Introduction

Afrojack is a Dutch professional DJ, remixer, and record producer with an estimated net worth of $60 Million.

Quick Facts

• Earned an estimated $102 million between 2012 and 2019
• Peak annual winnings of $22 million in 2014
• Secured endorsement deals with Nike and G-Star RAW

Earnings History

Between 2012 and 2019, Forbes consistently ranked Afrojack among the world’s highest-paid DJs, earning anywhere from $9 million to $22 million per year. His income is primarily from live performances, including DJing at clubs and festivals in Ibiza, Las Vegas, New York, and Miami.

When Afrojack first made the Forbes list in 2012, he ranked ninth, earning an estimated $9 million between July 2011 and July 2012. At the time, while live performances accounted for the lion’s share of his earnings, Afrojack also earned money from producing music for artists such as Pitbull.

Over the next couple of years, the Dutchman began expanding on his number of income streams. Not only did he earn significant cash through his residency at Hakkasan in Las Vegas, but he also made money from lucrative endorsement deals, a clothing line, and the release of his debut studio album, Forget the World. In 2013, he earned an estimated $18 million, rising to $22 million in 2014. As far as we’re aware, this is his highest-earning year to date.

In recent years, while his income has declined, he has reportedly continued to earn upwards of $10 million per year. According to Forbes, Afrojack earned at least $102 million between 2012 and 2019.

Tax Fraud Investigation

In 2018, Afrojack and other celebrities, such as DJ Tiësto, were involved in a high-profile tax fraud investigation. Afrojack’s tax advisor, Frank Butselaar, working for international law firm Greenberg Traurig, helped numerous celebrity clients evade paying over $100 million in US taxes to the IRS using offshore structures in Guernsey and Cyprus.

Butselaar was accused of concealing over $70 million in earnings from Afrojack, claiming that the DJ was a Dutch non-resident and therefore not required to pay any tax liabilities. Afrojack also faced additional tax assessments of up to €2 million ($2,158,614), which he agreed to settle for an undisclosed amount.

In December 2022, the Dutch Public Prosecution Service cleared Afrojack of all allegations in the case for lack of evidence. They stated there was no proof that the DJ was actively trying to commit fraud and instead focused their investigation on Frank Butselaar.

In 2024, Afrojack filed a multi-million-euro lawsuit against the international law firm where Frank Butselaar worked, claiming damages for incorrect and deceptive tax advice. As a result, Frank Butselaar pled guilty to tax fraud in February 2025. He received a 30-month prison sentence and was ordered to pay $19.25 million in restitution, or $15.5 million if he paid promptly and without appeal. Afrojack was never charged or convicted of tax evasion and was officially cleared of all allegations.

Introduction

Nicky Romero is a Dutch professional musician, DJ, record producer, and remixer with an estimated net worth of $10 Million.

Angel Investments

In 2019, ReKTGlobal, the parent company of esports organization Rogue, announced that Romero had become an investor in the company. Romero said in an interview that he had always loved gaming, which is why he chose to invest in the company.

In doing so, he joined other celebrity investors, including Imagine Dragons members Daniel Platzman and Wayne Sermon, as well as DJ Steve Aoki. However, the financial terms of Romero’s investment have never been publicly disclosed, and he supports the company through his name and reach rather than taking a decision-making role.

Nicky’s next investment came in April 2025, when Dutch cold‑plunge brand Icetubs announced his involvement. Romero had previously used Icetubs products to support his recovery after touring and workouts, before partnering with the company as an ambassador.

Romero helped test and provide feedback on their products and eventually became an investor, though the ownership percentage has not been disclosed. His initial moves into angel investing closely reflect his own interests, lifestyle, and wellness routine.

Protocol Recordings

Protocol Recordings is Romero’s own record label and one of his main business ventures. Founded in Amsterdam in May 2012, the label allows Romero to control his own releases and to develop new talent in electronic dance music. The label focuses on progressive house and has released music from a mix of rising artists and established names, including Don Diablo, Thomas Gold, Calvin Harris, and David Guetta.

Following its launch, Romero has also grown Protocol from a record label into a broader entertainment brand that combines music, live events, and digital media under one umbrella. Protocol now hosts showcases and label nights at festivals and clubs worldwide, including Amsterdam Dance Event, one of the world’s biggest EDM events.

In addition, Romero has hosted Protocol Radio since 2013, a weekly one-hour show featuring a mix of current house and dance tracks. As a result, Protocol Recordings has become a key part of Romero’s long-term business portfolio and a consistent source of income alongside his touring career.

Kickstart Plugin

Kickstart is a sidechain volume plugin created by Romero in collaboration with German audio software company Cableguys. The first version was released in 2013 as a simple way for producers to achieve the “pumping” sidechain effect commonly used in dance music.

Instead of setting up complex tools, producers can achieve this effect instantly, and it was designed to work alongside all major music production software. The original version was available for a one-off payment of €10 ($11.50).

