Kali Uchis – Life, Music & Career Highlights

• Sep 11, 2025
• zetta news

Kali Uchis is one of the most captivating and genre-bending artists of the modern era. Known for her smooth vocals, eclectic style, and ability to blend English and Spanish lyrics seamlessly, she has built a global fanbase that spans across cultures and genres. Whether you’ve discovered her through her breakthrough hits like After the Storm, her viral success with Telepatía, or her collaborations with stars like Tyler, The Creator and Jorja Smith, Kali Uchis has left an undeniable mark on contemporary music.

This in-depth guide explores the world of Kali Uchis, her rise to fame, her artistry, her discography, and her cultural impact. By the end of this article, you’ll understand why she is not just a singer, but a movement within modern music.

Early Life and Background

Kali Uchis was born Karly-Marina Loaiza on July 17, 1994, in Alexandria, Virginia, to Colombian parents. Growing up, she experienced the duality of two cultures: American life in Virginia and summers spent in Pereira, Colombia. This bilingual and bicultural upbringing deeply influenced her artistic identity, allowing her to blend different sounds and languages naturally in her music.

As a teenager, Uchis was drawn to creative arts. She was passionate about photography, poetry, and film-making, often creating short films and mixtapes on her own. She learned how to play the saxophone and piano, giving her a foundation in musicality. Interestingly, she never initially saw herself as a mainstream artist; instead, she embraced the idea of being an independent creator, working on her projects outside of conventional industry structures.

The Birth of a Unique Artist

Kali Uchis’ journey into music was not typical. In 2012, she self-released her first mixtape, “Drunken Babble”, which she described as a "genre-defying" project. The mixtape blended reggae, R&B, and doo-wop influences, immediately setting her apart from other emerging artists. Critics and fans alike noticed her distinct aesthetic—dreamy, nostalgic, yet futuristic at the same time.

Her sound was not built on trying to fit into existing categories. Instead, it was an expression of her multicultural identity and her love for vintage styles, such as soul and jazz, reimagined through a modern lens. This originality caught the attention of notable musicians and producers, paving the way for collaborations.

Breakthrough with Collaborations

Before her debut studio album, Kali Uchis became recognized through her collaborations with well-established artists. One of her most notable partnerships was with Tyler, The Creator, who featured her on his 2015 album Cherry Bomb. Their track “F*ing Young / Perfect”** showcased her dreamy vocals and expanded her audience.

She also worked with artists like Major Lazer, Kaytranada, and Jorja Smith, all of whom valued her ability to adapt her style while still maintaining her identity. Each collaboration showed a different facet of Uchis’ artistry—sometimes playful, sometimes sultry, but always authentic.

Debut Album: Isolation

In 2018, Kali Uchis released her debut studio album, Isolation, which received widespread critical acclaim. The album was a reflection of her eclectic influences, blending R&B, reggaeton, funk, soul, and bossa nova. It featured collaborations with artists like Tyler, The Creator, Steve Lacy, and Jorja Smith.

Some standout tracks include:

• After the Storm (feat. Tyler, The Creator and Bootsy Collins): A motivational anthem with funky undertones.

• Dead to Me: A jazzy, confident breakup song.

• Tyrant (feat. Jorja Smith): A dreamy, political commentary wrapped in pop melodies.

Critics praised Isolation as one of the best albums of 2018. It showcased her versatility, establishing her as not just a collaborator, but a force of her own.

The Rise of Telepatía

In 2020, Kali Uchis released her first all-Spanish language album, Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios). While the album had several strong tracks, one song in particular, Telepatía, took the world by storm.

Driven largely by TikTok virality, Telepatía became an international hit, charting in multiple countries and making Uchis a household name. The song highlighted her bilingual artistry, as it seamlessly combined Spanish and English lyrics. Fans resonated with its dreamy production and its theme of love transcending physical distance.

Telepatía proved that music in non-English languages could dominate global charts, further breaking barriers in the mainstream industry.

