From her groundbreaking debut album Isolation to her evolving artistry, Kali Uchis is the embodiment of creativity and reinvention, seamlessly navigating the intersections of R&B, pop, reggaeton and beyond…  

Under the glow of all the shining bright lights, Kali Uchis is a vision. The multi award-winning singer-songwriter, known for her genre-blurring artistry, gives off a calm intensity on screen that mirrors the sound of her music. She is as enigmatic as her sound, a harmonious blend of sensuality, nostalgia and boldness. 

The roots of a star

Born in Alexandria, Virginia (across the river from Washington DC), Kali’s early years were a transitory dance between two worlds. Spending a lot of time in Pereira, Colombia, she developed a deep connection to her bi-cultural (Colombian-American) heritage. Growing up the youngest of five kids in an immigrant and working-class home, she attended T.C. Williams High School, where the Denzel Washington movie Remember the Titans was filmed.   

Kali was always musically inclined, even as a teen. She turned her attention to learning how to play the piano and saxophone, and played in the school jazz band. No stranger to family issues and financial struggles, she also had a rebellious streak that set her apart.  

“I grew up being very different and being ready to fight people. I wanted to stand up for myself and I wanted to not let anyone think they know me based on appearances, so I was always just fighting back with people,” she told the NME Network. “I experienced people not really believing in me, and feeling that I wasn’t going to go anywhere with my life… I’ve always been someone who, without wanting to or without trying to, I draw attention to myself sometimes in negative ways. It made me sharp and it made me quick.”  

Aside from music, Kali often skipped classes to spend time in the photo lab and making experimental short films. Her interest in photography led to her creating mixtape cover art for other musicians. Skipping class and breaking the curfew set by her parents led to her being kicked out of her home.  

During this time, she lived in her car and wrote songs on her keyboard, which would later form her mixtape, Drunken Babble (2012). A kaleidoscope of lo-fi, soul and doo-wop, it hinted at the artist she would become. “I made 17 songs in one night,” she told the BBC. “I didn’t really expect anyone to hear it.” 

Turns out, this mixtape got the attention of greats like Snoop Dogg, Gorillaz and Tyler The Creator, opening doors for collaborations. She was well on her way to millions of streams and views on YouTube. “I like to be able to let my fans into my life… To connect with them in a personal way and not just have them see the parts you want them to see.” 

Breaking through 

Kali’s career-defining moment came in 2018 with the release of Isolation, an album that critics hailed as a modern masterpiece for its theme: the power of solitude. Featuring collaborations with artists like Jorja Smith, Steve Lacy and Tyler The Creator, the album showcased Kali’s versatility and refusal to be boxed in. Tracks like ‘After the Storm’ and ‘Nuestro Planeta’ merged English and Spanish lyrics, a nod to her identity. 

“It’s fun for me to write music in Spanglish. I grew up reading and writing in Spanish before English. I went to school in Colombia for years, and then I came back and went to school in the United States. I had the bi-cultural experience, and it’s deeply embedded in my writing process,” she told Vulture magazine. 

“The biggest challenge is not creative – it’s when marketing and capitalism come into play. The question is always: “Where are you from, Colombia or America?” I’m a dual citizen! “Dual citizen, okay, but what genre are you doing? What language do you speak?” It’s hard for people to wrap their head around it.”  

The authenticity paid off. Isolation became a cultural touchstone, resonating with a generation hungry for genre-defying music. It was proof that Kali’s vision – a blend of sultry vocals, retro aesthetics and emotional vulnerability – could transcend borders and languages. 

For Kali, the album was more than a musical achievement; it was a personal testimony to finding clarity. “Every song is related back to being your own person, being fine with solitude,” she told GQ. “For the majority of people, being alone is their biggest fear. But the reality of it is, we’re born alone and we die alone. We’re alone in the world. And that’s okay.” 

@kaliuchis♬ Never Be Yours – Kali Uchis

A multi-dimensional muse 

Kali’s artistic vision extends beyond music. She knows a thing or two about video production, which she taught herself along the way. Her first music videos were filmed using handheld cameras without a team. She also edited them herself. “I have always considered myself a visual artist. I have always enjoyed making videos, developing my own photographs, making collages and expressing myself through different visual arts.  

“Music developed in parallel to that. I wrote my songs, I sang, I played the piano, the saxophone, I joined several bands… And at a certain point, I combined the two, images and music. To tell you the truth, I decided to make my first mixtape because I wanted to make videos! So yes, images play a big role in my music. And I think I’ve managed to build a very strong visual identity,” she told Antidote magazine.   

Kali hopes to become a movie director and producer someday, rather than sticking only to music. “I wanna expand into making films and TV shows, maybe doing creative direction. I really like movies about drug lords and crime, with a strong female lead. I love the movie Gia. I feel like I can just really relate to characters that are really dysfunctional! Making a movie is just such a dream of mine,” she told Dazed magazine.  

