Fitness guru and dancer Chiki Kuruka has backed Willis Chimano for a role on the hit reality TV series Young, Famous & African (YFA)
Taking to her Instagram stories on Sunday, January 26, 2025, Chiki expressed her admiration for the show and pitched Chimano to join its cast.
“Dear @youngfamousandafrican Your show is INCREDIBLE! The only thing that would make it better, would be the presence of @willis.chimano Please consider! From an avid fan,” Chiki wrote in her post.
The popular series showcases the lives of prominent African celebrities and has gained popularity for its glamour and drama.
YFA features influential African personalities from various industries, offering a glimpse into their luxurious lifestyles, relationships, and careers.
Some of the cast are; Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania, Ugandan socialite Zari Hassan, South African artiste Nadia Nakai, Nigerian actress Anne Idibia, Namibian model and businessman Lui Munana, Ghanaian-American musician and socialite Fantana, South African model and fitness enthusiast Kayleigh Schwark, Nigerian celebrity stylist and fashion influencer Swanky Jerry and many others that have joined the show along the way.
As of now, the famous reality show has not been able to cast any stars from Kenya and the public has been fronting some of the people they think would best fit the glamorous TV show.
Who is Chimano
Chimano is a baritone vocalist in the boy band Sauti Sol and has been actively pursuing his solo career following the group’s indefinite hiatus.
In August 2024, he unveiled his debut solo single, “Do You Remember.”
Chimano released another single titled “Fashion” in October 2024.
Zari’s YFA opinion
Zari who is very outspoken on the show recently expressed her preference for veteran socialite Vera Sidika to join the show. Zari praised Vera’s looks, curvaceous figure, and personality, saying she would fit seamlessly into the group.
“Vera would look good on our show. I feel like she is pretty, she brings the whole nyash, and I think she can throw some jabs. She looks like us,” Zari remarked.
However, despite her friendship with Kenyan singer and actress Tanasha Donna, Zari admitted she would not recommend her for the show. She described Tanasha as quiet and reserved, qualities she feels do not align with the drama-filled nature of the reality series.
“Tanasha is very pretty, but she is so reserved. I speak to Tanasha, and the kids call each other, but she is this nice, quiet girl, and that show needs people who are (loud). But Tanasha seems to be so lane,” Zari said.
Turning to Tanzania, Zari suggested bongo artist Zuchu as an ideal addition to the cast. Given her relationship with Diamond Platnumz, who is already part of the show, Zari believes Zuchu’s presence could create intriguing drama for the show.
“Let us have Zuchu. Having Zuchu on the show, I need her to sit there and look at Diamond, ‘What do you say, am your artiste?’” Zari said, adding that Zuchu’s inclusion would undoubtedly shake things up.
