Chelcee Grimes has said a gesture from former Liverpool player Ryan Babel changed her life, as she prepares to take part in the Game4Hope charity match at Goodison Park on Saturday, September 26.
The 34-year-old from Liverpool, who has collaborated with stars including Dua Lipa, Calvin Harris and Zara Larsson, told the ECHO in an exclusive interview that she does not believe in impostor syndrome. She said she had worked hard for her success and was not an overnight triumph.
From Aigburth to global success
Born in Aigburth before moving to Wavertree, Chelcee said the city gave her the strength and resilience to push down barriers. She credited her Scouse identity for much of her drive, saying: "I'm not special at all. I honestly think half of it is just being Scouse."
Alongside her music career, Chelcee played football for Everton, Tottenham and Fulham. She said: "If you cut me down the middle, I'm half football and I'm half music."
Reunion with Ryan Babel at Game4Hope
At the Game4Hope, Chelcee will play for Team Merseyside alongside Toni Duggan and Natasha Dowie, facing a Rest of the World team featuring Cafu, Rivaldo and Clarence Seedorf. The match raises money for Everton in the Community and homelessness charity Shelter.
She will reunite on the pitch with Ryan Babel, who gave her an early break when she won a music competition with Juice FM at age 16. She recalled: "I ended up winning. I don't know how as I only knew four chords on a piano." Babel later let her record in his studio and attend matches with his family.
Giving back to family and city
Chelcee said Babel still messages her, and she hopes to create more opportunities for young people in Liverpool so they do not have to move away. She now looks after her mum, who previously worked at Primark, and her sister, who is on an apprenticeship with her.
The Game4Hope takes place at Goodison Park on Saturday, September 26, with ticket details available on Everton's official ticketing website.
