Willis Austin Chimano Biography: Age, Boyfriend, Net Worth, Songs, Albums, Band, Parents, Height

Willis Austin Chimano also known as Chimano is a celebrated Kenyan singer, songwriter, fashion icon, and cultural trailblazer best known as a founding member of the award-winning Afropop band Sauti Sol.

Through his soulful vocals, flamboyant style, and courageous advocacy for authenticity and LGBTQ+ visibility in Kenya, he has inspired millions with emotionally resonant music, live performances, and a bold personal journey that champions self-acceptance and creative freedom.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Willis Austin Chimano
• Stage Name: Chimano
• Born: July 9, 1987
• Age: 38 years old
• Birthplace: Nairobi, Kenya
• Nationality: Kenyan
• Ethnicity: Kenyan
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Fashion Icon, Cultural Trailblazer
• Height: Unknown
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Mr. Chimano and Mrs. Chimano
• Siblings: Three
• Spouse: None
• Children: Unknown
• Relationship: Single (openly gay)
• Net Worth: $2.5 million USD

Early Life and Education

Willis Austin Chimano was born on July 9, 1987, in Nairobi, Kenya. He was brought up by his parents Mr. Chimano and Mrs. Chimano in a religious family of six (parents and four children), where he was the third-born. He grew up as a shy child with flamboyant mannerisms and developed a deep passion for music early on.

He attended Upper Hill High School in Nairobi, where he sang in the gospel ensemble Voices in the Light alongside future bandmates Bien-Aimé Baraza and Savara Mudigi. He later graduated with a degree in Journalism and Media Studies from the University of Nairobi. His ethnicity is Kenyan. His religion is Christianity.

Career

Willis Chimano co-founded Sauti Sol in 2005 with Bien-Aimé Baraza and Savara Mudigi after performing together in high school. The band started as an a cappella group before evolving into one of Africa’s most successful Afropop acts, blending soulful harmonies with socially conscious lyrics and Kenyan pride.

The group earned Grammy certifications and numerous African music awards. Following Sauti Sol’s indefinite break after nearly two decades, Chimano pursued solo projects, including the deeply personal one-man show Heavy is the Crown that blends music and storytelling about his life and identity.

He has also directed creative ventures through Soul Generation Publishing and Soulface Africa while continuing to release music and perform. Known for his fashion-forward image and fearless authenticity, he remains a leading voice in Kenyan entertainment and cultural innovation in 2026.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @chimano
• YouTube Channel: Chimano

Personal Life

Willis Chimano, 38 years old, is single and openly gay, becoming the first Kenyan artist to publicly identify as queer in 2021. He faced significant challenges after being outed in 2018, including media scrutiny and family tensions in a conservative environment, but found self-acceptance with strong support from his mother who encouraged him to live truthfully.

There are no publicly known past relationships detailed beyond his journey of coming out. He has spoken movingly about growing up shy in a religious family and now embraces his identity without obligation to explain himself. He prioritizes personal growth, creativity, and advocacy while maintaining a private yet authentic lifestyle. His height is Unknown.

Net Worth

Willis Chimano’s net worth is estimated at $2.5 million USD. His income primarily comes from music sales, streaming royalties, and live performances with Sauti Sol and as a solo artist. Additional revenue streams include brand partnerships, fashion collaborations reflecting his iconic style, speaking engagements, creative direction roles, and content creation.