Willis Austin better known as Chimano, a member of the Kenyan band Sauti Sol has publicly come out as gay. The Sauti Sol singer told local news “The Standard” that he was tired of lying. The singer said, “No hiding anymore”.
The 34-year-old singer made his sexuality public while explaining the meaning behind his new pop single “Friday Feeling” where he features a member of the LGBT community. He went ahead to say, “It is the first time I am expressing myself in a song. You really get to know who Chimano is and that is a heavy crown to carry.”
Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards and Best Group at the 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards. While attitudes towards LGBT+ people are becoming more liberal, a challenge to overturn the law was rejected by the Kenyan High Court in 2019.
Sex between men is currently punishable by up to 14 years in prison in Kenya. However, prosecutions under this law are not common.
He encouraged fans to focus on living a happy and fulfilling life as he added: “Sexuality does not define you. It is just about me putting myself out there, my creativity and living my truth. Figure out what your own happiness is most importantly with yourself. Gather your own life.”
As I get older, I have a bigger perspective of life and who I am supposed to be. It is not about what everybody else thinks I should be,” the singer stated. Chimano’s coming out follows a number of other prominent Kenyans who have also opened up about their sexuality. Formed in 2005, his band Sauti Sol has released three studio albums and had successful tours in Africa and Europe. The band won Best African