Chico Slimani
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Chico Slimani | ||
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 Chico Slimani performing during the second series of the X Factor.
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| Background information | ||
| Birth name | Yousseph Slimani | |
| Also known as | Chico | |
| Origin |  Wales |
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| Genre(s) | Pop | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer | |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals | |
| Years active | 2006–present | |
| Label(s) | Sony BMG | |
Yousseph Slimani (born April 2, 1971), known as Chico, is a British pop singer of Moroccan descent who rose to prominence in the United Kingdom after reaching the semi-finals of the 2005 series of the talent show The X Factor.
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[edit] Early life
Chico Slimani was born in Wales to a Sunni Muslim mother and Sufi Muslim father, but when his parents split up he went to live with his grandparents in Morocco when Chico was a 2. During his time in Morocco, Chico worked as a mountain goat herder but when he was thirteen years old, he decided to move back to the UK, living in Crawley, West Sussex.
Chico was popular in school but was bullied as well. He joined exotic dance troupe Extreme Force and became a stripping duo with his friend Matt Linham. They then became fairly big in the profession and went by the name of mac attack. when he desperately needed to raise money to help his grandmother back to health. Chico had several different jobs, including hairdresser and electrician.
In 2005, Chico auditioned for The X Factor. He says he practiced his singing mostly in the bathroom, and he grew up with Arabic and Indian music.
[edit] The X Factor
During The X Factor competition, Chico was mentored by manager Sharon Osbourne. His dancing impressed the judges, and he was popular with viewers, but he failed to reach the final of the ITV talent show, being voted out in the third from last episode. It was eventually won by singer Shayne Ward in December 2005. Slimani had originally planned to release his single, which he performed during the talent show, before Christmas. "I'm absolutely loving every minute of it, and looking forward to releasing the single at last," he was stated as saying.
[edit] Music career
Chico released his debut single, "It's Chico Time", in February 2006, entering the UK Singles Chart at number one on 5 March 2006. He also took part in a nationwide X Factor tour, which began in Newcastle upon Tyne. "It's Chico Time" remained at number one for two weeks. Chico's follow up single, a cover of the song "D.I.S.C.O." entered the chart at number twenty-four the following August.
[edit] Film career
Chico is involved with a production company called Unity Films, and his daughter appeared in one of their short films, Left Holding Baby, for which Chico composed the music. He also stars in the company's upcoming feature film Lunchbox, which is loosely based upon his days as a stripper.
[edit] Personal life
Chico is currently living with his long-time girlfriend and they have a daughter named Lalla-Khira.
[edit] Charity work
Slimani has helped the Rainbow Foundation to open an orphanage in Cambodia.
[edit] Discography
[edit] Singles
- "It's Chico Time" (2006) — 27 February 2006, UK #1 (two weeks)
- "D.I.S.C.O." (2006) — 14 August 2006, UK #24
- "Naughty" May 2007 TBA
[edit] See also
- The X Factor UK series 2
- Shayne Ward, winner of X Factor series 2
- Andy Abraham, 2nd placed finalist
- Journey South, 3rd placed finalist
