Chimano
Chimano | |
|---|---|
 Chimano in 2022 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Willis Austin Chimano |
| Member of | Sauti Sol |
Willis Austin Chimano, known professionally as Chimano, is a Kenyan singer and songwriter who gained recognition as a member of Sauti Sol.[1] His debut extended play, Heavy is the Crown, was released in 2022.[2][3]
Life and career
[edit]In 2022, Chimano announced plans to host his first solo concert, the Love and Harmony Festival. The event was devoted to "celebrating love, harmony, inclusion, and diversity", and scheduled to take place at the Junction Mall.[4] However, the police canceled the event for security reasons, sparking an uproar on social media.[5] Chimano's team found another venue that could host the concert, but the entire show was scrapped after law enforcement shut down rehearsals.[6]
Chimano's debut extended play, Heavy is the Crown, was released in April 2022. The seven-track project explores topics of self-identity, self-love, and self-acceptance.[7] After Sauti Sol announced their hiatus in 2023, Chimano performed in Australia, France, and the United Kingdom. He also performed in London and Cardiff as part of the UK-Kenya Season of Culture, an initiative organised by Africa Centre, London and the British Council.[8] In 2024, Chimano released the singles "Fashion" and "Do You Remember"; the latter track delves into self-discovery and trusting one's journey.[9] In November of the same year, he released the single "Monster", which has been described as a "feel-good Afro-house/dance song".[10] The track explores themes of self-worth, empowerment and resilience.[10]
Personal life
[edit]In 2021, Chimano came out as gay, becoming the first Kenyan artist to openly identify as a queer man.[11][12]
Discography
[edit]- Heavy is the Crown (2022)
Bibliography
[edit]- Heavy is the Crown (2026)
References
[edit]- ↑ "Curtains fall as Sauti Sol holds final concert". Citizen Digital. 2023-11-05. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ↑ Vaitiekus, Kym (2026-03-26). "Review: HEAVY IS THE CROWN, power to the songs that set you free. at The Loading Dock Theatre". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2026-08-20.
- ↑ https://ra.co/events/2213532
- ↑ Kisera, Maryanne (2022-02-04). "Chimano Redefining Concerts with Debut 'Love And Harmony Fest'". KenyanVibe. Retrieved 2025-02-11.
- ↑ "Uproar as police cancel Sauti Sol Chimano's gig". The Standard. Retrieved 2025-02-11.
- ↑ Johnson, Sarah (2025-08-19). "'There was so much vitriol': Willis Chimano on being outed while in Africa's biggest boy band". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2026-01-30.
- ↑ "Sauti Sol's Chimano explores inner self on Heavy Is the Crown EP". Music in Africa. 2022-04-20. Retrieved 2025-02-11.
- ↑ Adhis, Paula (2025-07-30). "Willis Chimano Moves Past His Sauti Sol Roots with One-Man Show 'Heavy Is the Crown' | OkayAfrica". www.okayafrica.com. Retrieved 2026-01-30.
- ↑ Gichovi, Murugi (2024-08-12). "Chimano Releases New Solo Single 'Do You Remember '". The Sauce. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
- 1 2 "Kenyan artist Chimano shares new single Monster". Music in Africa. 2024-11-26. Retrieved 2025-02-11.
- ↑ "Sauti Sol singer Chimano hailed in Kenya for coming out as gay". 2021-12-09. Retrieved 2025-02-11.
- ↑ "People don't understand! Sauti Sol's Chimano speaks on his sexuality". The Star. Archived from the original on 2025-08-21. Retrieved 2026-01-30.