Chimano makes his solo debut with "Friday Feeling"
After over 10 years in the music industry, Chimano is making his solo artist debut with the release of “Friday Feeling”. For many, Chimano’s is a recognizable face and beloved voice after endearing the world as a member of the critically acclaimed and award winning band, Sauti Sol.
Today marks Chimano’s official debut as a solo artist with the release of “Friday Feeling”. Inspired by the music of the 80s, “Friday Feeling” is the anthem of a queer night out. Chimano musically translates the scene of a night out among queer folk over an upbeat, bass driven instrumental.
“Friday Feeling” marks the first single off Chimano’s EP debut slated for the upcoming year. While the song leaves very little room for confusion, Chimano has recently announced that he is a gay man after years of public speculation. With gentle firmness while specifically engaging his family, Chimano acknowledges that for the general public, his sexuality has been a sort of “open secret”, although one that has limited his ability to explore his musicality in some instances.
“What went into this project really is everything, a lot of what I wanted to say before, that I’m able to say now, in song,” Chimano explains. “For example, I’ve written songs with my band for years, but I wanted a songwriter who understands - who is gay - who lives in my world. I got a producer that’s totally non-conventional and we managed to gel. It was really interesting. It was seamless and nerve wrecking because it’s the first time I'm in-studio by myself, controlling everything, [whereas] I'm used to my safety in numbers.”
When describing the vibe and feel of “Friday Feeling” Chimano wanted to explain that the members of the LGBTQIAP+ community are just like everyone else. “We go out, we have fun, we dress up, we dance, we have a good time, but hey when you look at us, yes we’re queer,” Chimano puts forward.
On the topic of why he’s chosen to lean into his queer identity more than he ever did before, he explains, “Why I’ve never even wanted to talk about my sexuality was because I never wanted it to define who I am as an artist, as a creative, and to an extent how I write my songs. But then, at some point, I was like “that’s bullshit.” If I'm not in love with who it is that I am, and what my growth is and who it is that I actually am, then I'm not able to unlock what is in my depths.”