A few years ago, Bonginkosi Dlamini, aka Zola 7 was one of the most successful names in the music and television industry, and although he experienced a setback, he is receiving help and we expect him to bounce back to his former glory. Here is a look at Zola 7’s net worth, his sources of wealth as well as the truth behind the rumour that he is broke.
What is Zola 7’s net worth?
According to several online sources, Zola 7’s net worth in 2020 was estimated at $200,000 which is roughly equal to about R3 million. He accumulated this impressive net worth from his successful career in the music, acting and television industry. Here is how each of his careers helped build his wealth.
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Zola 7’s music career
Zola 7’s net worth was majorly contributed to by his successful career as a musician who sings in the Kwaito genre. Currently considered one of the best Kwaito musicians, Zola 7 was originally not a fan of Kwaito as he thought that “it had no message.” He however decided to use his music to create awareness about Ghetto life and inspire minorities in the Ghetto.
Since launching his music career in the early 2000s, Zola 7 has released six albums, won multiple awards including several SAMAs, (South African Music Awards) earned millions of fans and made money from the sale of his albums, royalties and licensing fees, YouTube streams, concerts and tours.
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He also makes money from his music production company called Guluva Entertainment which produces both his music and that of other musicians signed under it.
Zola 7’s television career
Besides enjoying a successful career as a musician, Zola 7 has also enjoyed huge success on television where he has hosted several shows. His career on TV officially kick started in 2002 on SABC 1 when he landed on a reality show called Zola 7. The show which was a huge success and drew audiences from other African countries including Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, and Tanzania ran until 2010. In each episode, Zola 7 listened to young people’s dreams and helped them achieve them.
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Zola 7 went on to host other television shows including Utatakho and Hope with Zola, both of which focused on addressing social issues.
Along with making his name even more known across the continent, his successful career on television also helped to grow Zola 7’s net worth.
Zola 7’s acting career
Along with being a talented musician and television personality, Zola 7 has also proven himself as a talented actor. He made his acting debut with his critically much-admired role as a gangster called Papa Action in SABC’s series- Yizo Yizo. He went on to have roles in other films including Drum and Tsotsi, the documentary SHARP! SHARP!- the kwaito story, and minor roles on television series including Isibaya.
Is Zola 7 broke?
Despite enjoying huge success in his multiple careers in the media industry, it recently arose that Zola 7 has been struggling with financial problems. It is unclear when his financial distresses began although some sources blame his child support battles with his alleged baby mamas and his health issues- he suffers from epilepsy.
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In 2020, Zola 7 also disclosed that he had spent around R 4,5 million of his money to shoot season eight of his show Zola 7 and he had not been paid by the production company. After stories about Zola’s 7 financial despairs came to light, his fans started a fundraiser campaign for the musician.
At first, Zola 7 who considers himself a proud Nguni man revealed that he had been hesitant to accept help but he, later on, shared his banking details on social media and passed his gratitude to everyone for their overwhelming help and support.
Besides his fans, other celebrities also came forward to show their support for Zola 7- amongst them Mamkhize and her son Andile Mpisane. Through their Royal AM club, they wired R1 million to Zola 7.
