Interview: It’s Chico Time! (Again) X-Factor’s Prodigal Son Chico Slimani returns, penning knockout Muhammad Ali-inspired track G.O.A.T, forming a spiritual band and moonlighting as a Jamaican artist
Once a pop phenomenon, now a spiritual seeker, X Factor’s Chico Slimani turned life’s setbacks into inspiration…because “desperation is the mother of all inventions.”
Yousseph ‘Chico’ Slimani, the former X Factor star who first captured the nation’s attention in 2005, has lived a life that could easily fill a dozen pop biographies.
The self-proclaimed "Moroccan ex-goat herding stripper", made history as the first contestant to perform an original song on the ITV talent show. His cheeky catchphrase-inspired anthem It’s Chico Time quickly became a number-one UK hit, even nudging Madonna off the top spot in 2006, and winning the admiration of late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne.
From the bright lights of reality TV to the harsh lessons of life, Chico has experienced his fair share of ups and downs. “I ended up investing all my life savings in Dubai. Sadly, many of us got conned and lost everything,” he admits, “I was almost paralysed, but the Universe had other plans for me.”
Today, he runs successful spiritual retreats while moonlighting as a Jamaican artist, because, as he puts it, “cool DJ’s” won’t play his tunes.
We sat down with Chico to talk highs, lows, and the unexpected twists along the way, including plans to form a new band in 2026 to “bring a bit of love and light to the world, and the inspiration behind his latest collaboration with for X Faktor Latvija star Agness Jones on knockout track G.O.A.T.
The Goat // Photo Credit: Agnes Jones
What inspired you to write G.O.A.T for Agnes Jones, and what message do you hope listeners take away from it?
Chico:
The G.O.A.T was befitting of one of my favourite people in the world. Agness is just a beautiful soul with bundles of energy, hence why I called her the Latvian GOAT. Not just the greatest of all time, but when she came to my HU Breath retreat in Portugal, we often go for hikes and excursions. Everyone is taking the normal route, and when I look around, she’s already climbed some crazy hill and is standing on top like Superwoman. So I thought the song is perfect for her because it needs someone with her energy to perform it.
Agness:
One day, out of the blue, Chico messaged me and said: “I’ve written a beautiful song for you—and about you!” I was so touched. When I heard it, I absolutely loved it! It felt so genuine and full of positive energy. It was really organic and came straight from the heart, and eventually, our collaboration on G.O.A.T began.
How did the collaboration with Agnes Jones come about? What was that creative process like?
Agnes Jones // Photo Credit: X Faktors Latvia
Chico:
I spoke to Agness, and because I know her well, it was easy to put together. She heard it and loved it, so I said, “Great, now go record it.” I put her together with one of my closest friends, Danny Kirsch, who is larger than life, and I knew that they would hit it off - which they did. He’s an incredible music producer who produced many top ten hits for big stars, so it was a perfect fit.
Agness:
Chico presented me with this lovely song, and I instantly fell in love with it—the message, the energy, everything about it just felt right. He then introduced me to his very good friend, the amazing producer Danny Kirsch. I went into the studio to record it, and the whole experience was just magical. That’s really how G.O.A.T. was born!
This collaboration definitely pushed my sound and style forward. Working with Chico and Danny Kirsch opened me up to a new level of creativity and confidence. G.O.A.T. blends uplifting energy with a meaningful message, and it really encouraged me to explore a more positive, empowering side of my music. It reminded me that being authentic and spreading good energy through your art is just as powerful as the music itself.
Chico always brings this amazing, unexpected energy wherever he goes. He’s full of passion and positivity, and he has such a creative spark. In the studio, he encouraged me to really feel the message—to sing not just with my voice, but with my heart.
The title G.O.A.T suggests a theme of greatness. How do you personally define being the “Greatest of All Time”?
Chico and Agnes // Photo Credit: Agnes Jones
Chico:
To me, the G.O.A.T resonates because I love Muhammad Ali, and he was one of my inspirations along with Bruce Lee and Bob Marley. He would say, to be a champion, you gotta believe you’re the champion; if not, then make sure that the world believes that you’re the greatest. Agness’s energy is such that she embodies it. But in truth, the GOAT to me is being your authentic self, to follow your passion no matter what anyone says, and Agness is just THAT.
