Nairobi – When American singer Kelis, best known for her 2003 hit “Milkshake,” announced she had purchased 300 acres of farmland in Kenya’s Naivasha region, many were surprised. Yet the 44-year-old artist is determined to forge a new path far from the glitz of her music career one rooted in nature, farming and community.
Speaking recently on the podcast Earn Your Leisure, Kelis shared what drew her to Kenya and how she envisions life on the edge of Lake Naivasha, surrounded by national parkland and roaming wildlife.
“We’re building a little community out here,” she said. “I saw the farm, onions growing red, yellow and I thought, why not create a sustainable, luxury retreat? A place where farming meets wellness, and people can come to relax, spot wildlife and enjoy fine dining.”
The land sits beside Lake Naivasha with views of Mount Longonot, a dormant volcano, and neighbours a renowned wildlife reserve. Giraffes, zebras, impalas and even elephants are frequent visitors to Kelis’s farm.
“We’ve got giraffes and zebras and elands and impalas sometimes an elephant walks through,” she explained. “It’s about being one with nature, not dominating it.”
Her choice to settle in Kenya stems from more than just its beauty. “Kenya is everything,” Kelis said. “It’s the hub of East Africa for technology, finance, agriculture all in one place. You can be in the wilds or in Nairobi, with great restaurants and shopping. It really has the best of both worlds.”
Kelis’s move began with a simple phone call. “My sister said she was going to Africa, and I offered to fund it,” she recalled. “Then I decided, why not go myself? I wanted to see it with my own eyes.”
What started as a trip to Kenya and Zanzibar soon became a life-changing decision. She bought land and started farming onions, motivated by her background in culinary arts and a passion for food.
Yet living alongside wildlife has not been without challenges. While she admires the animals, Kelis admits she had to install fencing to protect her crops and investment. “I love the elephants, but I need a space too,” she said. “We’re putting in a watering hole so the animals have their own space to drink without damaging the farm.”
The singer emphasised that her move to Kenya is not a charity project but a thoughtful business venture. “I wouldn’t move my hard-earned money without a plan,” she said. “I want to be part of the community, contribute, and create opportunities.”
For Kelis, family is central to this new chapter. She has three children and believes Kenya offers them a safer and more welcoming environment than the US. “I want my kids to grow up where their heritage is respected, where they aren’t immediately judged for their skin colour,” she said. “That means everything to me.”
Her vision extends to hospitality. Drawing on 25 years touring the world’s most luxurious hotels, Kelis plans to build a resort on her land. “I know what luxury looks like,” she said. “This place is paradise. I want to create a wellness retreat that’s black-owned, fabulous, and shows what’s possible here.”
While Kelis’s story may seem unusual, it highlights a growing trend among artists and entrepreneurs seeking new lives in Africa, blending tradition with innovation. As she puts it, “If I’m not benefiting or contributing, why be there? I’m here to work, to grow, and to be part of something real.”
