Ever since the rapper began showing off his enormous mansion on social media, the internet has been abuzz with excitement. Some users have compared the two-storey property to a supermarket, while others say it resembles a shopping centre more than a home.

However, Jones says he has long learned to laugh along with the jokes and endless banter surrounding his house.

However, what many people do not know is that the mansion was inspired by legendary Nigerian music duo P Square. The rapper recalls a trip to Nigeria with his manager, Francis, during which they were invited to one of P Square’s residences. This experience completely shifted his mindset.

Nation inside (70) — Brian Ouko Omollo, popularly known by his stage name Khaligraph Jones, defends building a huge mansion for his family and studio.
Photo credit: Pool | Nation

"I was in Nigeria with my manager, Francis, who is also building a big house, and we were invited to one of P Square’s homes. The place was massive. The guy was living large, and that got me thinking: why can’t I live like this too?” he says.

Read: Khaligraph Jones: My mansion has over 10 bedrooms

At the time, Jones says his music career was already thriving, yet he was still living in a rented apartment in Riara, one of Nairobi’s leafy suburbs.

Standing inside one of the P Square-owned mega mansions made him rethink his lifestyle and ambitions.

"My name was already big. I was living in upmarket Riara, but I was still paying rent. When we came back to Kenya, I told my manager that we needed to up our game. That’s when I started shopping for land, and eventually I found the spot where I built the Khali Plaza, or whatever people on social media choose to call it.”

Nation inside (53) — Rapper Khaligraph Jones' palatial home.
Photo credit: Pool | Nation

In a past interview with Nation, Khaligraph said, "Yes, my house became a topic of discussion, but honestly, I built it because I wanted to. People always have opinions, but they no longer matter. Some say it’s too big; others question why I need such a large space. But at the end of the day, I know why I did it. People will always talk about me on social media, but I don’t live for other people’s opinions. Maybe I have a big family and cousins who need space. The truth is that I built the house because I love it and wanted to create a comfortable home for myself and my family."

Read: Why Khaligraph Jones won’t let DJ Pinye’s legacy slide

Nation inside (54) — An exterior view of rapper Khaligraph Jones' palatial home.
Photo credit: Pool | Nation

He added, "It’s funny, because while some Kenyans were busy criticising me, my house was trending in Nigeria, where many people congratulated me on my success. Even in Tanzania, people were saying that I had set a new standard. That is what matters to me: showing that anything is possible. I come from Kayole, an area where many people don't believe they can achieve such things. My journey proves that hard work pays off."

Follow our WhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.