Chico & The Gypsies
Jahloul “Chico” Bouchiki founded the hugely successful Gypsy Kings before setting up Chico & The Gypsies. Chico\'s story is remarkable, sometimes triumphant, sometimes tragic. A story of being in a certain place at a certain time. From a Gypsy to a Special Envoy For Peace with UNESCO.
Through his own Bouchiki family he came in contact with the children of the most famous gypsy in Arles, France, namely Jose Reyes. Like all gypsies, Jose Reyes lived in a caravan and camped in the Bouchiki\'s neighbourhood. His exceptional voice had made him one of the most famous gypsies in France and throughout the World. His only rival in talent and renown was no one other than his cousin, the famous guitarist Manitas De Plata. Jose and Manitas were already playing together in some of the most prestigious venues in the world when Chico came into their lives. Los Reyes was formed and became the favourite of many famous stars like Brigitte Bardot.
With Los Reyes, he discovered his vocation as a musician and composer. He was also to be their manager, their spokesman and the person who looked after every last detail of their daily lives. In 1983, confident of the groups success, Chico renamed the group from Los Reyes to The Gypsy Kings. Chico: "I was convinced about the worldwide appeal of our music and we needed a passport to success, hence the new name". Unfortunately some record producers did not agree and it threatened the band\'s existence but Chico was sure the band would be the success and worked even harder.
Eventually the Gypsy Kings were signed to a record label, and in 1989 they sold 3 million albums and were destined to receive 15 Gold Discs. However, in 1991 Chico decided to leave the group due to problems with management. Chico is an optimist and life has been good for him. He has known hard times and 1991 was a very bad year for him. He lost his baby, his father and the Gypsy Kings. He survived these blows of fate and started again with renewed strength. He formed Chico & The Gypsies with younger musicians from Arles and Montpelier. As Producer and Artistic Director he is re-creating the music of the past hits, writing new songs still with a gypsy flavour but more influenced by the wide variety of Romany music than before. The first album by Chico & The Gypsies, Vagabundo, sold over 200,000 albums on top of singles sales. The second album Nomade featured Chico\'s interpretation of some of the old Gypsy Kings hits alongside excellent new material and is still selling well. The third album Freedom was released worldwide in 2005 and is forecasted to bring the band the global success they deserve.
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