AFRICAN MUSICIANS WITH MOST YOUTUBE SUBSCRIBERS 2025: COMPLETE TOP 20 RANKINGS
YouTube has revolutionized how African musicians connect with global audiences, transforming the continent’s music industry and creating new pathways to fame and fortune. With billions of views and millions of subscribers, African artists are commanding unprecedented digital influence. This comprehensive guide reveals the African musicians with most YouTube subscribers in 2025, exploring regional dominance, subscriber counts, and the financial implications of YouTube stardom.
Understanding YouTube’s Impact on African Music
YouTube has become one of the most powerful platforms for African musicians to connect with global audiences, and the numbers speak volumes. Based on current subscription data, North African artists are leading the continent in digital fan bases.
Why YouTube Matters for African Musicians
Global Reach: YouTube breaks geographic barriers, allowing African artists to reach audiences in North America, Europe, Asia, and across the African diaspora simultaneously.
Revenue Generation: Through ad revenue, sponsorships, and promotional opportunities, YouTube provides substantial income for successful artists.
Visual Storytelling: Music videos showcase African culture, fashion, and storytelling traditions to global audiences, creating cultural ambassadors.
Career Launching: Viral YouTube success has launched numerous African artists to international stardom, securing record deals and performance opportunities worldwide.
African Artist with Most Subscribers on YouTube 2025: Mohamed Ramadan
At the top of the chart is Mohamed Ramadan, the Egyptian actor and musician, who boasts an impressive 15.9 million subscribers. This Egyptian actor and singer stands as a colossal figure in the Arabic music scene.
Mohamed Ramadan’s YouTube Dominance
Subscriber Count: 15.9 million (as of May 2025) Total Views: Over 6 billion Country: Egypt Genre: Arabic pop, hip-hop fusion
Why He Leads: Mohamed Ramadan’s music videos, known for their lavish production and engaging narratives, have garnered him a massive following. Ramadan’s style is a blend of traditional Arabic tunes with modern hip-hop and pop elements.
Career Journey: Ramadan began his journey in the entertainment industry with television roles, notably in “The Cinderella” in 2006. His career took a significant turn with his performance in “Ehky Ya Sharazad” in 2009. Venturing into music, he dropped his debut single in 2018.
Visual Excellence: His videos feature cinematic production quality, celebrity cameos, and lavish settings that captivate viewers. This Hollywood-style approach to music videos sets him apart in the African market.
Top 10 African Musicians with Most YouTube Subscribers
Here’s the definitive ranking of Africa’s YouTube music royalty:
1. Mohamed Ramadan (Egypt) – 15.9 Million Subscribers
The undisputed king of African YouTube music. His blend of acting fame and musical talent creates unique appeal. With over 6 billion total views, Mohamed Ramadan generates substantial YouTube ad revenue while maintaining his television and film career.
2. Saad Lamjarred (Morocco) – 15.5 Million Subscribers
Close behind Mohamed Ramadan is Moroccan pop sensation Saad Lamjarred with 15.5 million subscribers. His mega-hit “LM3ALLEM” has surpassed 1 billion views, making it the most-viewed Arabic music video on YouTube.
Major Achievement: Saad Lamjarred made history as the first Arab African artist to receive YouTube’s Diamond Button after crossing 10 million subscribers.
Total Views: Approximately 4.9 billion Notable Songs: LM3ALLEM, Ghaltana, Enty
Why He Succeeds: His modern pop sound with Arabic influences appeals to both traditional and contemporary audiences. Furthermore, his visually stunning music videos feature high production values and compelling storytelling.
3. Soolking (Algeria) – 10.9 Million Subscribers
Algerian rapper Soolking takes third place with 10.9 million subscribers, demonstrating the growing popularity of North African hip-hop and fusion genres.
Total Views: 3.7 billion Genre: Hip-hop, Algerian rap, fusion Notable Tracks: Dalida, Guérilla, Milano
Unique Appeal: Soolking successfully blends French rap with Algerian musical traditions, creating a distinctive sound that resonates across Europe and North Africa. His multicultural approach expands his audience beyond traditional African music fans.
4. Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) – 9.99 Million Subscribers
Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential musicians, ranks fourth with 9.99 million subscribers. He is the only East African act in the top five, cementing his status as a continental powerhouse in Bongo Flava and Afro-pop.
Also Known As: Nasibu Abdul Juma Issaack Total Views: 2.9 billion Genre: Bongo Flava, Afrobeats, Afro-pop Country: Tanzania
Career Highlights: These records include his feature on Congo singer, Inoss’B’s “Yope Remix” which has 179 million views, “Nana” featuring Nigerian musician Flavour which has 80 million views, “Inama” with assist from Congolese singer Fally Ipupa sitting on 104 million views, “African Beauty” featuring American singer Omarion and the Beverly Hills-located video for “Marry You” with Ne-Yo.
