He famously knocked Madonna off the No.1 spot after capturing the nation’s heart on ‘The X Factor’. And now, “Cheeky Boy” Chico is back this time not just with songs but with fitness inspo plus an insightful book of secrets, with a focus on cancer and the No. 19.
Who can forget high spirited ‘X Factor’ contestant Chico, with his charismatic personality and infectious catchphrase, “What time is it? It’s Chico Time!”?
The chart topping talent show star reached the quarter finals of the 2005 series after winning over the public with his cheeky charm. Chico was mentored by Sharon Osbourne, who put him through to the live television phase after a particularly memorable performance at the Osbournes' “TV home", in which he jumped into a pool and danced in the water still holding a live mic!
The Welsh wannabe also famously took to the ‘X Factor’ stage saying, “I will thank you when I pick up that Grammy or whatever they are going to give me,” before launching into a rendition of Prince’s ‘Kiss’, following which Simon collapsed with laughter, telling him, “Chico, that was just awful!”
From The X Factor to No.1
But Chico did something no contestant had done before on a Simon Cowell show he performed an original song. Confidently singing 'It's Chico Time' in front of millions of viewers with his little Chicos and Chicettes, Chico converted an initially unconvinced Simon Cowell that he did, in fact, have the X Factor.
"Contrary to what you think or the world thinks, I loved you from the first moment you came through the door,” Simon subsequently said. “Thank you for making my show."
The iconic 'It's Chico Time' was born from a throwaway phrase by the show's vocal coach, played to Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, and loved so much by Ozzy that he called Simon and told him to release it.
The single debuted at No.1 on the UK charts, famously toppling Madonna from the top spot.
Chico’s signature anthem became a cultural phenomenon, and his vibrant performances continue to bring joy and party spirit to festivals, concerts and events worldwide.
Born to perform, cheeky chappy Chico put his success down to positive mental attitude. “Dream it, believe it, work for it, achieve it. In that order,” he said.
Performing for The Prince’s Trust & being picked over Bond star Roger Moore & Richard E. Grant on ‘Blind Date’
In 2006, Chico appeared on ITV's coverage of The Prince's Trust 30th Birthday Concert and took part in a ‘Blind Date’ themed skit, which saw him picked over ‘Bond’ actor Roger Moore and ‘Star Wars’ star Richard E. Grant by Dame Edna Everage.
No stranger to our screens, he’s also taken part on ‘Pointless Celebrities’ and ‘Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway’. Taking to the ice, Chico replaced Chesney Hawkes, who had to withdraw due to an ankle injury, on ITV's 2012 series of ‘Dancing on Ice’, going on to compete in the finals and coming third.
Chico’s also worked as an actor and co wrote, starred, produced and provided the soundtrack for the BAFTA nominated short film ‘’Winner Takes All’ alongside his actor/filmmaker brother, JC Mac.
The Chico experience
With charisma and talent in bucketloads, the ‘X Factor’ legend went on to forge a successful career, also under his original name, Yousseph Slimani, on stage, in films, musicals, pantos and pop.
With his infectious energy and unique style, the dynamic singer, entertainer and international performer’s high energy shows combine original hits with electrifying covers from legends like James Brown, Ricky Martin and Elvis, creating a carnival like atmosphere that never fails to get the crowd on their feet.
Chico has built a career as one of the UK’s most exciting live acts, whether headlining for thousands or igniting intimate stages, his charm and powerful voice, coupled with an amazing audience connection always guarantee an unforgettable experience.
Charity + spiritual healing at Chico’s Portuguese wellness retreat
Alongside his passion for philanthropy, seeing him fundraise for and set up charities, he’s also put his unstoppable energy into his wellness retreat in Portugal, where he conducts classes and trains instructors for the Block Fit brand inspired by two of his heroes; Muhammed Ali and Bruce Lee.
Combining combat, dance and HIIT, Chico takes his fitness masterclasses all over the UK, all to a soundtrack his own songs, of course!
And now, he has found an additional new, equally energetic career as a bestselling author and AI visionary.
How it all began…
Born in Bridgend, Wales, to Moroccan parents and raised in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Chico spent his early years as a goat herder, with dreams of a world far beyond the mountains.
In his early teens, Chico returned to the UK unable to speak a word of English. School wasn’t easy for him and he trained as an electrical engineer, although fame came calling, seeing his life change overnight.
In 2006, he shot to national fame when ‘It's Chico Time’ became a UK No.1 smash hit. What followed was a whirlwind journey of ups and downs through music, TV, film, entrepreneurship, property, wellness, philanthropy and personal development.
“The longest journey you'll ever make is the journey from your head to your heart. Going home is an inside job," he says.
Chico’s charity work
Alongside his philanthropy projects for The Prince’s Trust, Chico founded the Rainbow Child Foundation with his wife, Daniyela Rakic Slimani sister of Wimbledon Men's Doubles Champion 2008/2009 Nenad Zimonjić and his filmmaker brother JC Mac, and took part in a promotional video of the foundation to open an orphanage in Cambodia.
