Willis Austin Chimano of all boys band Sauti Sol has publicly come out as gay after releasing his debut single ‘Friday Feeling’.
“Friday Feeling” is the first single off his upcoming EP titled ‘Heavy is the Crown’, which is expected to be released in early 2022.
An EP (extended play record) is a medium-length album that has a fewer number of songs than an LP or full length album. [sic]
Chimano described his new song ‘Friday Feeling’ as a song that brings back the life of the ballroom culture, known to have supported underground LGBTQ leading to a competitive subculture in either walking or dancing for prized trophies.
“Going out and having fun shouldn’t be an uphill task because you immediately start thinking of the inhibitions that may affect you. ‘Friday Feeling’ is about embracing your body, your outfit, your crew and your hard earned money. This song is about having a good time and in my case a good ass queer time. It’s a feeling of freedom. Do you, be extra, be alive and free! That’s Friday Feeling!” said Chimano ahead of the release.
The 7-track ‘Heavy is the Crown’ EP is the beginning of a new chapter for Chimano, a chapter where he is completely open about his gay sexuality.
In an interview with a local publication, Chimano revealed that he no longer wishes to hide his true identity from his fans, asserting that his new EP is meant to be a real reflection of him.
He further stated that his new solo song ‘Friday Feeling’ in his album says everything about his real identity.
“Friday Feeling is just like a ballroom culture within the Queer Community which I am part of. So that is just my first expression of who exactly I am. So I am just laying everything bare from now on, hakuna kujificha jificha (there is no more hiding) anymore,” Chimano said.
Chimano noted that he decided to publicly come out as gay because he felt it was about time he did so.
“Sexuality doesn’t define you. It is just about me putting myself out there; my creativity and living my truth,” Chimano insisted.
Related: Sauti Sol’s Chimano: I Realized I Was Gay During My Teenage Years
