Chico Slimani facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chico Slimani
Slimani in 2007
Background information
Birth name	Yousseph Slimani
Also known as	Chico
Born	1971 (age 53–54) Bridgend, Wales
Genres	Pop, Latin
Occupation(s)	Singer, actor
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	2005–present
Labels	Sony BMG

Yousseph "Chico" Slimani (born in 1971) is a Welsh singer who became famous in the United Kingdom after he appeared on the talent show The X Factor in 2005. He reached the quarter-finals of the show.

In 2006, he had a number one hit song in the UK called "It's Chico Time". He also appeared on the reality TV show CelebAir in 2008, where he finished in third place.

Early Life

Yousseph Slimani was born in Bridgend, Wales. When he was two years old, he moved to Morocco to live on his family's farm. He returned to the United Kingdom when he was 14. After school, he trained to be an electrical engineer.

Chico always wanted a career in entertainment. He worked as a dancer and entertainer. He also wrote and recorded his own songs. In 2004, he co-wrote and starred in a short film called Winner Takes All.

Music Career

The X Factor Journey

Chico's first audition for The X Factor was a memorable one. Judge Simon Cowell was not impressed at first, but judges Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne voted him through to the next round.

His mentor on the show was Sharon Osbourne. For one performance at her house, he jumped into a swimming pool while singing, which helped him get into the live shows.

At first, some people made fun of Chico, but he soon won over the audience with his fun and energetic performances. He became the first contestant on the show to sing a song he wrote himself. The song was called "It's Chico Time" and was named after his famous catchphrase. He would ask the audience, "What time is it?" and they would shout back, "It's Chico Time!"

Even Simon Cowell changed his mind, calling Chico a "born entertainer." Chico was voted out in the quarter-finals, but he had already become a star.

Hit Songs and Tours

After The X Factor, Chico released "It's Chico Time" as a single in February 2006. It went straight to number one on the UK Singles Chart and stayed there for two weeks.

His next single was a cover of the song "D.I.S.C.O." by the band Ottawan. He changed the lyrics to spell out his own name. He also released a song called "Curvy Cola Bottle Body" in 2007. The money from this song went to a charity that helps people with eating disorders.

Chico has toured all over the UK, performing at places like Butlins. He also recorded a song for the England football team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup called "It's England Time."

Television and Film Appearances

Chico has appeared on many TV shows. He was a contestant on Dancing on Ice in 2012, where he finished in third place. He also competed on Celebrity Total Wipeout and won money for charity on the game show Pointless.

Some of his other TV appearances include:

• The Weakest Link
• Never Mind the Buzzcocks
• Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway
• Celebrity Juice

He has also acted in a few films, including the 2004 short film Winner Takes All and the 2009 boxing movie 45.

Personal Life and Charity Work

Chico is married to Daniyela Rakic-Slimani. They have a daughter named Lalla-Khira and a son named Zacharia. In 2018, Chico recovered after having a serious health issue called a stroke.

Chico is very involved in charity work. He started the Rainbow Child Foundation with his wife to help children in need. He has traveled to countries like Cambodia and Malawi to help open orphanages and install special water pumps called Play Pumps.

The money from his single "It's England Time" also went to his foundation to help children in Africa.

Discography

Singles