Everything about Cassper Nyovest Net Worth and Biography: A South African Icon in Music, Business, and Boxing.
Refiloe Maele Phoolo, better known by his stage name Cassper Nyovest, is a multi-talented South African rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, and amateur boxer. Born on December 16, 1990, in Mahikeng, North West, Nyovest is regarded as one of the most influential and successful figures in the South African music industry. His rise to fame is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and passion for music and business. Over the years, Cassper has not only dominated the local music scene but also made his mark internationally, becoming a household name.
From his humble beginnings in Mahikeng to selling out major concert venues, Cassper Nyovest’s journey is an inspirational story of success, dedication, and the pursuit of dreams.
Personal Data of Cassper Nyovest
- Full Name: Refiloe Maele Phoolo
- Stage Name: Cassper Nyovest
- Date of Birth: December 16, 1990
- Age: 34 years (as of 2025)
- Place of Birth: Mahikeng, North West, South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Ethnicity: Black South African
- Occupation: Rapper, Songwriter, Entrepreneur, Boxer
- Genres: Hip hop, Motswako, Kwaito, Amapiano
- Active Years: 2004 – present
- Record Label: Family Tree Records (Founder)
- Height: 1.73 meters (5 feet 8 inches)
- Marital Status: In a relationship with Thobeka Majozi (fiancée)
- Children: One son, Khotso
- Social Media:
- Twitter: @CassperNyovest
- Instagram: @casspernyovest
- Facebook: Cassper Nyovest
- Education: Dropped out of high school after failing Grade 10
- Residence: Johannesburg, South Africa
Early Life and Education
Cassper Nyovest was born to Muzuki and Letsebela Phoolo in Mahikeng, a town located in the North West province of South Africa. He grew up in a family of four, including his late brother, Khotso Phoolo, who tragically passed away in 2003. Cassper has often spoken about how his family’s support and the challenges they faced shaped his determination to succeed.
Nyovest’s academic journey began at Sol Plaatjie Secondary School, where he excelled in various sports. However, despite showing promise in athletics, it was music that truly captured his heart. At the age of 12, he discovered his passion for rapping and began writing his own lyrics. His early musical influences were deeply rooted in the local hip hop and Motswako music scenes, which would later shape his unique sound.
ALSO READ: Master KG Biography, Net Worth, Career Highlights, and Popular Songs
Unfortunately, Cassper’s academic path took a turn in 2006 when he failed his Grade 10 exams. This setback led to his decision to leave school and move in with his grandmother in Potchefstroom. In 2007, at the age of 16, Nyovest officially dropped out of high school to pursue his dream of becoming a professional musician.
The Road to Success: From Childhood Gangsta to Family Tree Records
In 2004, Nyovest formed his first hip-hop group, Childhood Gangsta, with friends from his neighborhood. The group laid the foundation for his future in music, but it was his next project, Slow Motion, which would be the stepping stone to his solo career. Slow Motion, which had eight members, included record producer Aashish Gangaram of Ganja Beatz.
At the age of 16, Cassper Nyovest signed with the Motswako record label Impact Sounds. This was a pivotal moment in his career, but his relationship with the label eventually soured due to creative differences. By 2008, Nyovest became an independent artist and moved back home to focus on his music. During this time, he was discovered by the legendary rapper Hip Hop Pantsula, who featured Nyovest on his hit song “Wamo Tseba Mtho.”
Determined to build his own legacy, Nyovest established his own record label, Family Tree Records, in 2014. This was a game-changing move that allowed him to have complete creative control over his music and brand.
Breakthrough and Stardom: “Gusheshe,” “Doc Shebeleza,” and “Tsholofelo”
Cassper Nyovest’s big break came in 2013 with the release of his debut single, “Gusheshe,” featuring Okmalumkoolkat. The track quickly became a hit, establishing Nyovest as a force to be reckoned with in the South African hip-hop scene. His follow-up single, “Doc Shebeleza,” further solidified his place in the industry, earning him recognition from both fans and music critics.
