Sauti Sol’s Chimano speaks on ‘awkward’ childhood

 Sauti Sol's Willis Chimano [Photo: Courtesy]

Sauti Sol’s Willis Austin Chimano popularly known as Chimano has revealed rare details of his childhood. Speaking on the Engage Talk platform, the singer revealed that he had a difficult childhood growing up as an introvert.  He further added that growing up, he did not have many friends. According to him, he just loved watching other kids play.

“Growing up I felt like an awkward child, making friends felt like a laborious task. I felt like it was something I could do without. I just loved watching other kids play," he said. Chimano added that his main focus was always getting good grades in order to go to a good university. However, according to him, getting to university did not bring him much fulfillment as he often felt out of place.

He explained that for his primary education, he went through four different schools which made it very difficult to retain friends. His very strict Christian parents were trying to get the best education for him and he ultimately managed to do well and enroll at Kakamega High School.

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It took Chimano two years to convince his parents to transfer him to a different school and eventually ended up at Upper Hill. This move, he says, changed his life forever because it was at this point that he met the rest of his band members Bien Barasa, Savara Mudigi and Polycarp Otieno (who joined them later).

He further added that the greatest fulfillment he got was when Sauti Sol’s music career started picking up. “Even in high school I was a very subdued child, all I wanted was to get good grades and go to university. When I went to university, I did not get the fulfillment I yearned for, I started getting fulfillment after our music career started picking up. My fashion is all about challenging toxic masculinity," he added.

Nevertheless, the 32-year-old pop singer admitted that being the ‘awkward’ person has never bothered him a single bit as it gives him the right chance to think and be creative. “Being an introvert gives me time to think, create and retain my energy. Talking is like a job. I have no regrets; I love being in my own thoughts,” he added.

Chimano further urged people to try living their truth unapologetically and avoid hiding who they are. The musician added that he draws pleasure from singing with his brothers while wearing the most unexpected fits. To him, that alone time is like therapy and makes him extremely proud to know that he is moving as an independent individual without being shackled by societal norms.

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Speaking about his decision to step out in his unique fits, Chimano disclosed that the idea was born out of the need to shun toxic masculinity and embrace everyone as they are. "I try to challenge toxic masculinity which says a man should dress a certain way. Why does society have to tell you how to dress or how to behave? Be yourself," he advised his fans.