evergreen, and MaxNormal.
TV and The Constructs Corporation. Their debut album $O$ relates to their earlier work, specifically Good Morning South Africa.
In the album, multiple tracks are sampled from, or are exact copies of songs on Good Morning South Africa, such as the “Rap Rave Megamix” (where the first glimpses of Jones’s Ninja character were seen) were later reformed into the “Zef Side” video, featuring a few verses from “Beat Boy”.
Ninja told Rolling Stone, “Everything I did before Die Antwoord was me experimenting, messing around and trying to find Die Antwoord . . . everything before it was disposable. It was all throwaway.”
What is Die Antwood’s net worth? Die Antwoord, a duo from South Africa is one of the most influential music groups in the country. Die Antwood’s net worth is $10 million and they are among the richest rappers in South Africa.
3. Cassper Nyovest – $8 million
- Net Worth: $8 million
- Age: 32 years old (as of 2022)
- Birthday: December 16, 1990
- Birthplace: Mahikeng, South Africa
- Siblings: Khotso Motebang Phoolo, Tsholofelo Phoolo
- Parents: Letsebela Phoolo, Muzuki Phoolo
Refiloe Maele Phoolo, professionally known as Cassper Nyovest is a South African rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, and record producer.
Born to Letsebela Phoolo, Muzuki Phoolo, Cassper was raised in Mahikeng, North West, he is regarded as one of the most successful artists in South Africa. He has two siblings namely, Khotso Motebang Phoolo, Tsholofelo Phoolo. In 2014, he established his own record label, Family Tree Records.
Nyovest garnered several endorsement deals with various companies, notably with vodka brand, Ciroc which is one of the biggest endorsement deals in his career so far.
Their endorsement began in 2017 when Nyovest displayed in his music video, Tito Mboweni several Cîroc bottles. Ciroc then unveiled its deal with Nyovest.
Nyovest garnered several endorsement deals with various companies, notably with vodka brand, Ciroc which is one of the biggest endorsement deals in his career so far.
Their endorsement began in 2017 when Nyovest displayed in his music video, Tito Mboweni several Cîroc bottles. Ciroc then unveiled its deal with Nyovest.
In 2015, Nyovest endorsed MTN and AG Mobile in launching a smartphone named, AG Hashtag which was inspired and partly designed by him. He also endorsed other brands including, Shoprite, SamsungSouth Africa, Coca-Cola, KFC SA, Castle Lite, and Nike SA.
What is Cassper Nyovest’s net worth? Currently, Nyovest’s net worth is $8 million making him one of the richest rappers in South Africa, per Zalebs. Other sites like Celebrity Net Worth peg his fortune at $3 million.
4. Nasty C – $6 million
- Net Worth: $6 million
- Age: 25 years old (as of 2022)
- Birthday: February 11, 1997
- Birthplace: Diepmeadow, South Africa
Nasty C is the fourth (4th) richest South African rapper in 2023. He has an estimated net worth of over $6 million in 2023.
Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo, known professionally as Nasty C, is a South African rapper, songwriter, and record producer who is 25 years old and was born on Feb. 11, 1997.
He is currently signed to Def Jam Records.
Apart from being one of the best rappers in South Africa and indeed, Africa as a whole, Nasyu is also among the wealthiest rappers list.
Nasty, whose birth-given name is Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo began his career in 2013. After releasing three mixtapes, one being “Undisputed” and two EPs, Ngcobo released his debut album Bad Hair (2016), and Strings and Bling (2018) which was associated with and supported by his first tour, The Ivyson Tour.
He is featured in movies like Zulu Man in Japan and has won numerous awards including The Headies Award for African Artiste of the Year, and more.
Nasty C reportedly has a beautiful home in Johannesburg where he lives with his girlfriend.
5. Rapper K.O – $4.8 million
- Net Worth: $4.8 million
- Age: 42 years old (as of 2022)
- Birthday: October 13, 1980
- Birthplace: Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Label: Sony Music Africa
Rapper K.O. is one of the richest South African rappers. He made the 8th richest rapper in SA on our list of wealthiest rappers with an estimated net worth of $4.8 million.