All of these views and more have joined forces to grant the Tanzanian icon 6.24 million subscribers (note: varies by source, with some citing 9.99M on main channel) and over 1.6 billion views.
East African Dominance: Diamond Platnumz represents East African music excellence on the global stage, collaborating with international stars while maintaining authentic African sound.
5. Tamer Hosny (Egypt) – 8.87 Million Subscribers
Egyptian singer and actor Tamer Hosny follows closely with 8.87 million subscribers, while Hassan Shakosh, also from Egypt, commands 8.61 million fans on the platform.
Total Views: Over 5 billion Genre: Arabic pop, romantic ballads Multiple Talents: Singer, actor, composer
Why He’s Popular: Tamer Hosny’s romantic songs and emotional ballads resonate deeply with Arabic-speaking audiences. His dual career as actor and musician creates cross-promotional opportunities that boost his YouTube presence.
6. Hassan Shakosh (Egypt) – 8.61 Million Subscribers
Genre: Mahraganat (Egyptian electronic street music) Country: Egypt Appeal: Working-class Egyptian audiences
Cultural Significance: Hassan Shakosh represents the Mahraganat genre, a street music movement combining electronic beats with Egyptian dialect rap. This genre connects with everyday Egyptians and youth culture.
7. Burna Boy (Nigeria) – 5 Million+ Subscribers
Often hailed as the African Giant, Burna Boy has gained worldwide recognition, becoming one of Africa’s most influential music ambassadors. With over 5 million subscribers on YouTube, his channel reflects his widespread global appeal.
Total Views: Approximately 1.7 billion Genre: Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall fusion Awards: Grammy winner for “Twice As Tall”
Notable Hits:
- “Ye”
- “On the Low”
- “Last Last”
- “It’s Plenty”
Why He Stands Out: Burna Boy’s consistent delivery of high-quality visuals and thought-provoking lyrics ensures his YouTube presence remains a dynamic hub for music lovers worldwide. His Grammy-winning status elevates African music’s global reputation.
8. Davido (Nigeria) – 4 Million+ Subscribers
Davido, also known as Omo Baba Olowo (OBO), is a leading Nigerian music icon with chart-toppers like “Fall,” “If,” and “Fem.” His YouTube channel, boasting over 4 million subscribers, is one of the largest for African artists.
Total Views: 1.47 billion Genre: Afrobeats, Afro-pop Started YouTube: 2018
Unique Strength: Pretty much the Pied Piper of Nigerian music; wherever Davido is, a crowd is sure to converge. Beyond music, Davido uses his channel to share lifestyle moments, behind-the-scenes content, and international collaborations, further strengthening his bond with a worldwide audience.
9. CKay (Nigeria) – 4.14 Million Subscribers
CKay, best known for his viral hit “Love Nwantiti,” ranks with 4.14 million subscribers. The global success of this love anthem, which exploded on TikTok, played a key role in propelling the young artist to stardom.
Monthly Audience: Approximately 104 million (YouTube Music) Total Views: Over 300 million Genre: Emo-Afrobeats
Viral Success: “Love Nwantiti” became one of the most viral African songs globally, dominating TikTok and streaming platforms. This crossover success demonstrates how social media virality translates to YouTube subscribers.
10. Fally Ipupa (Democratic Republic of Congo) – 3.5 Million Subscribers
A Congolese icon, Fally Ipupa’s name and sound is one that has earned recognition in coasts far from his Congolese country due to his talents and his love for collaborating.
Started YouTube: 2007 Total Views: Over 1 billion Genre: Soukous, Congolese rumba, Afro-pop
Most-Watched Videos:
- “Un Coup” featuring French singer Dadju: 75 million views
- “Eloko Oyo”: 91 million views
- “A Flye”: 51 million views
Collaborative Success: His solo songs are the cherry on the cake, giving the artist a good chunk of YouTube relevance via views. His willingness to collaborate with artists across Africa and Europe expands his audience significantly.
