Kelis’s Bold Move to Own Land in Kenya and Build Sustainable Farms
Kelis, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer famous for the hit “Milkshake,” now owns 150 acres of land in Kenya. She has moved beyond music to focus on farming and building businesses. Her farm life in Kenya is a new chapter of entrepreneurship and sustainability.
She grows crops on her land and is developing a solar-powered fence to protect them from elephants. Kelis is also creating a luxury wellness retreat and restaurant. This farm is more than a business—it’s her way of connecting with her roots and inspiring others.
Why Kelis Left America to Invest in Africa
Kelis openly shared why she stopped investing in the U.S. and chose Africa instead. She said, “As a Black woman, I don’t benefit from living or investing in the U.S. the way others do.” She pointed to systemic racism and limited chances for Black entrepreneurs to build lasting wealth.
Instead, she sees Kenya as a land of opportunity. “Kenya is a rising tech and cultural hub with a fast-growing economy,” she said. For Kelis, investing there means peace, purpose, and a real connection to heritage. Her decision reflects a larger movement of Black Americans looking beyond borders for economic freedom.
Kelis’s Journey from Music Star to Farming Entrepreneur
Born in Harlem, Kelis rose to fame with her 1999 album Kaleidoscope and her 2003 hit “Milkshake.” Over her career, she has sold over six million records worldwide. Beyond music, she trained as a chef and launched a line of sauces.
Her farm life began in California in 2020 with animals and crops. After the loss of her husband in 2022, she moved to Kenya to focus on farming and building her new business legacy. She balances motherhood, music, and farming with strong dedication.
Building Businesses and Empowering Local Communities in Kenya
Kelis’s farm is near a wildlife park, and she has faced some challenges over land ownership questions. However, she has been transparent about legally purchasing her land for under $200,000. Her investment focuses on hiring local workers, which helps keep 95% of the money in the community.
She is also creating jobs and boosting tourism with her wellness retreat project. Kelis’s farm is an example of how sustainable farming and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand to support local economies and cultural reconnection.
Kelis Encourages Black Entrepreneurs to Look to Africa
In a recent interview with Earn Your Leisure, Kelis urged Black entrepreneurs to invest in Africa, not America. She believes Africa offers better opportunities to build wealth and long-term success.
She said, “Africa is where wealth can grow for us.” Through her Instagram posts, Kelis shares her experiences from Kenya and Rwanda, showing how farming and business can thrive there. Her message encourages the diaspora to explore new paths beyond U.S. borders.
Other Music Artists Investing Abroad and Making Impact
Kelis joins a growing group of music stars investing overseas. Akon is building Akon City in Senegal. Rick Ross owns property in Ghana. Snoop Dogg has cannabis ventures in Jamaica. Beyoncé supports training programs in South Africa.
These artists show that global investments can create new opportunities for wealth and community empowerment. Kelis’s farm is part of this inspiring trend toward building legacies outside the United States.
The Future of Kelis’s Farm and Legacy
Kelis plans to expand her farm to 300 acres and open her wellness retreat by 2026. She also has new music coming in 2025. Through her public interviews and social media, she continues to inspire others with her journey of cultural reconnection and sustainable entrepreneurship.
Her story shows that success is more than money—it is about freedom, purpose, and building a lasting legacy for Black women worldwide.
