Sauti Sol singer on being Kenya’s first openly gay pop star - Lives Less Ordinary, BBC World Service

Lives Less Ordinary: Willis Chimano Interview - A Detailed Summary

Key Concepts: Coming out (forced vs. chosen), Homophobia in Kenya, Religious conflict & LGBTQ+ identity, Self-acceptance & Forgiveness, The impact of public persona on personal life, Artistic expression as escape, Role model status & responsibility, Colonial-era laws impacting LGBTQ+ rights.

I. Early Life & Family Dynamics in Nairobi

Willis Chimano describes a childhood in Nairobi marked by shyness but also flamboyant mannerisms and a colorful dressing sense. He recounts picking out his mother’s work outfits, hinting at an early awareness of his difference. His parents were deeply religious, creating a complex dynamic when his sexuality became apparent. Chimano uses the phrase “my mother pulled me out of the closet,” detailing a conversation initiated by his mother at age 17-18, driven by a desire to understand and “help,” but ultimately rooted in concern about societal judgment and religious doctrine. She directly asked, “Are you gay?” – a phrase Chimano repeats, emphasizing the directness of the question. The initial reaction was one of denial, followed by his mother’s anxieties about societal repercussions (“What if people find out?”) and a questioning of whether he was willing to “change.”

II. The Initial “Coming Out” & Its Aftermath

Chimano’s agreement to “change” – born out of being dependent on his parents – ironically led to a period of increased scrutiny and pressure. He received a constant stream of pamphlets and guides detailing conversion therapies and stories of individuals who had purportedly “cured” their homosexuality. This was presented as a viable path for him, a disturbing attempt to “fix” him based on the belief that homosexuality could be purged. Despite this pressure, the night of the initial conversation was unexpectedly affectionate, with Chimano receiving a rare display of parental love and being “tucked in” and told “I love you very much.” This highlights the internal conflict within his parents – a desire to help coupled with deeply ingrained beliefs.

III. Finding Solace in Music & Early Artistic Influences

Music served as a crucial escape for Chimano. He vividly recalls being captivated by Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” at age six, describing the experience as both frightening and intriguing. This sparked a lifelong love for horror films. He also cites Prince and Freddie Mercury as significant influences, drawn to their expressive performances and the sense of freedom they represented. He specifically mentions Prince’s “Could You Be the Most Beautiful Girl in the World?” as a song that transported him to a place of solitude and possibility, a taste of the freedom he craved. Music provided a space to explore and express aspects of himself he couldn’t openly acknowledge.

IV. The Formation of Sauti Sol & Early Success

Chimano details the formation of Sauti Sol, beginning with his involvement in the school music club and an acapella group called Voice in the Light alongside future bandmates Bien and Savara. The band’s initial ambition was to surpass existing musical groups, fueled by the inspiration of artists like Coldplay. A pivotal moment was their performance for President Obama during his visit to Kenya in 2006. Chimano recounts a humorous and surreal experience of walking onto the stage and engaging Obama and President Uhuru Kenyatta in a dance, describing the feeling of power and validation that came with such a moment. He notes the irony of feeling his hands were “very small” when shaking Obama’s hand, a sign of being overwhelmed.

V. The Hidden Life & Bandmate Support

Despite Sauti Sol’s growing success, Chimano continued to hide his sexuality. His bandmates were aware and supportive from the beginning, offering acceptance and love but also cautioning him about the potential career repercussions in the Kenyan context. They advised him to be careful, acknowledging that openly being gay could be “career suicide.” This period involved navigating a double life, moving “in the shadows” while social media was still in its early stages, allowing for a degree of privacy.

VI. Forced Public Disclosure & The Backlash

The turning point came with the unauthorized posting of a photo of Chimano with his partner and friends. He emphasizes that he did not come out voluntarily; the decision was taken from him. The image quickly went viral, attracting negative attention and derogatory comments. He describes receiving hateful messages, including threats and dehumanizing comparisons to “septic tanks” and “mud,” symbolizing impurity. This triggered a wave of public scrutiny and homophobia. He details receiving a consistent, four-year stream of hateful messages from one individual.

VII. Legal Concerns & Physical Threats

Chimano discusses the legal risks associated with being openly gay in Kenya, referencing colonial-era laws that criminalize homosexuality with potential imprisonment of up to 14 years. He recounts a previous incident where he was physically assaulted at an event, highlighting the real danger he faced. His bandmates rallied around him, even engaging in a physical altercation with the attacker, demonstrating their unwavering support. Following the photo’s release, he briefly employed a lawyer and considered personal security.

VIII. A Second “Coming Out” to Parents & Current Relationship

Chimano describes a recent, deliberate “second coming out” to his parents, asserting his identity and demanding they take responsibility for understanding his life. He emphasizes that he would continue to visit and maintain a relationship, but would no longer apologize for who he is. He characterizes the current relationship with his parents as “cordial” and “functional,” acknowledging their humanity and the need for forgiveness. He also notes a shift in their dynamic, describing conversations with his mother as feeling more like a friendship. He consciously modifies his appearance (removing jewelry, nail polish) when visiting his parents out of respect.

IX. The Impact on Solo Work & Role Model Status

Chimano discusses the challenges he faced when attempting to perform his solo project, “Heavy as A Crown,” in Kenya. A performance was shut down by police due to his sexuality and the involvement of other LGBTQ+ community members. He acknowledges being seen as a role model and hero, but expresses humility and a desire to use his story to offer comfort and encouragement to others. He emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and forgiveness, advising his younger self that his story would become his “superpower.”

X. Conclusion & Key Takeaways

Chimano’s story is a powerful testament to the complexities of navigating identity, faith, and public life in a society grappling with homophobia. His journey highlights the damaging effects of forced disclosure, the importance of supportive relationships, and the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Kenya. He emphasizes the need for self-acceptance, forgiveness, and the courage to live authentically, even in the face of adversity. The interview underscores the human cost of prejudice and the enduring power of artistic expression as a means of liberation.