Complete Top 20 African Musicians on YouTube (2025)
Here’s the full ranking based on latest data:
1. Mohamed Ramadan (Egypt) – 15.9M 2. Saad Lamjarred (Morocco) – 15.5M 3. Soolking (Algeria) – 10.9M 4. Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) – 9.99M 5. Tamer Hosny (Egypt) – 8.87M 6. Hassan Shakosh (Egypt) – 8.61M 7. Burna Boy (Nigeria) – 5M+ 8. Amr Diab (Egypt) – 4.5M+ 9. Davido (Nigeria) – 4M+ 10. CKay (Nigeria) – 4.14M 11. Fally Ipupa (DRC) – 3.5M 12. Yemi Alade (Nigeria) – 2.44M 13. Rema (Nigeria) – 2M+ 14. Harmonize (Tanzania) – 5.3M (WCB Wasafi channel) 15. Alikiba (Tanzania) – 1.8M+ 16. Flavour (Nigeria) – 1.5M+ 17. Sauti Sol (Kenya) – 1.2M+ 18. Black Sherif (Ghana) – 1.3M 19. Shatta Wale (Ghana) – 1.2M 20. Sarkodie (Ghana) – 1.17M
Regional Analysis
North Africa Dominance: Seven of the top 10 spots belong to North African artists, particularly from Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria. This dominance stems from:
- Larger Arabic-speaking global audience
- Higher production budgets
- Crossover appeal to Middle Eastern markets
- Established entertainment infrastructure
West Africa (Nigeria & Ghana): Nigeria contributes significantly with Burna Boy, Davido, CKay, Yemi Alade, and Rema. Ghana is represented by Black Sherif, Shatta Wale, and Sarkodie.
East Africa: Tanzania leads East Africa with Diamond Platnumz, Harmonize, and Alikiba representing Bongo Flava globally.
Central Africa: DRC’s Fally Ipupa represents Central African music excellence.
Southern Africa: Notably underrepresented in the top 20, though artists like Master KG have viral hits.
Most Subscribed Artist in Africa: The Competition
The title of “most subscribed artist in Africa” is currently held by Mohamed Ramadan with 15.9 million subscribers. However, competition remains fierce as:
Saad Lamjarred trails by only 400,000 subscribers and could overtake with a viral hit.
Soolking is steadily growing, particularly among French-speaking audiences.
Diamond Platnumz is approaching the 10 million milestone and represents the strongest East African challenger.
Growth Trajectories
Fastest Growing:
- Black Sherif (Ghana): Rapid subscriber growth reflects youth resonance
- CKay (Nigeria): Viral TikTok success converting to YouTube subscribers
- Rema (Nigeria): International collaborations boosting visibility
Steady Climbers:
- Burna Boy: Grammy success driving international attention
- Davido: Consistent content strategy maintaining growth
Highest Paid YouTuber in Africa
While exact earnings remain private, we can estimate based on subscriber counts and view metrics:
Top Earning Potential
1. Mohamed Ramadan
- Estimated Annual YouTube Earnings: $500,000 – $1.5 million
- Based on 6 billion+ views and high CPM rates for Arabic content
2. Saad Lamjarred
- Estimated Annual Earnings: $400,000 – $1.2 million
- 4.9 billion views generate substantial ad revenue
3. Diamond Platnumz
- Estimated Annual Earnings: $200,000 – $600,000
- Multiple revenue streams including brand deals
YouTube Earning Factors
CPM (Cost Per Mille – per 1,000 views):
- North African content: $2-$8 CPM (higher due to viewership demographics)
- Sub-Saharan African content: $0.50-$3 CPM
- Content with international viewership: Higher CPMs
Additional Revenue:
- Brand sponsorships in videos
- YouTube Premium revenue
- Channel memberships
- Super Chat during live streams
- Merchandise promotion
Important Note: The “highest paid YouTuber in Africa” likely isn’t a musician. Non-music content creators like Lord Ahmed (Tunisia) with 16.5 million subscribers or comedy channels may earn more due to higher upload frequency and different monetization strategies.
Who Has the Highest YouTube Subscribers in the World?
For global context, here’s how African musicians compare to worldwide YouTube leaders:
Global YouTube Subscriber Rankings (2025)
1. T-Series (India) – 275+ million subscribers
- Music production company and label
2. YouTube Movies – 185+ million
- Official YouTube channel
3. MrBeast (USA) – 327+ million subscribers
- Content creator and philanthropist
4. Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes – 179+ million
- Children’s content
5. SET India – 178+ million
- Indian entertainment channel
African Musicians in Global Context
Mohamed Ramadan’s 15.9 million subscribers places him:
- Outside the global top 500 channels
- Within the top 10 for African creators overall
- First among African musicians
Perspective: While African musicians don’t compete with global mega-channels, their regional influence is substantial. Considering infrastructure challenges, market sizes, and internet penetration rates, African artists’ achievements are remarkable.
The Growth Potential
African internet penetration continues increasing:
- Current: ~40% continental average
- Urban areas: 70%+ penetration
- Youth adoption: Rapidly increasing
As more Africans gain internet access, subscriber counts for African artists will continue climbing, potentially producing the continent’s first 50+ million subscriber musician within the next decade.
