The release of Forbes’ 2025 list of Nigeria’s richest musicians has sparked intense online debates and millions of reactions. Every year, fans and critics alike scrutinize the list, not just for the share of the figures on their net worth, but mostly for what they see and believe from the luxury lives and endorsement deals backed by their icons. And as expected, the 2025 list has stirred up more controversy than ever before, and the glaring question remains: Who truly deserves to be on the list first?

In the context of this, I think we should elaborate more on who these top 5 wealthiest Nigerian musicians in 2025 are, and we’ll do so with an unconventional, but controversial approach in order to let fans explore their candid thoughts and reasons for whom they think should come up the list first. But before then, let me ask you – are these musicians truly the richest, or are we looking at a carefully crafted illusion of success caused by social media debate?

Let’s take a closer look at the net worths, business ventures, and revenue-generating deals that have helped shape their list. We’ll also discuss the public reaction and attempt to answer whether these rankings truly reflect the truest thoughts of Nigeria’s music and entertainment lovers.

Top 5 Richest Nigerian Musicians in 2025

1. Wizkid

Known As The Star Who Transcended the Afrobeat Genre

Wizkid’s success isn’t just rooted in his music; it’s about his ability to transcend borders and influence culture. His net worth in 2025 is $50 million, and it’s no surprise given his endorsements and international collaborations. In addition to being a musical powerhouse, Wizkid’s ability to position himself as a fashion icon and cultural ambassador has placed him on the global map.

Talking about music Sales & Brand Partnerships,Wizkid’s Made in Lagos album and subsequent collaborations with Justin Bieber and Tems have broken barriers. Subsequently, his lucrative deals with Pepsi, Nike, and Ciroc have made him a sought-after brand ambassador, and these partnerships continue to add to his already massive fortune.

While his talent is undeniable, some critics argue that Wizkid’s wealth is more reflective of his business sense than his musical talent alone. His foray into fashion, alcohol brands, and high-end sponsorships means that his personal brand is a goldmine. And how much of his net worth is tied to commercial deals as opposed to pure music revenue is a face that never reflects on the mirror.

2. Davido

When it comes to Davido, we have to acknowledge the elephant in the room: his family wealth. David Adeleke, born into one of Nigeria’s wealthiest families, may have had a head start, but his ability to turn this privilege into musical success is undeniable. Davido’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $45 million, and much of his success comes from being a savvy businessman and leveraging his family connections.

Davido’s wealth comes from a wide range of sources, including his endorsement deals with Infinix, Martell, and Pepsi. His ability to secure long-term lucrative contracts is a testament to his savvy business success. But, let’s face it, how much of his wealth can we truly attribute to his musical talent, and how much is simply due to his family legacy? This is a debate that has always left the social media space talking. Some believe Davido is just using his family’s legacies and wealth connection to buy himself this fame. Uh! What do I have to say after all?

That was the reason for the question – how about the global tours that made him this global icon? Did he buy the nomination with money as well? Because I know for sure that when it comes to musical businesses like concerts and stage performances, Davido’s tours are equally impressive. 

In 2024, his U.S. and African tours made $10 million in ticket sales alone. His performance at the Wireless Festival in London cemented his reputation as one of the few African artists capable of filling arenas worldwide. But what’s intriguing is the nature of these tours—are they truly a testament to his musical genius, or is his name recognition and family backing what draws in the crowds?

3. Burna Boy A.KA Odogwu

Burna Boy has undeniably carved his niche in the global music scene. From humble beginnings in the street of Port Harcourt just like the City Boiz Of Africa, to becoming one of Africa’s biggest stars – his career has been one of steady growth and reinvention. 2025 sees Burna Boy not just at the top of the Afrobeat genre but also as an ambassador for African music on the global recognition.

According to Forbes, Burna Boy’s net worth stands at $40 million in 2025, a staggering sum built from more than just his music sales. The Grammy-winning artist has built a multi-faceted empire that spans across endorsements, luxury merchandise, and sold-out world tours. Burna’s commercial success with brands like Gucci and Bacardi reflects how his fortune and fame goes beyond music. He has consistently made headlines for his luxury properties and investments in the Nigerian and international real estate markets.

Talking about ticket sales and concerts, Burna’s 2024 Love Damini tour was a phenomenon, with ticket sales soaring to new heights. The 2024 shows in New York, London, and Lagos made headlines as he sold out The O2 Arena in London and Madison Square Garden in New York, pulling in over $15 million in gross ticket sales.

4. Olamide

Olamide may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think about Nigerian music billionaires, but his wealth has grown steadily over the years. Known for his ability to blend street culture with mainstream appeal, Olamide’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $35million. What sets Olamide apart is his ability to diversify his revenue streams and build his empire from the ground up.

Olamide’s partnership with Ciroc and the launch of his own music label, YBNL, have positioned him as a key player in the Nigerian music business. Just like other artists, Olamide has managed to break free from the constraints of mainstream media, building a solid fanbase that earns him consistent flow of income.

Though not as glamorous as Davido’s family-backed success, Olamide’s rise is a fascinating street story. His ability to use his own music label as a vehicle for the next generation of artists shows that his success isn’t just about making music—it’s about creating opportunities. His commercial ventures are often underestimated, but they are significant.

5. Tiwa Savage –The Queen of Afrobeat

In a male-dominated industry, Tiwa Savage has consistently stood out. Known as the “Queen of Afrobeat,” Tiwa Savage’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $30million, and it’s a reflection of her global influence and business ventures. Since she was signed out from her bedstart label “Mavins” she has constantly been seen on the global stage more than her former boss Don jazzy who built her to this level.  Tiwa is often seen as an industry pioneer for women in the Nigerian music scene, but her fortune has also been bolstered by sponsorship deals with brands like Pepsi, MTN, and Forever 21.

If we are considering musicians with music Sales & Brand Deals · Tiwa Savage, beyond her music, has signed lucrative endorsement deals, and her international collaborations with the likes of Rihanna and Coldplay have elevated her standing in the global music scene. But her wealth also begs the question—does Tiwa Savage truly get the recognition she deserves in the male-dominated Nigerian music industry? Does her wealth reflect her talent?

Because some social media fans argue that Tiwa Savage’s wealth is indicative of her success in breaking gender barriers in an industry that has historically sidelined women.

As the debate rages on about the top 5 richest musicians in Nigeria, it’s clear that wealth in the music industry isn’t just about making hit songs. It’s about building a brand, investing in businesses, and capitalizing on global opportunities. While Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido may dominate the list, Olamide and Tiwa Savage’s success stories deserve their own recognition. But how about Don Jazzy? Why is he not topping the list? Or are we not considering him relevant anymore?  What do you think about these rankings? Do you agree, or is there someone who deserves to be on this list instead?