Grammy-nominated R&B star Kelis has traded Hollywood glamour for African soil. The “Milkshake” singer now owns 150 acres of farmland in Kenya and plans to expand to 300 acres. Her bold move represents more than just a lifestyle change—it’s a complete reinvention of success.
Kelis revealed her farming journey during a recent Earn Your Leisure interview that has garnered over 200,000 views on YouTube. She spent less than $200,000 for her initial 150-acre purchase in Kenya. The singer-turned-farmer documents her new life through vibrant Instagram posts showing crop cultivation and sustainable living practices.
From “Milkshake” to Farm Life: Kelis’s Remarkable Career Evolution
Born Kelis Rogers in Harlem, the artist rose to fame with her 1999 debut album “Kaleidoscope.” Her 2003 hit “Milkshake” peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a global phenomenon. Throughout her career, she has sold 6 million records worldwide across six albums.
However, music was never her only passion. Kelis trained at Le Cordon Bleu culinary school and launched her “Bounty & Full” sauce line in 2015. She also authored the cookbook “My Life on a Plate,” showcasing her diverse talents. Her transition from entertainment to agriculture began with a 100-animal farm in California during 2020.
Building Her Kenya Farm Empire: 150 Acres and Growing
Kelis’s Kenya farm spans 150 acres with ambitious plans to reach 300 acres soon. The property sits adjacent to a wildlife park, requiring creative solutions like solar-powered fences to protect crops from elephants. She plants various crops and has begun developing a luxury wellness retreat and restaurant on the land.
Her farming operation employs local talent, keeping 95% of her investment within the Kenyan community. “I’m in Africa, farming, living, and growing businesses,” Kelis explained during her interview. She pays approximately $2,000 monthly for her farm mortgage, which she considers remarkably affordable compared to American land prices.
Why Kelis Left America Behind for African Opportunities
The artist made headlines with her candid explanation about leaving America permanently. “As a Black woman, I don’t benefit from living or investing in the U.S. the way others do,” she stated. Her frustration stems from systemic racism and limited generational wealth-building opportunities for Black Americans.
Kelis describes Kenya as a rising tech and cultural hub with a fast-growing economy. After over 20 years of touring, she sought something more meaningful than financial success alone. “I needed something real. Not just money,” she shared with the Earn Your Leisure hosts.
Sustainable Living and Cultural Reconnection in East Africa
Beyond Kenya, Kelis has documented her experiences throughout East Africa on social media. Her Instagram showcases visits to Rwanda’s coffee farms and markets, emphasizing cultural connection over mere tourism. She learned to make traditional chapati bread in Nairobi and explored Lake Elementaita’s natural hot springs.
The wellness retreat she’s developing aims to attract global visitors while boosting local tourism. Her approach contrasts sharply with typical celebrity investments by focusing on community impact and cultural exchange. Kelis views her African journey as reconnecting with heritage while building sustainable wealth.
Overcoming Challenges and Addressing Criticism
Kelis faced backlash in December 2024 when critics accused her of land encroachment near wildlife areas. She quickly clarified that all her land was legally purchased through proper channels. As a foreigner navigating Kenya’s land ownership laws, she emphasizes complete transparency in all transactions.
Some social media users on Reddit’s r/Kenya criticized her move as “fresh colonialism.” However, supporters argue she’s using legally purchased land productively while employing local workers. Kelis dismisses political conspiracy theories as “smokescreens” designed to distract from her genuine mission of sustainable development.
Inspiring a Movement: Black Americans Investing in Africa
Kelis joins other prominent Black artists investing overseas to build wealth and legacy. Akon launched his $6 billion Akon City project in Senegal, while Rick Ross owns property in Ghana. These movements represent growing diaspora investment in African development projects.
Her Earn Your Leisure interview sparked widespread discussion about alternative wealth-building strategies. “Africa is where wealth can grow for us,” she told the hosts. Fans on social media praised her transparency, with one X user posting: “Kelis is showing us how to build wealth in Africa.”
Future Plans: Expanding the Farm and Returning to Music
Looking ahead, Kelis plans to complete her 300-acre expansion and open her wellness retreat by 2026. She continues balancing farming with music, having performed at Glastonbury 2023 after her Kenya move. New music, possibly her “Dirt” album, is scheduled for release in 2025.
The mother of three children—Knight (15), Shepherd (9), and Galilee (4)—maintains strong family ties while building her African legacy. Her journey reflects resilience following the 2022 loss of her husband Mike Mora to stomach cancer. Through farming and entrepreneurship, Kelis demonstrates that success can be redefined on one’s own terms.
Her Kenya farm represents more than agricultural investment—it’s a blueprint for cultural reconnection and sustainable wealth building. As more Black Americans explore opportunities beyond U.S. borders, Kelis’s bold experiment may inspire a new generation of global entrepreneurs.
