When Chimano—one-fourth of Kenya’s celebrated boy band Sauti Sol—appeared in a now-viral clip pleading emotionally with fellow bandmate Bien to call him, fans across the country were left stunned, confused, and highly entertained.
In the video, Chimano could be heard saying with dramatic flair: “Bien, call me. I thought we were brothers. Come on, call me, Bien.”
Delivered with all the emotion of a soap opera cliffhanger, the moment quickly sparked social media buzz, with many wondering whether a deeper fallout was brewing within the band. Some even speculated that this was a reflection of the rumored cold distance between members following Sauti Sol’s hiatus.
Chimano has now however confirmed what some suspected all along—it was a joke.Taking to his Instagram page, Chimano posted a follow-up video and photo with the caption:“It was a joke. Relax.”
The clarification came just as memes, parody videos, and TikTok reenactments of the emotional plea began dominating timelines across Kenya and beyond.
Still, a segment of fans felt genuinely relieved after Chimano’s clarification, especially given the sensitive nature of past public band disputes in Kenya’s entertainment industry.
Chimano’s dramatic joke hit home for many because it balanced raw emotion with well-timed satire. His delivery felt real enough to stir emotion, but with just enough flair to signal a playful tone.
The fact that it revolved around Bien—another fan favorite known for his bold takes and solo ventures—only added fuel to the fire. Their dynamic, though seemingly cool and professional, is often the subject of fan curiosity, especially since the band members began pursuing solo careers.
While Chimano has confirmed the clip was made in jest, it may still reflect the longing that fans feel for a full Sauti Sol reunion—or at least more public displays of camaraderie between the bandmates.
As one fan wrote:“Even if it was a joke, it reminded us how much we miss Sauti Sol together.”