1. Akon – CEO of Konvict Music, opened doors with other African artiste.
2. Don Jazzy – Producer. CEO Mavin Records, influential producer, MTN, Samsung and Loya Milk endorsement. D’Banj, Kanye West, Beyonce and Jay Z on production credit.
3. P-Square – Music Duo. Featured on Forbes Africa twice, sold out concert, presidential guest in at least 5 African countries.
4. D’Banj – Music Artiste. International music brand, G.O.O.D Music deal, Sony Entertainment deal.
5. Wizkid – Music Artiste. EME artiste, Starboy CEO, affiliation with Disturbing London, several international collaboration, highest paid Pepsi ambassador in Africa, ambassador of MTN.
6. 2face Idibia – Music Artiste. 10 million disc and at least 7 million digital sale, multiple ambassador, one campaign… associated with Guinness, Haven Homes, Airtel Worldwide and philanthropist – 2face foundation.
7. Anselmo Ralph – Music Artiste. Samsung and Coca Cola ambassador, Angola prince, Perfume line, clothing label, multimillion dollar tour bus, Sony artiste.
8. Sarkodie – Rapper. Presidential youth ambassador Ghana, Sark clothing, Samsung ambassador, fan milk Ghana.
9. Ice Prince – Music Artiste. Six million downloads, 2 studio owner, one foundation member, Plug N Play ambassador, Zamani foundation.
10. Banky W – Music Artiste. Co owner EME, Samsung Ambassador, Philanthropist, winner of multiple awards.
What do I have to say? I have to start with the misinformation out there that these are the richest artists in Africa. This list says 'Bankable', it means they are capable of generating money, or that have generated a lot of money in 2013. The list doesn't use the word 'richest.' I got to get this out the way, because it seems a lot of Nigerians are educated but not so intelligent.
Okay, that's out the way, what else? This list is based on the following criteria- artists popularity, Youtube views, show rates, endorsement deals, influence, appearance in news paper, social media presences and investments. It has very little to do with actual cash, and much more to do with the potential to make money from a brand that has been built by these artists. And it is also based on 2013, and not an all time list.
Okay, what problems do I have with the list? Well, with the criteria they put up, I have no problem with the names that appear on the list, I guess they are correct. The problem I have is with putting Akon on the list at all. Akon is not an African artist. I repeat, Akon is not an African artist. Akon is an African-American musician that happens to have his origin in Africa (Senegal). All Akon's albums (3 of them) were released in America, for the American market, not for the African market, so technically speaking, he is not meant to be on the list for any reason. Akon was born in St. Louis (city in America), and although he spent some time in Senegal as a kid, he has been in the U.S more than he has been in Senegal. He went to High School in America, and built his musical career in America, not Senegal (Africa).
I was about to question why there are so many Nigerian names on the list when the list is meant to cover the whole Africa. There are a total of 7 Nigerian names, 1 Ghanaian, 1 Angolan, and one American. But, it is fact, in 2013 that Nigerian artists are more popular on the continent, so it is understandable. Watch MTV Base, and Trace, and other music channels and you will see this. Also, more Nigerian musicians are breaking international boundaries than artists from any other African nation. They also have more Youtube views, and make more money from their music, so that was comprehensible.
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