Kali Uchis Artistfacts

July 17, 1994
Kali Uchis was born Karly Marina Loaiza on July 17, 1994, in Alexandria, Virginia, to a Colombian father and an American mother. She is the youngest of five children.
She spent her formative years between Virginia and Pereira, Colombia, immersing herself in both cultures.
In high school, Uchis played the saxophone in the jazz band and taught herself piano. Her passion for the arts extended to photography and filmmaking; she often skipped classes to work on creative projects.
After being kicked out of her home during her senior year, Uchis lived in her car, writing songs that would later appear on her debut mixtape, Drunken Babble, in 2012.
"Kali Uchis" is derived from a nickname given to her by her father, combining "Kali" (a shortened version of her first name) and "Uchis," a term of endearment.
Her first album, Isolation (2018), earned critical acclaim for its eclectic mix of genres and its introspective lyrics. It rose to #34 on the American albums chart.
Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) (2020) was her first Spanish-language album. It includes the hit single "Telepatía," which became her first solo charting hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 and went Double Platinum.
In 2021, Uchis won her first Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording for her collaboration with Kaytranada on the track "10%."
Uchis draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists, including Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Selena, Shakira, and Sade, blending elements of soul, R&B, and Latin music into her work.
Known for her high-femme, vintage-inspired style, Uchis often incorporates bold fashion choices and surreal visuals into her music videos and performances.
She is fluent in both English and Spanish, often blending the two languages in her music to reflect her bicultural heritage.
Uchis is openly bisexual and incorporates this aspect of her identity into her music and public image.
She started a relationship with rapper Don Toliver in 2020, and unveiled a baby bump in the final scene of Toliver's "Bandit" video, confirming their pregnancy. She gave birth to their son in March 2024.
Uchis is vocal about social justice issues, including immigrant rights, and often uses her platform to raise awareness and support for marginalized communities. She regularly gives back to her community, including sending relief materials to her Colombian hometown.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

More Songfacts:

At This MomentBilly Vera & the Beaters

"At This Moment" was first released by Billy Vera & the Beaters in 1981, and hit #79. After it was used in two episodes of Family Ties in 1985-1986, it went to #1.

Mr. Tambourine ManBob Dylan

Bob Dylan's original version of "Mr. Tambourine Man," released on his album Bringing It All Back Home, has no tambourine, just guitars and harmonica.

Piano ManBilly Joel

"Piano Man" was inspired by Billy Joel's time playing at a piano bar in Los Angeles. The "real estate novelist" was a guy who always talked about writing a book, but spent all his spare time in the bar.

True ColorsCyndi Lauper

With a message of acceptance and inclusivity, "True Colors" became a gay rights anthem. Cyndi Lauper help form an organization called True Colors United to help support LGBTQ youth.

Edge Of SeventeenStevie Nicks

The death of John Lennon was an influence on the Stevie Nicks hit "Edge Of Seventeen." He's the one with the "words of a poet and voice from a choir."

VoodooGodsmack

The line, "I feel the snakebite enter my veins," led many to believe the Godsmack song "Voodoo" is about drugs, but it's really about Wiccan ritual, inspired in part by the Wes Craven movie The Serpent and the Rainbow.