Known in real life as Ntokozo Mdluli, K.O is a South African hip hop artist, rapper, songwriter, and businessman who began his career as a member of Teargas, a hip hop group that released its debut album titled K’shubile K’bovu, followed by Wafa Wafa, Dark or Blue and last album Num8er Num8er.
However, he left the hip-hop group and started recording the songs that enabled him to become more popular.
He released his debut album Skhanda Republic in 2014, followed by Skhanda Republic 2 in 2017 under Sony Music Entertainment Africa.
Rapper K.O also known as Skhanda Gawd; K: Hova; Mr. Cashtime and under the Cashtime Life (former); Sony MusicAfrica.
6. Nadia Nakai 2.5
- Net Worth: $2.5 million
- Full name: Nadia Nakai Dlamini
- Born: 18 May 1990
- Age: 32 years (as of December 2022)
- Birthplace: South Africa
Nadia Nakai is a South African-born Zimbabwean rapper and TV personality. She is, therefore, considered the richest female rapper in SA.
Nakai’s first TV appearance was on e.tv’s Shiz Niz hip-hop show, where she won the Mixtape 101 competition. She released her debut single, Like Me, and rose to prominence.
Nadia Nakai’s net worth is about $2.5 million.
7. Kwesta 2
- Net Worth: $2 million
- Full name: Senzo Brikka Vilakazi
- Born: 11 August 1988
- Age: 34 years (as of December 2022)
- Birthplace: Katlehong, South Africa
- Spouse: Yolanda Mvelase
- Children: Khai Asemahle Bulelwa Vilakazi
Rapper/songwriter Senzo Brikka Vilakazi (alias Kwesta) was born in Katlehong, Gauteng, and formed the Ghetto Fellaz rap group with friends at age 13. The group changed its name to The Juvenylz.
Senzo co-founded an independent media company called RapLyf Records with Kid X. He has won 6 SA Music Awards, 4 SA Hip Hop Awards, 1 MTV Africa Music Awards, and 1 Metro FM Award.
Kwesta’s net worth is around $2 million.
8. Da L.E.S – $2 million
- Net Worth: $2 million
- Age: 37 years old (as of 2022)
- Birthday: July 26, 1985
- Birthplace: Washington, D.C.
- Parents: Priscilla Mampe, Leslie Jonathan Mampe
Da L.E.S. is among the wealthiest rappers in South Africa currently. He is worth over $2 million in 2023.
Leslie Jonathan Mampe, Jr., better known by his stage name Da L.E.S, is a South African and American hip-hop recording artist and record producer who was born on July 26, 1985.
He achieved early success with his band, Jozi, and is most known for his solo single, “Heaven”, which was released in 2013, and features fellow South African hip hop recording artists, AKA, and Maggz.
He was born in Washington, D.C. to Priscilla Mampe, and Leslie Jonathan Mampe, and is associated with acts like AKA; Maggz; Riky Rick; JR; DJ Speedsta; Jozi; Gemini Major.
9. Khuli Chana – $2 million
- Net Worth: $2 million
- Age: 40 years old (as of 2022)
- Birthday: August 22, 1982
- Birthplace: Mmbabatho, South Africa
- Spouse: Lamiez Holworthy
- Partner: Asanda Maku
Khuli Chana is among the richest rappers in South Africa. He made the list in 2021 and 2022. As of 2022, Khuli Chana is worth $2 million.
Khulane Morule better known by his stage name Khuli Chana is a South African Motswako rapper.
He has shared a stage with US rapper Drake, as an opening act.
Khuli Chana partnered with vodka brand Absolut as one of their ambassadors for the South African market
Khuli Chana is currently married to television presenter and DJ, Lamiez Holworthy, who is his second wife, following his separation from his first wife, Asanda Maku. The rapper first posted about his relationship with Lamiez Holworthy in March 2019, with a tweet asking for privacy.