How African Musicians Monetize YouTube Success
Beyond direct ad revenue, YouTube success creates multiple income streams:
1. Concert and Performance Fees
High subscriber counts translate to sold-out concerts:
- Diamond Platnumz commands $50,000+ per international performance
- Burna Boy’s concert fees exceed $100,000 for major festivals
- Mohamed Ramadan performs across the Middle East at premium rates
2. Brand Endorsements
YouTube visibility attracts corporate sponsors:
- Telecommunications companies
- Beverage brands
- Fashion labels
- Technology companies
3. Streaming Platform Royalties
YouTube success drives Spotify, Apple Music, and Boomplay streams, generating additional income.
4. Record Label Deals
Major labels sign artists with proven YouTube audiences, offering advances and better distribution deals.
5. Publishing Rights
Songwriters earn publishing royalties when their music is used in videos, commercials, or other content.
Regional Spotlight: Country-by-Country Analysis
Egypt: The YouTube Powerhouse
Artists in Top 20: 7 (Mohamed Ramadan, Tamer Hosny, Hassan Shakosh, Amr Diab, and others)
Why Egypt Dominates:
- Population of 100+ million
- Arabic-speaking market extends to Middle East (400+ million)
- Established entertainment industry
- High production budgets
- Crossover with film and television
Nigeria: Afrobeats Global Reach
Artists in Top 20: 5 (Burna Boy, Davido, CKay, Yemi Alade, Rema)
Strengths:
- “Afrobeats to the World” movement
- International collaborations
- Diaspora support in UK, USA
- Cultural influence through Nollywood
Tanzania: East African Excellence
Artists in Top 20: 3 (Diamond Platnumz, Harmonize, Alikiba)
Bongo Flava Success:
- Swahili language reaches 100+ million speakers
- Regional East African market
- Crossover to Central and Southern Africa
Ghana: Digital Pioneers
Artists in Top 20: 3 (Black Sherif, Shatta Wale, Sarkodie)
Innovation:
- Early YouTube adoption
- Strong digital marketing strategies
- Prolific content production (Shatta Wale has 1,200+ videos)
Morocco & Algeria: North African Hip-Hop
Artists in Top 20: 2 (Saad Lamjarred, Soolking)
Unique Position:
- French-speaking audiences
- European diaspora markets
- Modern hip-hop with traditional influences
The Future of African Music on YouTube
Emerging Trends
1. Cross-Continental Collaborations: African artists increasingly collaborate across regions, combining subscriber bases and expanding reach.
2. Higher Production Values: Investment in professional music videos rivals Western production quality, attracting international audiences.
3. Genre Fusion: Blending traditional African sounds with global genres (Afrobeats + hip-hop, Amapiano + house music) creates unique appeal.
4. Social Media Integration: TikTok virality translates directly to YouTube subscribers, as seen with CKay’s “Love Nwantiti.”
5. Language Diversity: Artists singing in local languages while adding English hooks maximize both regional and international appeal.
Predictions for 2026-2030
- First African Artist to Hit 50 Million: Likely Mohamed Ramadan or Saad Lamjarred
- Sub-Saharan Breakthrough: Diamond Platnumz or Burna Boy could cross 20 million
- Genre Diversification: Amapiano and Afro-gospel artists will enter top rankings
- Female Artist Rise: Yemi Alade, Moliy, and emerging artists will challenge male dominance
Related Resources
For those interested in the broader African entertainment landscape and music industry finances, explore our comprehensive coverage. Understanding Is Yo Maps the Richest Musician in Zambia? provides insight into how streaming success translates to wealth in specific African markets. Additionally, aspiring musicians seeking to monetize their craft can discover practical strategies in How to Make Money Online in Zambia 2025 – Phone, No Investment, Free Methods.
For comprehensive artist profiles, detailed discographies, and the latest streaming statistics, visit Zambianmusicdownload.com, your premier destination for African music news and analysis.
Conclusion
The African musicians with most YouTube subscribers in 2025 represent a diverse, talented group spreading African culture globally. Mohamed Ramadan leads as the African artist with most subscribers on YouTube 2025 with 15.9 million, followed closely by Saad Lamjarred at 15.5 million.
The top 10 African musicians with most YouTube subscribers showcase North African dominance (7 of top 10), but also highlight West African Afrobeats (Burna Boy, Davido, CKay), East African Bongo Flava (Diamond Platnumz), and Central African soukous (Fally Ipupa).
While the highest paid YouTuber in Africa likely earns between $500,000 – $1.5 million annually from the platform, additional revenue streams from concerts, endorsements, and streaming multiply these figures significantly.
Compared to who has the highest YouTube subscribers in the world (T-Series at 275+ million, MrBeast at 327+ million), African musicians still have room to grow. However, considering infrastructure challenges and market sizes, their achievements are remarkable and trajectory promising.
As internet penetration increases across Africa, expect subscriber counts to surge, production quality to improve, and African music’s global influence to expand further. The future of African music on YouTube is bright, diverse, and increasingly influential on the world stage.