In 2014, Nyovest released his highly anticipated debut album, Tsholofelo, named after his late sister. The album was a massive success, peaking at number one on the iTunes South Africa albums chart for two consecutive months. The album’s hit singles, including “Gusheshe” and “Doc Shebeleza,” earned Cassper widespread acclaim and solidified his position as one of South Africa’s top rappers.
That same year, Nyovest was ranked as the top artist on the MTV Base show The Hottest MC in Africa and was named number two on MTV SA’s Hottest MCs list. The success of Tsholofelo set the stage for even bigger accomplishments in the coming years.
“Fill Up” Concerts and International Recognition
Nyovest’s ability to sell out major venues became one of his trademarks. In 2015, he held the Fill Up The Dome concert at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg. The event was a massive success, and Nyovest’s dream of filling a 20,000-capacity venue was realized. The success of the concert led to the Fill Up series, where Nyovest performed in various stadiums across South Africa, including Orlando Stadium (2016), FNB Stadium (2017), Moses Mabhida Stadium (2018), and Royal Bafokeng Stadium (2019). Each concert was a testament to his ability to captivate fans and sell out massive venues.
Cassper’s second album, Refiloe (2015), was released on the same day as the Fill Up The Dome concert, further cementing his place as a global music phenomenon. The album included collaborations with international artists such as The Game, DJ Drama, Stonebwoy, and Casey Veggies.
Music Evolution: Thuto, Sweet and Short, and Amapiano
Cassper continued to evolve musically with the release of his third album, Thuto (2017), which featured the hit single “Tito Mboweni.” The album was certified gold on the day of its release and went platinum soon after. Nyovest’s next major concert, Fill Up FNB Stadium (2017), was a huge success, although it did not sell out completely. Despite some challenges in funding the event, Nyovest secured major sponsors, including Cîroc SA, SABC 1, and Budweiser, to make the concert a success.
In 2018, Cassper ventured into Kwaito music with his fourth album, Sweet and Short, which also received critical acclaim and was certified platinum. His ability to blend hip hop with Kwaito showed his versatility as an artist, further solidifying his place in South Africa’s music history.
Recent Years: Sweet and Short 2.0, Solomon, and Boxing
Cassper’s musical journey continued with the release of Sweet and Short 2.0 (2021), an album that explored Amapiano, a popular South African genre. In 2020, he also released his fifth studio album, Any Minute Now, which featured collaborations with prominent South African artists such as Zola 7, Nadia Nakai, and Busiswa.
Cassper Nyovest vs NaakMusiQ
One of the most exciting developments in Nyovest’s career is his foray into boxing. In December 2021, he defeated YouTuber Slik Talk in a highly publicized match. In April 2022, Cassper faced off against NaakMusiQ in the Actor vs Musician boxing match, where he lost in the fifth round.
Cassper Nyovest’s Business Ventures
In addition to his music career, Cassper has successfully ventured into business. He has endorsement deals with major brands such as Ciroc, MTN, and AG Mobile. Nyovest also founded his own record label, Family Tree Records, and launched the sneaker brand Root of Fame in partnership with Drip Footwear. His liquor brand, Billiato, was launched in 2021 and has become one of the most popular local liquor brands in South Africa.
Cassper Nyovest’s Personal Life
Cassper Nyovest has always kept his personal life private, but he has been in the public eye due to his high-profile relationships. In 2015, he was in a relationship with actress Boity Thulo, but the couple broke up by the end of the year.
As for his family, Cassper has been very close to his parents, and his late brother Khotso’s memory plays a significant role in his life and music.
ALSO READ: Mia le Roux Biography: Miss South Africa 2024, Her Disability and Achievements
Conclusion: A Legacy of Success
Cassper Nyovest’s rise to fame is an inspiring story of perseverance, talent, and ambition. From his humble beginnings in Mahikeng to becoming one of South Africa’s most influential artists, Nyovest has continually pushed the boundaries of music and business. With his Fill Up concerts, entrepreneurial ventures, and contributions to the South African music scene, Cassper has established himself as a true icon.
Whether through his chart-topping albums, groundbreaking concerts, or ventures into boxing and business, Nyovest’s influence extends far beyond the music industry. His legacy as an artist, entrepreneur, and cultural icon is one that will continue to inspire generations to come.