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Singer Willis Chimano of Sauti Sol Comes out as Gay

A member of Kenya’s afro-pop band, Willis Chimano has publicly declared being a homosexual, despite risking 14years jail term.

In a new interview with the local publication The Standard, the hitmaker explained the idea behind his new song, Friday Feeling, in which he featured members of the LGBT community.

Chimano confirmed that the track was about “underground ballroom culture within the queer community”.

He also confirmed he is a member of the LGBT+ community, “No hiding anymore,” he told local media.“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.

It is just a representation of the underground ballroom culture within the queer community… which I am part of,” he told The Standard.

He said he was now living his truth and would use his music to challenge toxic masculinity, prejudices and hypocrisy. He also 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.

“This is the first time Chimano has ever publicly come out as gay though he has in the past been spotted with male partners.

While attitudes towards LGBT+ people are becoming more liberal, a challenge to overturn the law was rejected by the Kenyan High Court in 2019. In Kenya, gay sex is criminalised and punishable by up to 14 years in prison possibly, his public declaration could be a boost to the fight for LGBT rights in Kenya.

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