I Will Always Sing

I AM CHICO —well, Jahloul Bouchikhi is my real name—but everyone knows me as Chico. I was born and raised in Arles, a small town in the south of France, where the rhythms of flamenco and the pulse of the Gypsy culture surrounded me. In the 1970s, I co-founded a group called Los Reyes, which became the Gipsy Kings in 1981. We made music that connected the heartbeats of the South of France with the world, blending flamenco with rumba, pop, and Latin rhythms. Our sound resonated so deeply that it took us from the summer nights of Saint-Tropez to stages across the globe. Along the way, we sold over 30 million albums, and our hit single Baila Me became a worldwide anthem. But in 1991, after years of success, I was ousted from the group I had helped create. It was a painful moment, but it also led me to a new beginning: I formed Chico & the Gypsies and, once again, the music kept flowing.

But what I haven’t shared publicly until now is the deeper story behind the music. Yes, I was one of the creators of the Gipsy Kings, but here’s the twist: I’m not actually Gypsy. It’s strange, but the Gypsy culture found me, and somehow, I became its ambassador. I learned the language of their music and the power of their rhythms—and in turn, I brought that message to the world. It’s a story that’s both my own and theirs, a unique blend of fate and passion.

One of the hardest moments of my life came with the tragic loss of my brother, killed by the Mossad in a case of mistaken identity. It was a blow that sent shockwaves through my life. Yet, in the chaos that followed, music became my refuge. I found myself performing in front of ecstatic crowds around the world, but also sitting across from political figures like Yasser Arafat and Shimon Peres, helping celebrate the Oslo Accords. It was surreal to think that, somehow, my journey had brought me to such a pivotal moment in history. I became a symbol of reconciliation between cultures, bridging the gap with nothing but music and a message of peace.

Along the way, I had the honor of meeting and collaborating with some of the biggest names in entertainment—Johnny Hallyday, Brigitte Bardot, Charles Aznavour, and Elton John, to name just a few. These stars all left their mark on me, and I carry their energy with me. But beyond the lights of fame, music remained my constant, the thing that tied everything together. It took me from Arles to the world stage and, through it all, I found that the rhythm of a song could heal wounds—personal, cultural, and political.

Now, for the first time, I’m sharing my full story in my book Chico: Under the Gypsy Stars, My Life with the Gypsies. It’s a journey of music, loss, and unexpected turns—a life I never could have imagined but am proud to have lived. It’s the story of a man who wasn’t born into the Gypsy culture but became one of its greatest champions.

The book is not just my story; it’s the story of music, passion, and survival. It’s a journey that’s far from over. Because this story—my story—is as much yours as it is mine. And, like the music, it’s a journey that never truly ends.

And, on a personal note, I am also pleased to share that I’ve had the honor of being a contributing writer to a very prestigious magazine—The Monegasque™, a publication I hold in high regard. It’s a wonderful platform where I can share more of my thoughts, my experiences, and the lessons I’ve learned over the years.

By Chico Bouchikhi

Contributor