Until recently, the Kenyan music industry was the most difficult industry to make a fortune. Thanks to the improvements in technology that now allows musicians to diversify their earnings from skiza tunes to High Definition videos.
Here is a list of top 5 richest musicians in Kenya's entertainment industry.
1. Sauti Sol
The Sauti sol band are the top earners in Kenya's music industry and their rise to fame and fortune is unmatched. The group is made of four young men: Willis Chimano, Savara Mudigi, Bien-Aime Baraza, and expert guitarist Polycarp Otieno).
The band has established itself as a household name across Africa in recent years releasing album after another. They have won several awards such as BET Awards 2015, Kisima Awards, MTV Europe Music Award and Channel O Music Awards. Without doubt they are the richest group in Kenya industry.
2.Bahati
Coming second is gospel singer Kevin Mbuvi popularly Bahati. Bahati rose from a humble background and carries himself with the same humility even with millions in his bank account.
He received the Grove Awards Artist of the Year Award in 2014. This gospel singer has been at the centre of major events in 2018.The latest being Twaweza na Safaricom Mashinani tour. To hire him for your event you must dig deep into your pocket
3. Akothee
The 2016 AFRIMA Best Female East Africa Award winner and mother of five is among the artist in Kenya as far as wealth is concerned.She was married at a tender age and suffered domestic violence and even worked as a Matatu driver. She has proved to be a true testimony of rags to riches. Akothee is among the richest musicians in Kenya.
Apart from music, she has invested in hospitality and transport sector and currently owns Akothee Safaris.Her endorsement deals, music rights money and related businesses put her third in today's list.
4.Jaguar
Charles Njagua Kanyi alias Jaguar a Kenyan longtime singer who has since turned a politician after taking part in 2017 General Election. Fortune struck his path and he won Starehe parliamentary seat.Even after winning the seat for Member of Parliament for his constituency, Jaguar still has time for some music.
He owns a record label called Main Switch Studio and has recently collaborated with great African acts such as Mafikizolo, Iyanya, Elani, and Tanzanian rapper AY. Apart from music and his official salary, Jaguar also earns money from his vast business empire and from his position as Starehe Member of Parliament.
5. Willy Paul
The controversial gospel singer comes in the top five as he has proved to be one of the highest paid musician.The 2013 Groove Award winner hails from Kasarani and has a broad catalog of hits such as Kitanzi, You Never Know, and most recently Jigi Jigi. Willy Paul has been of the receiving end following constant criticism from Kenyans for hiding behind gospel music while collaborating with secure musicians ,the latest being Dancehall musician Allein in the hit song "I Do".Willy Paul has amassed his fortune from international (especially in the US) and local events as well as endorsement deals.