Agness:
Chico’s unique blend of music and spirituality definitely influenced the vibe of the song. He brings such positivity, love, and depth into his music. Both Chico and I are very spiritual people, and we really connected on another level through that. G.O.A.T. isn’t just about confidence or success—it’s about believing in yourself, staying true to your purpose, and sharing light with others.
G.O.A.T. is definitely a bold title! Chico came up with the concept and explained that it stands for “Greatest of All Time,” but not in an ego-driven way—it’s about self-belief, inner strength, and embracing your true potential. The song is to inspire people to be their best selves and to shine their light without fear. The message is all about confidence, positivity, and love—and that’s something both Chico and I deeply believe in.
How does this song reflect your growth or changes as an artist compared to your earlier work?
Chico:
I have many different styles, and I’ve written for many artists - from serious ballads to dance music, to pop and rock. As a matter of fact, I just did a song called Rainbow, which was number 1 in 5 major dance charts around the world - Latin, Africa, Europe, and North America. But it was under an alias name, so no one knows it’s me because, unfortunately, people only know Chico Time. And cool DJs would never play a song by me, so there’s always a different way of skinning a cat. I just changed my name, and they all thought I was a Jamaican artist. Boom.
Agness:
I would love to work with Chico again—and in fact, we’re already in talks to create another song. We share such a beautiful connection, both musically and spiritually, and working with him always feels inspiring and effortless. Chico has such a positive, uplifting energy, and I’d love to continue exploring that spiritual side through my music.
WATCH: The G.O.A.T
You run a spiritual retreat alongside your music career. How do those two worlds influence each other?
It’s my two passions: HU Breath and music, so it’s a wonderful way to express myself. I create all the music for the HU Breath retreats, and if you hear this music, you will never know it’s me, as it’s mystical, chanty, and just soul-lifting. When people hear the music and do the breath, many have a transcendental, out-of-body experience. Again, the music comes through me, not from me - that’s why it resonates with people’s hearts.
What led you to start the spiritual retreat, and how has that experience transformed your perspective on creativity and life?
My journey with spirituality started in South Africa in 2002 in Cape Town as I was almost paralysed, but the Universe had other plans for me. I had great success with my number one on The X Factor, and ended up investing all my life savings in Dubai - sadly, many of us got conned and lost everything. So I am of the mindset that God obviously has a bigger plan for me, and as they say, desperation is the mother of all inventions. So I created a brand called Block Fit, which is dance, combat, HIIT, yoga, and meditation.
I trained over 750 instructors and got into 69 Duncan Bannatyne gyms for over 3 years. Then COVID happened, and I had many men friends sadly take their own lives because they didn’t see a way out. I saw the pain and suffering of the world and thought there must be something I can do.
So I created HU Breath, which is an offshoot of Block Fit to go deeper into the psyche, the trauma, and the basis of our sufferings - and bang, it happened. I was very vocal during the pandemic, which basically closed all doors for me, but I was passionate about my mission and vision. So I stuck to my guns and probably lost over a quarter-million in revenue.
I lost my contract TV work, gigs - the lot - and when the Universe writes something for you, it happens. I got a phone call from my beloved friend Mo in Portugal, and he said, “Come, bring the fam to the villa.” I said that I couldn’t afford it. He said, “It’s only £132.” I said, “I know, but I have the fam here, I can’t afford it.” He said, “No, for all of you.” I said, “No way.” Sure enough, I got on the net and managed to pay £86 for all of us, including a car hire for 10 days in August 2020. We had the time of our lives, and as I was going, he said, “Chico, why don’t you hold a retreat here? I have already done one in the Atlas Mountains the year before.” I said, “Mo, I can’t afford it.” He said, “Don’t worry, just use the villa, and if you make some money, make a contribution; if not, don’t worry.” Sure enough, 3 weeks later, we did our first one.
Through word of mouth, we did 3 consecutive ones, and that’s when the birth of HU Breath retreats began. It’s become the home of HU Breath so much so that I am now a resident of Portugal, and I am taking the villa on for the whole year next year, so I can’t wait to welcome some of you to enjoy the magic. We are on our 28th one, with over 600 happy HU Breath warriors.