Khuli Chana and his wife, Lamiez had a daughter in 2014. Their daughter, Nia, is very close to her father, and he posts pictures of her regularly online. He also says that his daughter taught him how to love his career all over again.
10. Jack Parow – $1.2 million
- Net Worth: $1.5 million
- Age: 40 years old (as of 2022)
- Birthday: February 22, 1982
- Birthplace: Parow, Cape Town, South Africa
- Spouse: Jenna Pietersen
- Children: Ruby Tyler
Jack Parow is the 10th on the list of richest rappers in South Africa in 2023. He is reportedly worth $1.5 million as of 2023.
Stage named Jack Parow but known in real life as Zander Tyler is a South African rapper. He has collaborated with other South African artists including Die Heuwels Fantasties, Die Antwoord, and Francois Van Coke.
Jack Parow is a father and a proud husband. The name of Jack Parow’s wife is Jenna Pietersen. She is a cousin to Joe Pietersen, the South African rugby player. The lovebirds have been together for quite some time now. Jack and Jenna have a daughter whose name is Ruby Tyler.
11. Hip Hop Pantsula (Rapper HHP) – $1.5 million
- Net Worth: $1.5 million
- Age: 42 years old (as of 2022)
- Birthday: September 14, 1980
- Birthplace: Mahikeng, South Africa
- Died: October 24, 2018
- Death place: Randburg, South Africa
- Wife: Lerato Sengadi (m. 2016–2018)
- Parents: Rocks Tsambo
- Children: Leano Khanye
HHP (Jabulani Tsambo) was also one of the wealthiest rappers in South Africa and is currently 41 years old. Rapper HHP is the 6th richest rapper in South Africa. He is reportedly worth $1.5 million in 2023.
Jabulani Tsambo, better known by his stage name Hip Hop Pantsula, later shortened to HHP, was a South African Motswako rapper who performed in several languages, mostly in Setswana.
He was prominent in bringing South African hip-hop and motswako rap to the mainstream world.
Rapper HHP was born on September 14, 1980, in Mahikeng, South Africa to Rock Tsambo. He was married to Lerato Sengadi from 2016 to 2018 and the two had a son called Leano Khanye.
Rapper HHP died on October 24, 2018, in Randburg, South Africa.
12. Rapper JR – $1 million
- Net Worth: $1 million
- Age: 35 years old (as of 2022)
- Birthday: March 12, 1987
- Birthplace: Bloemfontein, South Africa
Rapper JR known by his real name Tabure Thabo Bogopa Junior is also one of the richest rappers in South Africa and has been in the music industry for over a decade presently.
Rapper JR is the ninth (9th) on the list of richest South African rappers in 2023. He is reportedly worth $1 million
Tabure Thabo Bogopa Junior, professionally known as JR, is a South African businessman, creative entrepreneur, and musician. He frequently performs Motswako rap, in both Setswana and English. He has had two Number 1 Hip Hop songs, as well as two Number 1 Pop songs on the South African Charts.
Summary of the 2023 richest rappers in South Africa
Who are the richest rappers in South Africa?
Die Antwoord
AKA
Cassper Nyovest
Nasty C
Khuli Chana
K.O
JR
HHP
Da L.E.S
Jack Parow
Who are the richest female rappers in SA?
Gigi Lamayne
Sho Madjozi
Nadia Nakai
The richest rappers in South Africa are always working towards producing high-quality songs for their audiences. The popularity of their songs is adequate evidence of their hard work and dedication.
The full list of the richest rappers in South Africa are:
| Rank | Name | Net Worth In Dollars |
| 1 | Rapper AKA | $12 million |
| 2 | Die Antwoord | $11 million |
| 3 | Cassper Nyovest | $8 million |
| 4 | Nasty C | $6 million |
| 5 | Da L.E.S | $2 million |
| 6 | Hip Hop Pantsula (Rapper HHP) | $1.5 million |
| 7 | Khuli Chana | $1 million |
| 8 | Rapper K.O | $900,000 |
| 9 | Rapper JR | $850,000 |
| 10 | Jack Parow | $700,000 |