From viral hits to Grammy wins, Ella Mai is one of the most popular modern R&B singers. With a sound that blends ‘90s soul nostalgia with contemporary cool, the British songstress has earned acclaim and substantial financial success along the way.
Mai has crafted a career rooted in authenticity and the receipts are reflecting it. With chart-topping singles, like “Boo’d Up” and “Trip,” endorsements, and sold-out shows, she’s created a brand that keeps growing. Here’s a closer look at how the South London-born singer built her fortune.
How Did Ella Mai Become Famous?
Before the fame and red carpets, Mai was a music student at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM) in London. Born on November 3, 1994, her mother named her after the iconic jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. After moving to New York City in her early teens and later returning to London, Mai immersed herself in the U.K. music scene. Her big break came in 2016, when she uploaded covers and original music to Instagram.
That digital hustle paid off when she caught the attention of DJ Mustard. She signed to his label 10 Summers Records that same year, and the partnership changed everything. Her debut EP trilogy, which included “Time,” “Change,” and “Ready,” established her as a fresh new voice. However, it was Mai’s song “Boo’d Up” that catapulted her into stardom. In 2019, the song won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. From there, Mai became a household name, gracing major festivals, award shows, and playlists across the globe.
Album Sales and Touring Revenue
Mai’s self-titled debut album, released in October 2018, reached RIAA Gold certification just two weeks after its release, according to Vibe. In addition to “Boo’d Up” and “Trip,” the project included collaborations with H.E.R. and Chris Brown. Her sophomore album, “Heart On My Sleeve,” dropped in 2022 and showcased a more vulnerable side.
Though it didn’t chart as high as her debut, it was praised for its maturity and songwriting. Songs, like “DFMU” and “Not Another Love Song,” kept her presence alive on the airwaves and R&B charts.
Touring has also been a huge revenue stream for Mai. She headlined solo tours and served as an opening act for megastars, like Kehlani and Mary J. Blige. With tickets sale prices and venues that regularly sell out, each tour adds significantly to her bottom line.
Business Endeavors
Mai hasn’t leaned heavily into brand endorsements, but when she partners with a company, it aligns with her values. She’s done paid partnerships with brands, like Lacoste, Pandora, and New Balance. In 2022, Mai delivered her debut live performance of “Not Another Love Song” at Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty Show Vol.2. These collaborations often come with five- to six-figure payouts, especially when tied to product launches.
In 2021, she teamed up with Mastercard’s Strivers Initiative and Fearless Fund, a venture capital fund created by women of color. The collaboration awarded grants to Black women-owned businesses.
“It’s really important to me to support and align myself with an initiative like what Mastercard is doing in this space because it’s about uplifting Black women-owned businesses and highlights the importance of ownership and job creation, which are crucial to our community,” she told Billboard in 2021.
Mai has also written songs for other artists, adding publishing checks to her income streams. In 2019, she was featured on Usher’s song “Don’t Waste My Time.”
Real Estate and Other Money Moves
Though Mai tends to keep her personal life under wraps, she reportedly purchased a home in Los Angeles shortly after her debut album’s success. The value of her real estate is unknown, but owning property in LA places her in an elite financial company.
Unlike some stars who flaunt lavish lifestyles, Mai appears to take a more grounded approach. She rarely drives flashy cars or wears extravagant diamonds, choosing instead to let her music and quiet confidence speak for her. Mai even kept her pregnancy under wraps, quietly welcoming a baby with NBA player Jason Tatum in 2024.
What Is Ella Mai’s Most Popular Song?
Without a doubt, “Boo’d Up” remains Mai’s signature hit. It’s now certified 8x platinum by the RIAA, making it her highest certified single to date. The soulful track captured hearts with its soft vocals, catchy hook, and nostalgic vibes.
It ushered a revival of ‘90s-style R&B in the mainstream. However, Mai is no one-hit wonder. Following that success, her song “Trip” also gained massive traction, going 3x Platinum. These hits didn’t just solidify her artistry, they also laid the financial foundation for her net worth.
What Is Ella Mai’s Net Worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Mai is estimated to be worth $6 million. This figure reflects her combined income from music sales, touring, brand deals, and royalties. With her influence continuing to grow both in the U.S. and internationally, it’s likely that her wealth will keep rising.
Her contract with 10 Summers and Interscope has opened the door to top-tier producers and industry support. However, her soulful voice and songwriting talent are what sustain her career. As more fans seek out authentic, emotion-driven music Mai remains at the forefront, and her finances reflect that.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Ella Mai’s Ethnicity? Ella Mai is of Jamaican and Irish descent. Her music reflects her multicultural background, blending U.K. soul and American R&B influences.
Is Ella Mai Still With DJ Mustard’s Label? Yes, as of June 2025, Ella Mai remains signed to DJ Mustard’s 10 Summers Records. Their collaboration continues to produce hits and push her career forward.
Does Ella Mai Write Her Own Songs? Ella Mai co-writes most of her music, often in collaboration with producers like DJ Mustard. Her personal experiences heavily influence her lyrics, especially when it comes to love, heartbreak, and healing.