Do you find that the themes you explore in your music are informed by your spiritual journey? If so, how?
I write so many different styles - reggae, afrobeats, reggaeton, Arabic music, Latin - so I’m not defined by a style; I am defined by soul music. By that, I mean I get a melody in my head, and when I wake up singing the next day or just can’t get it off my mind, then I know it’s got something. I’ve written a magnificent reggae-type Bob Marley album, and when people hear the songs, they simply can’t believe it. So in 2026, I will form a band and try to bring a bit of love and light to the world.
That said, I have written spiritual ones too—from all the downloads I had when I had my awakenings. I turned them into songs, much like RUMI’s poetry, and that’s where my heart is right now.
How do you balance the energy and demands of the music industry with the calm and introspection required for spiritual work?
They work hand in hand, much like two faces of the same coin. They are both a passion. As the great Lao Tzu said: “Find a job you love, and you will never have to do a day’s work in your life.” So it’s a win-win for me. I LOVE IT.
For someone interested in exploring spirituality but also pursuing a creative career, what advice would you give based on your own path?
You can explore spirituality and still pursue a creative career, as long as you make spirituality your number-one focus. I’ll tell you why: spirituality is the foundation of all happiness, contentment, self-reflection, and ascension.
Coming from the fame game - which I call the “lame game” - sadly, people buy into the hype and the bullshit because fame pertains to the EGO. The ego is a bottomless pit that never says thank you.
Spirituality, on the other hand, feeds the soul, which is the essence of what it is to be human. Spirituality enhances everything in your life. It gives you tools to excel - not only mentally, but also physically and spiritually. And as you are tapped or connected to Source, the creative downloads you get are from another dimension.
So my advice is: you must have your non-negotiable. When you wake up, put your phone away, move, breathe, meditate, and connect. This is your shield and armour. You set your intention, and then you’re off the battlefield called life. This can be as little as 5 or 10 minutes a day. Consistency is key - and as we know, the tortoise wins the race.
I call this the P’s: persistence, patience, and perseverance.
Has working on your spiritual retreat changed the way you approach songwriting or performing?
Yes, massively. Before, I would write following a trend or task from a record company, but now I write from my heart and soul, following no style or path. Whatever gets inspired gets written.
The trick is this: once the ego comes into it and says, “I wrote that,” it ceases to be great. Because if you ask the greatest writers - for example, Imagine by John Lennon - when asked how long it took him to write, he said 15 minutes. Real artists, real songs that stand the test of time, come from somewhere outside of you. You are just the instrument by which the song was written.
What do you hope people feel or experience when they attend your retreat or listen to your music?
Spiritual Chico // Photo Credit: Chico Slimani
Well, I’ve hosted over 28 retreats in 5 years with over 600 people. I can honestly say it’s one of the most humbling experiences of my life. Seeing people arrive on a Sunday laden with heaviness, anxiety, depression, and the troubles of the world, and when they leave Saturday, they have transformed into something beautiful. I call this the butterfly effect.
The caterpillar was so sick and tired of being a caterpillar, she grew wings and became a butterfly. This is pretty much the HU Breath message. I always tell people in the beginning, in our opening circle: I am not your guru, teacher, or preacher. I am but a pointer to your own truth. So just surrender, learn self-love, humility, and gratitude, and magic happens.
We’ve had people have out-of-body experiences, Kundalini or Holy Spirit activations, divine orgasms. We’ve had people get answers from loved and deceased departed family members and friends. Some get visits from their spiritual master, like Jesus, who has appeared many times. And some just have a blissful, tranquil time.
The retreat isn’t all sweetness and light, because the breath can awaken childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, abandonment, etc. So we do say, “Ok, now that’s come, let’s address it.” By Friday, we end with a beautiful cacao ceremony, where I make people write all the things that no longer serve them. We do a fire ceremony called the triple F: Face it, Feel it, Free it, and sometimes we add another F—F**k it—because that’s also a mantra, and burn it in the fire of truth. That’s when the real healing takes place.
The beautiful thing about our retreats is we combine them with the best food, the best excursions, etc. So, though you are getting the healing, you are also experiencing the most breathtaking beaches and places you can dream of.
