But with the release of his debut EP Heavy Is the Crown(link is external), listeners will get a sense of Chimano as an individual artist addressing the weighty and mundane matters of human existence.<\/p>\n
The seven-track EP, released alongside \u2018Hallelujah\u2019, the project\u2019s lead single and music video written by fellow Sauti Sol member Bien-Aim\u00e9 Baraza, sees the singer wrestling with matters of self-identity, self-love and self-acceptance as he tries to chart a new chapter for himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cI needed to have courage to be myself fully because of my new-found conviction,\u201d Chimano said. \u201cI needed to be that for others and to inspire them to see that they can also be themselves. The crown in this case is on you and me. If you go through life in kindness, standing up for your dreams and aspirations, respecting your fellow human beings and respecting the right of others to live unrestricted as long as it\u2019s not an infringement on your human rights, then you have a crown on your head.\u201d<\/p>\n
Influenced by \u201880s and early \u201890s sounds, the risqu\u00e9 collection challenges toxic masculinity, prejudices and hypocrisy. The offering features the previously released single \u2018Friday Feeling\u2019, which is immersed in funk, soul and disco, with its crowning glory being epic visuals.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels good to be authentic, at peace and centred. It\u2019s a good place for me to be in and to stick to my values. This EP is who I am. I am coming out of my shell. It takes time for who you are to shine bright from your soul, from within, to the outside. A lot of people will relate to this,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2018s a wonderful song that generally speaks to everybody,\u201d he said about \u2018Friday Feeling\u2019. \u201cIt also speaks to me. It\u2019s a message to myself where I am putting myself first and walking this journey of life with my true self and like-minded individuals and anybody who wants to join us on this amazing journey. And yes, the real Chimano has arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the \u2018Hallelujah\u2019 video, the style icon bedazzles in a crystal-laden blazer, effortlessly swaying to the lyrics of this melodious track. Chimano says he started writing songs for the EP about three years ago, but didn\u2019t know where they would fit until 2021 when Sauti Sol\u2019s members opted to pursue solo careers through the Alone Together project, which would allow them to work on individual projects while still being part of a cohesive, dynamic unit.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe working experience on this project was amazing. It was a roller coaster of feelings. I felt challenged, uplifted and I understood who I am more with this project and it\u2019s one of the things that gives me confidence. The experience has been very eye-opening about who I am. I made a new best friend within me that was waiting to come out to explore his creativity, image and brand,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Even though Chimano reveals his vulnerability, he implores others to look within themselves and listen to their inner voices. \u201cIt\u2019s hard to ignore the burden society places on you, but by believing and focusing on yourself while being kind to others, you have crowned yourself and don\u2018t need anyone to validate that. I have fully started to express myself and deep down for me this is an expression of happiness and freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n
Heavy is the Crown by Chimano, Father Studies by Fancy Fingers, Bald Men Love Better by Bien-Aim\u00e9 and Savage Level by Savara are all outcomes of the Alone Together project. The four albums are being released on Exodus Entertainment\/Sol Gen and distributed by Ingrooves. Sauti Sol is set to release its next album in May.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As one-fourth of phenomenal Kenyan Afropop group Sauti Sol, he is best known for his adventurous dress sense and for being the flamboyant counterpoint to the band\u2019s celebrated hitmaking skills.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12963,"featured_media":6272,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31,16],"tags":[7,32,26],"class_list":{"0":"post-6275","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-music","8":"category-news","9":"tag-apie-project","10":"tag-music","11":"tag-news"},"yoast_head":"\n