Kenya, Sept. 23 -- During a surprise reunion at a Nairobi music event, former Sauti Sol member Willis Chimano passionately hugged and kissed his long-time bandmate Bien-Aime Baraza in a heartwarming moment that ignited social media.

The emotional display, captured in a viral TikTok video, came weeks after Chimano publicly pleaded with Bien to return his calls, highlighting a rift following the band's 2023 split. Fans erupted with joy, celebrating the reconciliation of the high school friends who turned music icons.

The reunion unfolded at the NRG Wave concert, where Chimano made an unexpected appearance during Bien's set. As Bien performed the hit 'Suzanna', Chimano rushed the stage, embracing him in a tight hug followed by a cheek kiss, a gesture echoing their brotherly bond.

On X, it garnered over 800,000 views. "Chimano and Bien proving love wins," one fan tweeted, reflecting the sentiment of many who had speculated about tension between the two.

In August 2025, Chimano made headlines during an Okay Africa interview, revealing he had been unable to reach Bien since Sauti Sol's hiatus after their final concert in December 2023. "Bien, call me. "I thought we were brothers," he said, his voice heavy with emotion.

The plea sparked concern, with fans questioning if personal or professional differences had strained their friendship, forged at Nairobi's Upper Hill School alongside bandmates Savara Mudigi and Polycarp Otieno.

Chimano later clarified on X that his comments were light-hearted, posting, "Okay guys, it was a joke." However, the public remained curious about the duo's dynamic, especially as Bien thrived with solo hits while Chimano took time for personal reflection.

The Nairobi reunion put those concerns to rest, with the duo laughing and performing a brief duet, reminiscent of Sauti Sol's glory days with songs like Melanin.

Cultural context adds depth to their gesture. In Kenya, cheek kisses and hugs are common among close friends, symbolising warmth and respect.

The public display underscored their restored bond, with Chimano later telling The Star, "We're family, always will be."

Fans now hope for a collaboration, with some on X speculating about a Sauti Sol reunion. As Chimano and Bien move forward, their emotional moment has reminded Kenyans of the enduring power of friendship in the spotlight.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.