Chico also took part in a Rainbow Child Foundation project in Malawi and South Africa with the charity One Water and has also teamed up with the British Eating Disorders Association (BEAT) charity, releasing a single called ‘Curvy Cola Bottle Body’ in a protest against the "size zero" phenomenon, with profits donated to the charity.
A few years ago, he famously flashed his fabulous abs live on ITV’s ‘Good Morning Britain’, saying it’s about being your authentic self and being happy within your skin, because that beauty comes from within.
“I think we should have this body positivity. Let’s not worry about how people look,” he said.
Chico’s World Cup charity single
In 2010, Chico revisited his first hit, renaming the single ‘It’s England Time’ as a cheeky play on ‘It's Chico Time’.
Using the same tune but with amended lyrics in support of the English Football Team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the song was first played on The Chris Moyles Show, with the music video shot at world famous Pinewood Studios.
Proceeds from its release went to the Rainbow Child Foundation to assist underprivileged children in Africa.
From Beverly Hills to the Cannes Film Festival
Chico recently returned from Beverly Hills, where he spent time with his brother, who directed and produced the feature film ‘The Fixer’. From there, Chico travelled directly to the Cannes Film Festival, where he represented one of his latest film projects.
His growing slate of entertainment projects includes television formats, feature films, theatre productions and new media ventures currently in development, including projects such as ‘Blag Attack’, ‘The Hustler’, ‘Has Beans’, ‘The Path Of The Masters’ plus several international TV concepts.
Despite the diverse range of businesses and creative projects, every venture ultimately serves the same purpose: helping people realise their potential.
The Secret 19 from No.1 single to No.1 bestselling author
What’s more, Yousseph “Chico” Slimani is now also a bestselling author. His Amazon No.1 bestseller book, ‘THE SECRET 19: Cancer Questions Worth Asking. What I Saw, What I Learned, and What You Should Know’, explores some of the biggest questions surrounding health, cancer and modern medicine.
The recently released book encourages readers to think critically, ask better questions, and take greater responsibility for their own health and wellbeing.
This is not just another title about cancer it is a reckoning and revelation.
In 2018, aged just 47, Chico suffered a stroke. He says his near death experience put things in perspective, impelling the spiritual star to use his energy to assist others with motivation and more.
Now in his mid 50s, the ‘X Factor’ legend has penned a book on his well researched cancer discoveries.
After losing a little brother, five uncles and over 30 loved ones to the disease, he began asking questions that most people are never encouraged to ask.
Why does modern medicine follow the same path again and again?
Why was natural healing side lined?
When did illness become an industry?
And who decides what we are allowed to question, research and choose?
Empowering readers
Written from the heart with the aim of empowering readers to think, research and decide for themselves, this is a book of questions.
‘The Secret 19’ brings together 19 principles, not as promises or miracles, but as knowledge, context and choice.
Chico says the powerful, eye opening book is for cancer enlightenment, prevention, diagnosis, and especially for those with stage four who have been told there is nothing more that can be done.
With its depth of knowledge, clarity and genuine compassion, his educational book blends deep understanding and awareness with informative guidance in a supportive way, encouraging the reader to think differently and to question in a thoughtful manner, giving readers hope, clarity, empowerment and a sense of control.
A fresh perspective on cancer & healing
Written with passion and shaped by extensive research plus a deeply rooted personal experience, ‘The Secret 19’ is a must read for anyone seeking strength through knowledge, offering a fresh perspective on cancer and healing.
The book serves as an invaluable resource, not only for those living with cancer, but also for family members and loved ones supporting someone through the illness.
Chico’s emotional journey is told with compassion, honesty, warmth and humour, alongside clear, thoughtful and practical information.
Empowering readers in their own healing journey through approaches often overlooked in mainstream conversations about health, it’s both a roadmap and catalyst, offering a more balanced, informed and holistic understanding of wellness and equipping cancer sufferers with a renewed sense of possibility and inspiration for achieving optimal health on their own terms.
The next chapter: wellness + Fashion GPS x AI
In the next issue of Events & Entertainment, Chico chats exclusively with Events & Entertainment about his transformative HU breath programmes at his wellbeing retreat and MIRROR his AI enhanced wellness platform which guides you through 10 transformative paths of self discovery.
He also talks about the ambitious new initiative his Rainbow Child Foundation is working on alongside Chico's childhood friend, Edwin Mullon, founder of Fashion GPS the pioneering technology platform that became the backbone of the world's leading fashion weeks, including London, New York, Paris and Milan.
Together, they are developing a global AI education initiative designed to help children, families and aspiring entrepreneurs access opportunities previously out of reach, with their vision evolved into HUNIVERSE an ambitious ecosystem of AI powered companies built around one core principle.
"Ethical AI helping humanity thrive, not just survive," says Chico. "We must learn to use AI before it uses us.”
In the meantime, you can book Chico to perform exclusively at your event with Events & Entertainment’s partner Professional Event & Entertainment Services see p. ?? who are offering Events & Entertainment readers a very special discount with the code EVENTS10.
When it’s Chico Time, it’s ALWAYS party time!
For further information, visit
www.eventsandentertainment.com/listing/chico
‘The Secret 19’ is available on Amazon:
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GFW8DTNT
Watch The Secret 19 trailer
