Chico (Born Patrick Oneil Walker a 70’s kid) is a popular Jamaican singer/singjay, who is well known for the distinctive unforgettable ‘It Go So Now’ – a track that is a showstopper on many a Dancehall Session, club, dub plate or mixtape.
Early Life
Being the only son in a family full of girls, Chico’s childhood took him from the quaint town of Marverly, to Spanish Town via Portmore then later settling in one of Jamaica’s widely known communities; Waterhouse. It was here that he was given the nickname Patchico by several of his new friends, though he had a multi-ethnic look, Chinese was the most dominant feature noticed. The name Chico was the final result as the shortened version of this new nickname.
While many entertainers have had the ambition for artistry and the entertainment industry since childhood, Chico however, was on a steady business path, as he was focused on being an Accountant since high school at St. Catherine High. However, as fate would have it, while singing in church as a soloist, he developed the thirst for performing and something solidified deep within his soul; singing was his calling.
Career
Much like ministry, the trek into the music industry had its challenges. Taking on a job after high school, Chico eventually made his way to the famed King Jammys studio, in his Waterhouse locale. Soon after, Chico was a fixture at the Main Street studios where he quickly became a part of the growing talent associated with the studio. However, it was not until five years later that the young star would realize success. After recording a Tevin Campbell cover he came out with a string of hits, which began with ‘Stamina Body’ in 1998, produced by Richard Browne, nephew of Danny Browne the owner of Main Street studios. This introduced Chico’s velvety voice into the open arms of Dancehall fans. He quickly backed this up with ‘Mek Noise’ recorded with producer Donovan Germaine for the Penthouse Label. His first major international performance was at the AT&T Amphi theatre in Miami where he performed alongside Beres Hammond and Buju Banton.
His breakthrough was in 2000, when Chico managed to do what most artists in Jamaica seek out to accomplish in the duration of their career; record with the esteemed producer Dave Kelly. Together they laced the track ‘Naah Stoop’ featuring Goofy. Shortly after, Chico was associated with Dave’s own Madhouse Records Camp, recording hits like; ‘Yuh No Care’, ‘Enemy’ and ‘Have Your Own’. Sticking with the crème de la crème of producers has awarded Chico solid selector favorites like ‘Hold Yuh Man’ with Jermey Harding, ‘Rail Up’ with Richie D, ‘Pavarotti’ with Maximum Sound’s Frenchie, ‘Hard’, ‘Grudgeful’, ‘Nah Support Dem’ with Call me Shams, ‘So Fly’, ‘Galivant’, ‘Nuh Worry dem’ on Troyton Rami’s Black Shadow, ‘Chemistry’ on Robert Livingston’s BigYard, ‘No Change’, ‘Pop No Style’ and many more!.
In 2003, Chico recorded the Delly Ranx produced collaboration ‘Ganja Breed’ with dancehall Superstar, Sean Paul for Sean’s Platinum selling ‘Dutty Rock’ album. While the song wasn’t released as a single, it garnered Chico his first Grammy Award.
Chico also linked up with the other formidable Kelly producer; Tony CD Kelly, who’s timeless riddims have helped add top quality music to his catalog with tunes such as; ‘Lock Di Endz’ and ‘Me Dat.’
With a worldwide focus, Chico recorded the hit single ‘Hey Sexy Wow’ in 2005 with Universal France’s Lord Kossity, which resulted in a number one hit for both artists. Other song collaborations include ‘Booty Call’ and ‘Hotel Room’ with a video shot on the island of La Reunion in France. The song got a lot of play on MTV Europe.
Locally, Chico’s collaboration with Alozade for his song ‘Bad Out Deh’, ‘Screwface’ & Bad Man Nuh Pet Gal also featuring Kiprich resulted in a resurgence of his popularity. With over 100 songs to his credit, Chico has a solid catalog allowing him to tour worldwide in countries such as; Canada, Costa Rica, England, Japan, St. Vincent, the US, and Germany where he has performed three times at the annual German Splash where he was very well received.
