Celebrated Kenyan singer-songwriter and performer Chimano has released a new song, Fashion, produced by Ghana’s Afro-Elektra and co-produced by Kenya’s DTX.
Chimano has embarked on an exciting new chapter in his career as a solo artist, making a bold statement with his latest releases. The new single is a vibrant dance anthem; it’s a declaration of self-expression and a love letter to his loyal fanbase.
“This song is also an ode to Kenya’s fashion industry and its movers and shakers, featuring designs from Kiko Romeo, Sevaria, Muyishime, and Afrostreet. These custom pieces are worn by Chimano, Brian Babu, Wambui Thimba, and Yvonne Afrostreet in the music video,” said Chimano ahead of the release.
The new single is accompanied by visuals directed by CJ Pixels. It is an energetic track that blends Chimano’s signature experimental sounds with infectious beats, revealing a playful yet sophisticated side of his artistry.
“I am thrilled this song is finally being released after two years in the studio. The timing is perfect now, and I’m excited to share it after navigating everything else happening around me to finally embark on a solo career as an individual artist,” he said.
Chimano’s solo work promises to delve deeper into themes of self-discovery, blending fun, authenticity, and intricacy in both sound and lyricism. His forthcoming projects will further reflect his love for music. He plans to release a full body of work that embodies his creative evolution.
Written by Bien, Fashion further solidifies Chimano’s status as a style icon and reflects his fashion sense, which he describes as blissful, confident, and daring.
“Fashion has had a profound impact on me because of the joy it brings me. Many times I feel like I’ve only just begun to explore its potential, and I’m excited to dive deeper to unlock even more of my creativity through it,” said Chimano.
As Chimano steps into this new phase of his career, fans can look forward to a vibrant mix of personal storytelling, experimental production, and bold self-expression—all delivered with the unmistakable style that has made him stand out in the music scene.
“Fashion represents the beginning of a new era for me. It marks my transition into a new sound and style, while still staying true to my artistic identity. I am excited to continue exploring this direction and to share more of myself with my audience,” he said.
Known for his vocal prowess and instrumental expertise since joining Kenya’s celebrated boy band Sauti Sol, Chimano is a multi-talented Kenyan singer, songwriter, and eccentric performer.
The multi-faceted artist and fashion icon is also a creative director with a keen eye and vision for creating mind-blowing productions and concepts. Whether in fashion, music, or art, individuality and identity are at the centre of Chimano’s expression.
His love for singing began at age seven, doing sing-alongs and recording radio pop music over his mother’s cassette tapes.
While in high school, he made friends with Bien-Aimé and Savara. They all joined the acapella singing group Voices in The Light.
After high school, the trio met Fancy Fingers at Alliance Française Nairobi and formed Sauti Sol. They would go on to become one of Africa’s most decorated and celebrated music groups.
With six successful music projects under their belt, unforgettable tours, and performances across the globe, Sauti Sol has received some of the highest accolades in the music industry. These include a Grammy certification and awards for Best Group in Africa at the MTV Africa Music Awards, MTV Europe Awards, and All Africa Music Awards, among countless others over the years.
“Chimano as an individual is a new artist. Being part of Sauti Sol was the greatest privilege of my life; now I’m off on this amazing journey that I’m looking forward to,” he said.
“I felt it was necessary to take a break to help me focus, especially since there was a turning point in our lives following the Sauti Sol hiatus. The music group was all I knew career-wise, and we were always on the go, accomplishing so much. Acknowledging this has always filled me with immense gratitude. Now, I want to prepare myself for my new chapter as a solo artist,” he said.