In recent years, South African celebrities have leveraged their fame to create successful businesses across various industries. Many have invested wisely, ensuring sustainable income beyond the entertainment industry. Here’s a closer look at ten South African celebrities who have built profitable business empires.

1. Black Coffee

At the top of the list is Black Coffee, one of the richest DJs globally and a powerhouse in both music and business. He owns Gallo Records, a music distribution company similar to Spotify, which enables artists to control their music revenue. His tech company Yoco specializes in payment software and point-of-sale systems, easing transactions for South African businesses.

Additionally, Black Coffee has delved into eco-friendly initiatives with Rossian, a water purification and recycling company that uses ocean water to produce clean drinking water. He also founded GongBox, a music streaming app showcasing African music globally, empowering musicians to maintain ownership over their creations. His estimated net worth is 1 billion rands as of 2022.

2. Cassper Nyovest

Known as the face of South African hip-hop, Cassper Nyovest has capitalized on his popularity by launching several business ventures. His record label, Family Tree Records, promotes top hip-hop artists, while his clothing brand, Family Tree, is a major player in streetwear.

In 2021, he also launched a sneaker line under the Drip Company, making him the first African artist to create a sneaker brand, similar to Kanye West’s Yeezy line. Cassper’s tequila brand, Billiato, competes with other local brands and has become widely popular. His business ventures, along with property investments, have earned him a net worth of 375 million rands.

3. Shauwn Mkhize

Shauwn Mkhize is celebrated as South Africa’s first self-made female millionaire and one of the country’s richest women. She owns one of the largest construction companies, responsible for building affordable housing projects. Her investments include Zikilize Maintenance and Transportation for logistics and mining operations, as well as MTN, a leading telecom provider in Africa. Additionally, Mkhize owns a private security company that caters to South African politicians. Her net worth is approximately 300 million rands as of 2022.

4. Connie Ferguson

Actress and producer Connie Ferguson, alongside her late husband Shona Ferguson, built one of South Africa’s leading film companies, Ferguson Films, known for producing popular TV series and films. She also owns a perfume brand, True Self by Connie Ferguson, and a cosmetics line, including lotions and makeup products. Connie’s business ventures, combined with her long-standing acting career, have earned her a net worth of 60 million rands.

5. DJ Sbu

DJ Sbu has expanded his brand beyond music with ventures in the beverage and education industries. He co-founded MoFaya, a successful energy drink brand that rivals Red Bull and Monster in South Africa. DJ Sbu also owns Massive Metro, a radio station, and Locoflame, a vodka brand launched in 2016. Additionally, he’s an author and speaker, running Leadership Seminars to educate young entrepreneurs. His net worth stands at 57 million rands as of 2022.

6. DJ Tira

House music artist DJ Tira is a seasoned entrepreneur. He owns Makoya Chicken, a fast-food chain, and organizes biannual events called Fact Durban Rocks, which showcase the best local talent. His record label, Afrotainment, has been instrumental in growing the house music scene in South Africa. DJ Tira also holds significant real estate investments, especially in Durban and small towns in KwaZulu-Natal, with a net worth of 50 million rands.

7. DJ Zinhle

DJ Zinhle has been a trailblazer in the music and fashion industries. She owns Fuse Academy, a school dedicated to teaching DJing and music production to young women. Her accessory brand, Era by DJ Zinhle, offers a range of products, from watches to necklaces. Her hair company, Majesty, specializes in high-quality wigs, and her wine brand, Boulevard Rosé, launched during the 2020 pandemic, has found success in the competitive alcohol market. DJ Zinhle’s ventures have earned her a net worth of 45 million rands.

8. DJ Sumbody

DJ Sumbody has created a niche for himself in the alcohol and luxury lifestyle markets. He co-founded the APF brand, known for its distinctive champagne featured in his music videos. DJ Sumbody also owns several high-end lounges, including locations in Cape Town and Pretoria, providing a full luxury experience. His businesses have contributed to a net worth of 35 million rands as of 2022.

9. Masoja Msiza

Actor Masoja Msiza has diversified his income streams beyond acting. He owns a livestock farming business in KwaZulu-Natal, which has become one of the region’s most successful. Masoja also publishes poetry and motivational books, inspiring young South Africans. He has invested in property and is a landlord in Gauteng province, with a net worth of approximately 33 million rands.

10. Thando Thabethe

Actress and media personality Thando Thabethe rounds out the list with her entrepreneurial ventures in fashion and broadcasting. She owns Thabooty’s, a clothing brand that has become a staple in South Africa, producing high-quality, durable apparel. Thando also owns her own radio station, adding to her influence in the media world. Her accomplishments earned her a place on the Forbes Under 30 list, with an estimated net worth of 30 million rands.

These South African celebrities have successfully leveraged their fame, creating lasting legacies and building businesses that ensure their financial stability. From fashion to agriculture, their diverse portfolios reflect an entrepreneurial spirit that has transformed South Africa’s economic landscape. Each of these stars has shown that with the right investments, fame can translate into sustainable wealth.