Willis Austin Chimano of all boys band Sauti Sol publicly come out as gay in December 2021 after years of hiding his true sexuality.
Chimano revealed his true sexuality after releasing his debut single ‘Friday Feeling’ in December last year.
“Friday Feeling” was the first single off his EP titled ‘Heavy is the Crown’, which was released in early 2022.
An EP (extended play record) is a medium-length album that has a fewer number of songs than an LP or full length album. [sic]
Chimano described his new song ‘Friday Feeling’ as a song that brings back the life of the ballroom culture, known to have supported underground LGBTQ leading to a competitive subculture in either walking or dancing for prized trophies.
“Going out and having fun shouldn’t be an uphill task because you immediately start thinking of the inhibitions that may affect you. ‘Friday Feeling’ is about embracing your body, your outfit, your crew and your hard earned money. This song is about having a good time and in my case a good ass queer time. It’s a feeling of freedom. Do you, be extra, be alive and free! That’s Friday Feeling!” said Chimano.
The 7-track ‘Heavy is the Crown’ EP marked the beginning of a new chapter for Chimano, a chapter where he is completely open about his gay sexuality.
In an interview with a local publication, Chimano revealed that he no longer wished to hide his true identity from his fans, asserting that his new EP is meant to be a real reflection of him.
He further stated that his new solo song ‘Friday Feeling’ in his album says everything about his real identity.
“Friday Feeling is just like a ballroom culture within the Queer Community which I am part of. So that is just my first expression of who exactly I am. So I am just laying everything bare from now on, hakuna kujificha jificha (there is no more hiding) anymore,” Chimano said.
Chimano noted that he decided to publicly come out as gay because he felt it was about time he did so.
“Sexuality doesn’t define you. It is just about me putting myself out there; my creativity and living my truth,” Chimano insisted.
Chimano explained in detail why he decided to go public about his sexuality during a recent interview with Mpasho.
He said that;
“It was about time, everyone has something they put in their own closet. It might be insecurity over their body weight or their sexuality. People live in a facade because they want to present themselves in a certain way.
“You live a fuller and happier life when you fall in love with yourself. By accepting your weight, your sexuality, or your addiction.
“Flaws are a stepping stone to realizing what your full power is. Everybody needs to jump out of the closet in whatever thing they are hiding. Live your life be happy. We only have one life.”
The Sauti Sol singer further disclosed that his family fully stands with him in regards to his sexuality. Homosexuality is still taboo in Kenya, members of the LGBTQ+ face stigmatization.
“My family is amazing. By the end of the day if my family loves me that’s it,” said Chimano.
