Musician Willis Austin Chimano, better known simply as Chimano, has announced the launch of his first book, titled Heavy Is the Crown.
The announcement, shared on the artist’s official Instagram on January 20, 2026, confirmed the book’s fan‑focused launch event will take place on January 29, 2026, at The Living Rooms in Ngara, Nairobi, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The event is billed as a celebration of the book’s release and a chance for Chimano’s supporters to connect with the artist around this new creative milestone.
According to the announcement, Heavy Is the Crown is described as “Part Memoir, Part Manifesto, All Heart,” suggesting that it will blend personal storytelling with deeper reflection on identity, experience, and purpose.
Chimano’s post read: “Hey Chimandems. We are so excited to invite you to the Fan Show Launch of Chimano’s first book release…” alongside event details.
Chimano rose to prominence as a founding member of Sauti Sol, one of Kenya’s most successful and influential music groups.
Formed in 2005, Sauti Sol spent nearly two decades building a devoted fanbase across Africa and internationally, known for its blend of Afro‑pop rhythms, soulful harmonies, and storytelling that spoke to love, identity, and cultural experience.
In 2023, the band announced an indefinite hiatus, with all four members opting to pursue individual creative paths.
Chimano’s journey beyond the group dynamic has been characteristically introspective, as he navigates his personal identity and artistic voice outside one of Africa’s most beloved musical collectives.
Following the hiatus, Chimano released solo material culminating in his 2022 extended play (EP), also titled Heavy Is the Crown — a project that delved into themes of self‑identity, self‑acceptance, and personal resilience.
That EP offered fans a more intimate look at the artist, distinct from the sound and collaborative spirit of Sauti Sol.
The upcoming book appears to pick up where his music left off, expanding his creative footprint from melody and rhythm to the written word.
While detailed content from Heavy Is the Crown has not yet been publicly released, Chimano’s earlier artistic statements and themes provide a sense of what readers might expect.
In discussing the EP that shares its title with the book, Chimano spoke about the weight of expectations and the courage it takes to be true to oneself.
He has often reflected publicly on self‑acceptance, inner validation, and personal resilience.
Chimano has also been vocal about using his platform to challenge norms around identity and expression.
His solo projects, performances like Chimano Intimates, an intimate performance series exploring vulnerability and presence, and his public persona reflect an artist exploring both honesty and complexity in his work.