After the success of the original plugin, Kickstart 2 was released in April 2022 with added features and greater flexibility. This upgrade made it more user-friendly for both beginners and professional producers. The latest version sells for €14 ($16), but Romero has never disclosed how many copies it has sold. Unlike touring or live performances, software like Kickstart generates regular ongoing revenue with minimal overhead.

Introduction

Zedd is a German professional DJ and music producer with an estimated net worth of $50 Million.

Earnings History

Zedd had one of the quickest rises to success in music history. The German national first began learning about EDM in 2009, and by 2014, he was ranked the seventh highest-paid DJ in the world. That year, Zedd earned an estimated $21 million, thanks to an average income of $100,000 per performance. Just one year prior, the DJ was grossing only $20,000 per show.

From that point until 2019, Zedd featured on every iteration of Forbes’ highest-paid DJs list. During this time, Zedd’s annual income naturally alternated between higher and lower figures. In his case, he would increase and decrease his activity from year to year. For example, in 2015, his income declined to $17 million, but in 2016, it shot back up to $24.5 million. In 2017, his earnings were an estimated $19 million, and in 2018, they exceeded $22 million. You get the idea. The fluctuations in his income were solely due to his level of activity in each given year.

During his peak years, Zedd reportedly earned at least $200,000 per show, often grossing an average of $250,000 per gig.

Music Career 

Zedd was young when he started his classical music studies, but he later played for German deathcore band Dioramic in 2002, when he was only thirteen. Eight years later, in 2010, he won two Beatport remix contests, confirming his unique skill and propelling him headfirst into the electronic music scene. Zedd’s electro-house music reputation slowly grew, but it was only after remixing the Skrillex song, “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites,” that he made headlines.

It was at this time that he started remixing tracks for various well-known artists, including Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, and Deadmau5, another EDM legend.

A Career-Changing Contract

Zedd’s signing with Interscope Records in 2012 was the event that changed the trajectory of his career, releasing his debut single “Spectrum.” The song was a banger, with it topping Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Songs in 2012 and Japan’s Hot 100 and US Dance/Electronic Songs in 2013.

His debut solo album was a massive success, released in 2012 and featuring the hit single “Clarity” with British singer Foxes. Zedd’s “Clarity” became his most successful dance recording, charting in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy Award.

Embarking On A Worldwide Tour

With his star rising and success across Europe, Zedd embarked on his first worldwide tour in 2013, selling out venues across 5 continents. During his career, Zedd has collaborated with artists such as Ariana Grande and Selena Gomez, helping to boost their reputations.

In 2015, his second studio album, “True Colors,” was released to wide acclaim, featuring singles like “I Want You to Know” with Selena Gomez. Zedd’s song “The Middle” with Maren Morris, a country singer, and duo Grey reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. His continued dance recording releases alongside other celebrity singers include “Break Free” with Ariana Grande and “Stay” with Alessia Cara.

Net Worth History

Here’s a breakdown of Zedd’s annual net worth:

• 2019 – $45 Million
• 2020 – $46 Million
• 2021 – $47.5 Million
• 2022 – $48 Million
• 2023 – $50 Million

Impossible Foods Investment

While Zedd has enjoyed massive success worldwide, he is also quick to invest in a variety of business ventures. In 2019 and 2020, he invested a significant amount in the Series E and F funding rounds for Impossible Foods. During the round, the company raised a total of $300 million; however, this figure encompasses a substantial list of investors, and Zedd’s individual investment is unknown.

The company is focused on producing sustainable alternatives to meat, fish, and chicken using plant-based ingredients and is supported by many celebrities. Zedd joined well-known stars such as Jay-Z, Trevor Noah, Katy Perry, Phil Rosenthal, Jaden Smith, Ruby Rose, and Serena Williams as major investors.

Real Estate

In December 2014, Zedd paid $3.9 million for a 3,831-square-foot, four-bedroom, six-bathroom home in Los Angeles, California. This property, which features a very modern interior design and includes amenities such as an outdoor pool, recording studio, and wine cellar. It also features views of the Los Angeles city skyline. Zedd recently returned the property to the market in October 2025, seeking $5.5 million. 

Personal Life

With his busy career, the German DJ had little time for romantic entanglements, but in 2015, he briefly dated Selena Gomez, the popular singer. As a high-profile celebrity, Gomez was constantly in the limelight, forcing Zedd into the sometimes unwelcome media attention during their relationship.

While Zedd focuses primarily on his music career, he is also a soccer fan, supporting the German football club FC Kaiserslautern. His family is well educated, which has made Zedd multilingual, speaking Russian, German, English, and basic French.

Summary 

By following his dream of becoming a musician, Zedd defied the odds and is now one of the most well-known and popular dance music performers. His achievements, awards, and impact on electronic music make him one of the genre’s leading personalities and trend-setting icons. By collaborating with talented artists, Zedd not only keeps abreast of the latest talent but also influences the next generation of artists.