The good thing is we have a 40-day follow-up program that people can do to keep them on track, because the retreat is the kickstart; the work you do after is where you can make that everlasting change.
I will be launching the HU Breath and Block Fit app in January, which has everything in it—from workouts to breathwork, self-help, amazing nutrition with over 240 recipes (meat, fish, vegetarian, vegan, keto, paleo, smoothies, snacks, everything is in there). You can even become an instructor and earn money helping others, or become an affiliate.
Are there any upcoming projects where you plan to blend your spiritual insights more explicitly with your music?
I am already doing it. I still do about 40 gigs a year and pantomime. I give my audience the experience, and when the spiritual energy is flowing, I hit them with it, and it becomes a beautiful blend of body, mind, and soul.
How do you envision your future—more music, more spiritual work, or a blend of both?
Both. I am a great believer in “why not?” Some people say “why?” I say “why not?” Some see a problem; I see a solution. Some see a stumbling block; I see a stepping stone. So my mindset is set on the PMA—positive mental attitude. I only see “I can” in “I can’t,” and “won” in a “won’t.”
Finally, what’s one thing about Chico Silmani that most people might not know but that you wish more people understood?
When people meet me or spend time with me, they all say, “OMG! I never knew you were like this.” Most people only know me from the X Factor; they pigeonhole you. But when they see that was just a small part of what I do, they are shocked.
Not many people know about my charity, Rainbow Child Foundation. We’ve reached over 100,000 children and families around the world, but I don’t brag about it, as I see it as a gift back to Source/HU for the gifts bestowed upon me.
But in truth, all I want is to see people happy and becoming the best version of themselves. In a crazy, divided world, through division, schism, and racism, I want the world to wake up, remove all titles other than to say “I AM HUMAN,” and treat others as we want to be treated. I’m a very simple man, and what I wish to see is humans awaken to their true nature, ascend, and comprehend that we are only visitors here, guiding each other home.
So with HU Breath, that is the message of love and hope.
Your HU Breath retreats are known for their transformative experiences. Can you share a particularly memorable moment from one of these retreats that deeply impacted you?
There are too many to count, but there was one two years ago that made me cry like a baby. We had a beautiful bunch of ladies, and one was called Sarah. She is visually impaired and wears thick glasses. Whenever we took a group picture, she would stand sideways. I never questioned it, but on the last day of the cacao ceremony, I asked her why. She said that when she was eight years old, her parents told her she must stand sideways because they were embarrassed of her. That had a lasting impact on her life.
I said, “Sarah, today I want you to stand facing the camera. Do you think you can?” She said, “I will try.” When we got to the fire ceremony and burnt her piece of paper, she looked at me, took off her glasses, and said, “Chico, today I feel beautiful.” She has never ever taken a side picture since. That really touched my heart. That’s why we must be kind and mindful of what we say. Sometimes you may say something in passing, but it can have a lifelong impact on someone.
Some might say your spiritual endeavours are a way to reinvent yourself. What would you say?
Yes, 100%. You owe it to yourself to go on a retreat or a period of seclusion. The system has indoctrinated us into believing something we are not, or becoming something we are not. In the West especially, you are told to be the best, to achieve, to be number one, etc. But indigenous people live in communities - it’s all for one and one for all. We are all of the same body. If the toe hurts, the whole body hurts.
This is what it’s like to try to be spiritual. Spirituality is not sitting in a lotus position chanting with a bind in the middle of your forehead. Spirituality is to know yourself, to know your faults, and to busy yourself correcting them. That’s why I recommend everyone do that at least once in their lifetime.
You were the first X Factor contestant to perform an original song. Was that a bold move or a stroke of genius? Looking back, would you have done anything differently?
It's Chico Time// Photo Credit: Famous
Yes, I was the first to do it ever. I set a standard, if you will. The song was by accident - too long to explain - but I was going to quit the X Factor halfway through.
After talking to Mark [Hudson] and Sharon [Osbourne], they convinced me to stay. I walked in, and he said in his strong New York accent, “My brudaaah, to thyself be true. You have a gift, and you can’t fool children. People love you because of your light, your heart.”