Musical Style and Influences

Kali Uchis’ artistry is difficult to categorize into one genre. She thrives on fluidity, pulling inspiration from:

• Jazz and Soul: Influences from legends like Billie Holiday and Curtis Mayfield.

• Reggaeton and Latin Pop: Drawing from her Colombian heritage.

• Funk and R&B: Inspired by 70s and 80s grooves.

• Hip-Hop Collaborations: Adapting to modern beats and rap culture.

Her voice is soft, airy, and often layered with reverb, giving her songs a dreamlike quality. She also places strong emphasis on visuals, curating retro-inspired aesthetics in her music videos and album artwork.

Cultural Impact

Kali Uchis represents a new era of multicultural artistry. By singing in both English and Spanish, she connects with a wider audience while proudly embracing her Colombian roots.

She has become a symbol of representation for Latina women in music, showing that success does not require conforming to one cultural narrative. Her music often touches on themes of independence, empowerment, and love, resonating with young listeners worldwide.

Beyond music, Uchis is also a fashion icon. Known for her vintage, pin-up inspired looks, she often incorporates 60s and 70s styles into her wardrobe. Her bold fashion choices further solidify her as a trendsetter.

Awards and Recognition

Kali Uchis’ talent has not gone unnoticed. Some of her major achievements include:

• Winning a Grammy Award in 2021 for Best Dance Recording for her collaboration on Kaytranada’s “10%.”

• Billboard Latin Music Award nominations for Telepatía.

• Latin Grammy nominations, solidifying her impact in both English and Spanish markets.

Her awards highlight her global reach, proving her ability to succeed across multiple genres and languages.

Recent Projects and Future

Kali Uchis continues to evolve as an artist. In 2023, she released her highly anticipated album Red Moon in Venus, which explored themes of love, healing, and spirituality. The album debuted in the top 5 of the Billboard 200, showcasing her growing influence in mainstream music.

Looking forward, Uchis has expressed interest in further exploring bilingual projects, fashion ventures, and potentially even film. Given her creative versatility, it’s clear that her career will continue to expand beyond music alone.

Why Fans Love Kali Uchis

Her fanbase, affectionately known as “Kuchis,” is loyal and diverse. Fans admire her for:

• Her ability to blend English and Spanish naturally.

• Her unapologetic individuality and creative control.

• Her nostalgic yet futuristic music style.

• Her strong, empowering lyrics.

Uchis has built a community that feels connected to her authenticity, something rare in today’s music industry.

FAQs About Kali Uchis

Q1. Who is Kali Uchis?
Kali Uchis, born Karly-Marina Loaiza, is a Colombian-American singer, songwriter, and producer known for her bilingual music blending R&B, soul, funk, reggaeton, and Latin pop.

Q2. What is Kali Uchis’ most popular song?
Her breakout international hit is Telepatía, which gained massive popularity on TikTok and streaming platforms.

Q3. How many albums does Kali Uchis have?
As of 2025, she has released several projects including Isolation (2018), Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) (2020), and Red Moon in Venus (2023).

Q4. Has Kali Uchis won a Grammy?
Yes, she won a Grammy in 2021 for her collaboration with Kaytranada on the song 10%.

Q5. What languages does Kali Uchis sing in?
She sings in both English and Spanish, often blending the two seamlessly within a single song.

Q6. What makes Kali Uchis unique?
Her fusion of genres, bilingual artistry, retro-inspired style, and commitment to creative independence make her stand out.

Q7. Where is Kali Uchis from?
She was born in Virginia, USA, but her family is Colombian, and she spent part of her childhood in Colombia.

Q8. Does Kali Uchis only make Latin music?
No, while she embraces her Latin roots, her music spans multiple genres including R&B, funk, and soul.

Q9. Who has Kali Uchis collaborated with?
She has worked with Tyler, The Creator, Jorja Smith, Major Lazer, Bootsy Collins, Steve Lacy, and Kaytranada, among others.

Q10. What’s next for Kali Uchis?
Fans expect more bilingual projects, new albums, fashion ventures, and potential forays into other creative industries.

Conclusion