It’s not surprising that Kali has also cleverly crafted her visual aesthetic. Known for her impeccable style, she often channels Old Hollywood glamour, but adds a modern twist. Think curve-hugging satin dresses, dramatic cat-eye make-up and unapologetic femininity. Her look is as much a statement as her music – a celebration of individuality and self-expression.   “I feel like fashion is about being innovative and being able to turn something into something else, making it cool, and making it
your own.” 

Her storytelling also includes her commitment to social issues. As an outspoken advocate for immigrant rights and LGBTQ+ communities, Kali uses her platform to amplify marginalised voices. She’s unafraid to call out injustices, whether through her music or social media. 

“I don’t like to see people using their power over others, trying to hurt people who are weak or poor, or people with darker skin or anyone who doesn’t have as much privilege. It makes me so angry. I want to fight for people. I want to be able to make some kind of difference in the world,” she told Fader.  

Finding joy in reinvention 

In 2020, Kali shifted gears with her second album, Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) – translation: Fearless (of Love and Other Demons), which was her first predominantly Spanish-language project. Drawing heavily from reggaeton and bolero influences, the album was a love letter to her roots. Tracks like ‘Telepatía’ became global hits, catapulting her to new heights of fame.  

Then came the albums Red Moon in Venus (2023) and last year’s Orquídeas (‘Orchids’), which received multiple award nominations. From exploring the cosmic power of love and the divine feminine, to writing ballads about protecting your peace, Kali has shown a personal evolution through her lyrics.  

“I find that love songs can be a bit boring, and a lot of the time people expect a female singer to be singing about love or sex. Another part of being a Cancer is I have a lot of maternal instincts – I’m really interested in the needs of the soul with my music. I also have a lot of masculine energy… I always joke with my dad and my brother that, because they are both named Josquin, that I’m number three. I really try to balance my feminine and masculine energy when I write,” she told Dazed.  

“I wish that more people made music that they actually liked (instead of making music that they think is going to sell) and made music that was actually about something. It has the potential to change the world, provide free thinkers and that empathy.  

“I think musicians have to challenge themselves in order to do that, and be willing to maybe not make money for a second. Music that’s popular right now can be distraction music, zombie music, repetitive and monotonous. I think that if you could really change people’s lives or ways of thinking with music, why wouldn’t you?”  

A woman of many talents  

At 30, Kali is a mom after giving birth to her son (who she shares with long-time partner, rapper Don Toliver) in March last year. The star believes that motherhood has unlocked a deeper level of creativity inside of her, telling her fans on Instagram: “I’m ready for my next era.” 

Kali quickly launched her own self-care brand called Homebody by Uchis. “I decided to make my own goods to use, not only during pregnancy but that I could use while I was nursing and caring for my newborn and afterwards,” she told Harper’s Bazaar. Her brand includes rich body butters, body oils and lip balms in scents like grapefruit and rose – very feminine, of course!  

“I learned how truly powerful I was when I became a mother and, luckily, I’m high-functioning when it comes to having my hand in multiple pots,” she continued. “My baby will always be my number one priority, and my most important calling – everything else is my ‘me-time,’ so to speak… Honestly, it has been such a wild balancing act,” she says. “And in turn, it has made me the strongest, most elevated version of myself I have ever known.” 

Kali Uchis has become a beacon of creative freedom. Her music, a seamless blend of vulnerability and confidence, speaks to a generation navigating identity and self-discovery. Whether she’s crooning about love’s complexities or celebrating her heritage, her voice resonates deeply. 

From rebellious, homeless teenager making beats in her car to a global artist redefining the music industry, she’s travelled far. But for Kali, the journey is far from over.  

With her fearless approach to music, business, motherhood and life, she is more than a star; she’s a force – a true artist in every sense, who continues to push boundaries and inspires others to do the same. As she blazes her trail, one thing is certain: the world is hers for the taking.  

Fast facts

• Full Name: Karly Marina Loaiza (her stage name was a childhood nickname) 
• DOB: 17 July 1994 
• Age: 30 
• First Bite of Fame: Her self-released EP Por Vida (2015) 
• Her fandom is called: Kuchis 

Awards & Recognition 

2025  

• Grammy Awards – Best Latin Pop Album for Orquídeas (nominated) 

2024 

• People’s Choice Awards – Female Latin Artist of the Year (nominated) 
• Billboard Latin Music Awards – Latin Pop Album of the Year for Orquídeas (winner) 

2023 

• iHeartRadio Music Awards – Best New Latin Artist 
• Billboard Latin Music Awards – Top Latin Albums Female Artist of the Year (nominated) 

2022 

• ASCAP Pop Music Awards – Winning Songwriter for ‘Telepatía’ 
• Grammy Awards – Best Música Urbana Album for Sin Miedo (nominated) 

2021 

• Grammy Awards – Best Dance Recording  for ‘10%’ (with Kaytranada) (winner)  
• American Music Awards – Favourite Latin Song For ‘Telepatía’ (winner) and Favourite Latin Album for Sin Miedo (nominated) 

Keep up with Kali

Facebook: Kali Uchis 
Instagram: @kaliuchis
TikTok: @kaliuchis 

Words byCharndré Emma Kippie 
Photos: Gallo/Getty Images 

Also read: Majozi: Pulling at our heartstrings