Willis Chimano’s Journey from Outing to Art and Advocacy
Willis Austin Chimano, known simply as Chimano, rose to fame as a member of Kenya’s award-winning Afropop band Sauti Sol, formed in 2005. Recently, Chimano revisited a moment in his life, being the first Kenyan pop star to be publicly outed as gay in 2018. Since then, he has increasingly used his music and writing to advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility, despite societal pushback and legal barriers
The Outing: Fear, Backlash, and Legal Context
Chimano described from the band's inception until 2018, he “wore a mask,” hiding his true identity while performing under Kenyatta-era social norms. His bandmates knew but respected his choice to stay private, fearing that being openly queer would jeopardize the group's success.
In 2018, a photo of Chimano with his partner was shared online and quickly circulated by mainstream Kenyan media. The reaction was immediate and hostile. Chimano recounted:
“There was vitriol, oh my God, so much. People were saying ‘you’re a sinner’, ‘it goes against the laws of nature’, ‘it’s against African culture.’”
At the time, same-sex relationships remained criminalized in Kenya, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Efforts to challenge these colonial-era laws had failed, including a 2019 High Court case. Simultaneously, proposals like MP Peter Kaluma’s Family Protection Bill of 2023 sought to further criminalize LGBTQ+ expression and advocacy. In neighboring Uganda, even harsher legislation, including the death penalty, had been passed.
Claiming Identity: Coming Out and Professional Consequences
Chimano publicly came out in 2021, defying societal expectations. Despite the backlash, Sauti Sol continued to thrive—signing to Universal Music, releasing hits, and expanding their international presence.
However, Chimano’s solo path met resistance. In 2022, he planned and promoted a festival called Love and Harmony at the Junction Mall. The event was intended to celebrate “love, harmony, inclusion, and diversity.” Yet, playing into fears of a “gay event,” Nairobi police shut it down mid-rehearsal. Armed officers carrying AK-47s arrived and effectively halted his plans. Chimano described the scene:
“Something switched in me and I walked outside, sat and stared at a wall. Then I broke down.”
Despite this, he pressed on. On X, Chimano responded to the shutdown:
“Bullies never win! You may have gotten your way this time. You’ve only made my resolve stronger … The show that I’ve been working so hard on will be seen. That is a fact!”
Creative Resilience & Global Outreach
Chimano’s solo performances evolved. At a corporate event, he was carefully asked if his performance would be “too gay.” he adapted accordingly, reflecting ongoing prejudices. Nonetheless, the show proceeded successfully.
Since Sauti Sol’s hiatus in 2023, Chimano has toured solo internationally, including in Australia, France, and the UK as part of the UK Kenya Season of Culture. He keeps refining his one-man show, adding experimental and emotional touches to his performances, hoping to bring it to Kenya someday.
Also, Chimano is actively writing a memoir, slated for release in 2026, alongside a debut solo album. These projects signal his commitment to both creative expression and personal storytelling.
Willis Chimano’s public journey and LGBTQ+ advocacy reflect both personal resilience and societal tensions in Kenya. He continues to evolve artistically and pave a path for greater visibility and acceptance despite challenges. His memoir and album, due in 2026, are set to capture this transformation.
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