And I said, “You’re right. You can get delirious if you take life too seriously.” And he said, “That’s right, my brudah, ‘cause it’s Chico Time.” And he said, “Hey, that’s a song!” So we went in, recorded, and played it to Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne. He loved it. He called Simon Cowell, and the rest is history.
After It’s Chico Time, you released Curvy Cola Bottle Body in 2007. What was the inspiration behind it, and how did it reflect your personal journey?
The song was written for Beat, which was an anorexia and bulimia charity. At the time, it was all about size zero and wafer-thin models, etc. Anyway, I parted with the record company and financed it myself. Anyhow, that’s when I knew you can’t beat the system.
We spent almost £200K on video, promotion, etc., but if you don’t get radio play, you can’t really have a hit. It entered at 41, which is one shy of the top 40. If that had happened, they would have had to play it, and it would have reached many people. But sadly, I found out years later from a massive DJ. I asked, “Why didn’t you play the song?” He said, “I wanted to, but the powers that be said NO.”
But my greatest joy - which was more than a No. A woman came to see me in Butlins with her 12-year-old daughter. She said, “I just want to thank you for saving my daughter’s life.” I said, “Oh really? How?” She said, “She was suffering from body dysmorphia and stopped eating, and there was nothing we could do. But she’s such a big fan—when she heard your song, she started eating, and look at her now.”
That was another wow, humbling moment. So that inspired this quote: Never underestimate the smallness of your action, because it can be the bigness of someone else’s tomorrow.
In 2018, you suffered a stroke. That must have been a wake-up call. How did that experience change your outlook on life and your career?
That experience changed everything. I had a near-death experience, and even now the doctors still don’t know what caused it. Later, I was told by my spiritual master that it was a spiritual matter to bring me back to my soul’s mission. Sometimes the Universe has to b**ch-slap you into doing what your soul contract was destined to do.
I love Agnes because we’re rebels with a cause. I call it a stroke of luck. When life gets too much, and I want to complain, I always go back to that moment in the car park having a near-death experience. In that moment, nothing else mattered. I always suggest to people: find a moment you can refer back to, to put things in perspective.
You've been open about your health struggles. How has your journey with wellness influenced your music and spiritual practices?
I’ve been healthy all my life. The stroke was an anomaly and out of the ordinary. But when something like a stroke or a tragedy happens, it tends to change your perspective on life. I don’t really sweat the small stuff, and I don’t get disappointed if I lose the big stuff. To me, it’s very simple: your health is your wealth.
If you have a roof over your head, enough food on the table, and are surrounded by loved ones, you are already richer than 90% of the world. But richness is not material - it’s richness of the heart and soul. That which cannot be bought or sold, though many try, especially in the music business.
I go to the wonderful Master Jesus’ quote: “What does it benefit a person to gain the world but sell their soul?”
Balancing fame, family, and spirituality can’t be easy. How do you manage to keep your personal life grounded amidst your public persona?
Absolutely. Spirituality connects all the dots. It makes every aspect of your life better. I know this for a fact, because I experienced both sides. Once you connect to Source and have direct contact - awakened to that truth as an experiential reality - your life will never be the same. Nothing in this world - money, fame, position of power - can even come close.
The similitude here is like a drop and the riches of the world as an ocean. It’s incomparable. The greatest thing a person can do is to be a drop and reunite with the ocean. That’s when all richness is added onto you.
In your earlier days, you were known for your flamboyant style and energetic performances. Do you ever miss the spotlight, or have you fully embraced your new path?
No, I still do the same thing now. I still do between 3–40 gigs a year. The performer is always there, in a different guise. But I am completely different when I facilitate my HU Breath retreat. I become an instrument of the Divine to impart whatever medicine it’s willing to give to that person. I have no doing of my own in it, other than to hold space. The HU does what it needs to do, so I surrender and oblige.
Looking ahead, do you see yourself returning to music, or is your focus solely on spiritual growth and teaching?
I live for today and let my life unfold. I set my intention. I create these wellness brands and charities, and my wish every morning is to connect to Source and say: Lead the way. May you give me the strength to help those who know not and those whom time forgot. Let your beautiful will be DONE.
