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Acquiring a dream home of majestic proportion and ever-increasing value is one of the biggest steps towards self-actualisation. It is a goal many strive towards for a majority of their youth.
And if everyone made millions of shillings for what they do, they would definitely be living in homes of their desired size, location and value.
But few get to that earning capability. The mansions in Kitisuru, Muthaiga and Runda remain far-fetched dreams for the majority.
Perhaps, after a lengthy career, lots of investment, saving and sacrifice, we can glance in the direction of houses priced at Sh200,000,000 and even consider paying in cash.
And the smart homes with infinity edge pools and mature manicured gardens in gated communities in Hollywood, like Calabasas, remain the recluse of celebrities.
They slide in and out of their luxury estates to escape curious paparazzi eyes and hectic sold-out tours after trips around the world on private jets.
However, young, relatable celebrities who achieve top-tier success remind fans and followers alike that it is all, indeed attainable.
Early this week, Nigerian superstar Burna Boy gave a rare tour of his enviable Lagos mansion to American lifestyle magazine Architectural Digest. While the value of the property remained undisclosed, it is estimated to be worth millions.
The Grammy-winning artiste joined a list of A-list celebrities, including celebrated singer Lenny Kravitz, billionaire businessman Richard Branson, TV host Ryan Seacrest, rapper Big Sean and other affluent personalities who have showcased their homes to the magazine.
The property has been described by Architectural Digest as a serene 13,000 square foot oasis that boasts high ceilings, a private cinema, lounges and a game room.
The magazine also noted that the superstar owns multiple luxury homes, although he lauds his Lagos mansion as a creative space that brings out his artistic potential.
“This is where I create. This is where I made my Grammy album,” said Burna Boy.
“The colossal structure has a calming beige and grey façade, complete with all the hallmarks of contemporary luxury living. The architect made sure to optimise for natural light in the 3,700square-foot structure, which is divided into two distinct parts.
One area houses a recording studio, gym, and bedrooms for guest artistes. The other is a more intimate area for Burna. It is where he entertains his closest friends and where his own primary bedroom suite and private terrace are situated,” read in part a piece on Architectural Digest’s exclusive tour.
The mansion also offers the star a luxurious take on indoor-outdoor living, with a gorgeous pool visible from the living area.
“You have the view from the main living room through the glass, you see the swimming pool, you see the sunken lounge, and you see the large garden. So you have an outdoor experience, even when you are indoors,” the architect, Akose Enebeli said.
Burna Boy, real name Damini Ogulu has proven that persistence in one’s career is the key to finally reaching the top.
Since rising to fame in 2012 after the release of hit single Like To Party, the Afrobeat sensation has not looked back.
He has won Best International Act at the BET Awards for three years consecutively since 2019 and a Grammy Award for Best Global album in 2021.
And the 30-year-old Afrobeat star is not alone in his glamorous mansion owning - other stars have not shied off from showcasing their expensive homes.
Last year, Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz left fans with their jaws dropped when he gave them a glimpse into his Mbezi Beach Dar-Es-Salaam home.
While the star’s footage was brief, the Jeje hitmaker showcased glimpses of his massive walk-in closet, a wall of his numerous awards and trophies, a spacious living area and a fully equipped chef’s kitchen.
Further, the large house boasts a lush green garden and swimming pool.
The celebrated singer, whose real name is Abdul Nasibu makes his money from music, his recording company; Wasafi and brand endorsements.
Diamond also enjoys splurging on his collection of luxury vehicles and owns a renegade Rolls Royce phantom estimated to be worth over Sh49 million ($450,000).
While the Baba Lao singer has not revealed how many homes he owns, he reportedly also owns a mansion in South Africa.
Platnumz showed off the glamorous home on the official YouTube channel of his WCB Wasafi label in 2016.
The property, which is located in an upmarket area features a pool and brilliant, unobstructed views.
Platnumz bought the property for his then-pregnant wife Zari Hassan, but since their split on Valentine’s Day 2018, the Afro-pop star has reportedly considered putting it up for sale.
Celebrated Afrobeat singer David Davido Adeleke flaunted his Banana Island, Lagos mansion last year, taking to his social media to post hints of the spacious hallways and top-notch finishes.
According to popular Nigerian content creator Tayo Aina, the property costs over Sh165,000,000 ($1.5 million) and is a unit in a multi-billion shilling complex located in an exclusive area of the island swimming with billionaires.
The apartment is a five-bedroom luxury terrace unit that has access to a five-foot swimming pool and elevator. The property harnesses spectacular views of the Lagos lagoons.
“The building is called the Giuliano De Medici, named after the De Medici family which was a powerful family that captured the ideals and principles of the Florence Renaissance.
It has eight luxury five-bedroom terrace apartments and two of the best penthouses in Lagos. It also has a three-car garage, cinema and pool,” Aina said in a tour of the building on his YouTube channel.
He added; “Banana Island has the highest concentration of billionaires on the planet; 36 residents own private jets. Recently one of our own, Davido, purchased a unit at the expensive building.”
The Skelewu singer reportedly owns another elegant pad, this time in the US, Georgia, Atlanta.
And Kenya’s self-proclaimed president of single mothers Esther “Akothee” Akoth has not been left behind when it comes to showcasing her pricey home.
Her mega-mansion - which she fondly calls Rongospar, is located in Migori County.
The palatial property sits on mature gardens spanning large tracks of land and has a pool as well as multiple outdoor sitting areas surrounded by greenery.
“Owning a home is more than just hype; it is the gateway to long-term and short-term financial success... Homeownership can lead to building your personal wealth due to home equity, or fair market value, which likely increase over time based on both the real estate market and any renovations you make to your home. Any investment you pump into your home is not lost. And when you build a home, you have to maintain it to increase its value,” Akothee wrote on Instagram last year, encouraging her fans to take interest in real estate investment.
Her Rongo home reportedly costs Sh80,000,000. The singer also has homes in Nairobi and Mombasa. but praises Rongospar as her retirement home.
Celebrities who own some of the most expensive homes in the entertainment scene include reality TV star Kylie Jenner, pop star Taylor Swift, actress Angelina Jolie and power couple Jay Z and Beyoncé.
Kylie’s California home in Holmby Hills, for example, is valued at an estimated Sh4 billion ($36.5 million). It boasts seven bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, 20 parking spaces, a bar, games room, home cinema and a pool that runs through the house.
Hello! Magazine describes it as “a paradise getaway perfect for entertaining guests and throwing the star’s famously lavish events.”
