Music in general is quite a lucrative venture in South Africa. Perhaps no other genre of music makes more claim to wealth and luxury, which is what makes the richest rappers in South Africa so important.

South Africa’s richest rappers are yardsticks with which the financial potential of other rappers are measured; not just within the country, but on the continent. South Africa is one of the biggest markets for rap music on the continent; rap culture is quite profitable in this country that is both wealthy, savvy, and culturally diverse.

South African rappers, being in the forefront of the genre get to play shows all over the continent and also get to tour Europe and America- making lots of money in the process.

Top 10 Richest Rappers In South Africa

1. Die Antwoord

Die Antwoord surprisingly tops the list of South Africa’s biggest earning rappers. Surprisingly because this hip hop duo makes most of its music in the Afrikaans language, whereas English is the most popular language in the country.

Die Antwoord is a music duo that was established in 2008, and consists of a male and female who work beautifully together.

Their names are Watkin Tudor “Ninja” Jones (male) and Anri “Yolandi Visser” du Toit (female). They are based in Cape Town, South Africa and while the two front performers are the only popular people in the group; their producers and photographers are just as important because they produce the images on which Die Antwoord relies so heavily for its success.

2. Casper Nyovest

Casper Nyovest’s real name is Refiloe Maele Phoolo, and he is one of the most famous rappers on the continent. He is an established name; one of those who has been around for more than ten years, and who yet remains very relevant in today’s rap scene. He hails from Mahikeng, North West, South Africa, and shot to stardom in 2014.

Casper Nyovest is very popular; he commands huge fees for shows, and when he goes on tour he makes huge amounts for his work. He has won several awards, and he has become an icon in rap music.

3. Nasty C

Nasty C’s real name is Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo, and he was born in 1997. For someone who is so young, Nasty C has already come so far in his career; he is already one of the richest rappers in South Africa, and he is also one of the highest-paid celebrities in the country.

Nasty C is a certified heavyweight; his three studio albums have been great commercial successes so far.

He is so very popular that his songs are big hits not just in South Africa, but all over the continent. Nasty C’s songs also make good money from the internet his songs are well streamed and downloaded; making a great source of income for the young rapper.

4. AKA

AKA’s name is Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, and he is a very popular rapper in South Africa. He has about five studio albums under his belt, and he has already seen success as a young man. AKA is also one of the most vocal celebrities in the country; he has been at the forefront of calling out immigrants; telling them to return to their countries.

While that has made him popular with a certain part of the South African crowd; it could also affect his chances of selling his brand in other countries. Anyway, he has made a lot of money already as a rapper, and also as a businessman.

AKA is a brand ambassador for several brands.

5. Khuli Chana

Khuli Chana is a South African rapper whose real name is Khulane Morule. He narrowly escaped being killed by policemen who mistook him for someone else. The case was settled for an estimated R2.5 million ($173,843).

Khuli Chana is from Mmabatho, North West Province, South Africa, and his music appeals to the people in the trenches. Khuli Chana does not just make money from CDs and concerts; he also makes a fortune from the internet. His songs are streamed on Youtube and Deezers, and they are also downloaded as well.

He was formerly in the group Morafe, but he has gone on to make a fine career for himself. He is a brand ambassador for several brands; including the Vodka brand, Absolute.

6. K.O

K.O’s real name is Ntokozo Mdluli, and he was born on 13 October 1980. For several years he was a member of a rap group called Teargas; which produced at least 4 studio albums.

He is then went on to release a single on his own; it was titled the Skhanda Republic. The song made him famous, and he has since gone on to become quite wealthy.

He has made quite a handsome amount of money from youtube; he has reached several million views on his youtube account, and his songs are also available on other digital platforms.

7. JR

JR’s real name is Tabure Thabo Bogopa Junior, and he is a famous South African rapper who was born in March 1987. JR performs in both Setswana and English, meaning that he has a large and diverse audience.

He is very creative; he has had multiple songs on the South African charts, even in several genres, and with different languages, all at the same time.

Aside from his music he has also ventured into business; including the development of an app. He makes a large chunk of his earnings online; streaming and downloading services provide a steady source of revenue.

8. HHP

Jabulani Tsambo is one of the richest rappers in South Africa; he has established himself in the very lucrative rap genre of the South African music industry. HPP was born on the 14th of September 1980. The name HHP is actually an acronym; it means Hip Hop Pantsula. He also goes by the name: King of Mofatown.

The height of his glory was a few years ago, but he remains very relevant in the music scene; young ones look to him as their inspiration.

9. Da. L.E.S

Da L.E.S’ real name is Leslie Jonathan Mampe, Jr. He is a big name South African rapper; one who is on the rise. He quickly rose to fame with his band Jozi, and some of his most popular songs date as far back as 2013, but he remains very popular today.

He discovered his musical talent as a young boy while living in the United States, but since returning home he has established himself with more than 7 albums.

10. Jack Parow

Jack Parow’s real name is Zander Tyler, and he is a South African rapper known for his funny-looking headgear. He was born in February 1982 and has been involved in music for several years.

He has worked with prominent artists such as Die Antwoord and Francois Van Coke. He has also released five studio albums and has gone on to acquire quite some money and fame for himself.

Jack Parrow performs in both English and Afrikaans languages, which helps him appeal to a wider audience.

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Finally

The depth of the market, rather than popularity is the key factor that determines how much musicians can make in South Africa. The richest rappers in South Africa actually produce their music for the Afrikaans audience; which is a wealthier demographic.

They make their wealth not just through selling CDs, but also from tours, endorsement deals, and other ventures.