Kali Uchis, born Karly Marina Loaiza on July 17, 1994, in Alexandria, Virginia, is an American singer and songwriter known for her genre-defying music and captivating voice. Raised by a Colombian father and an American mother, Uchis spent much of her childhood between the United States and Colombia, developing a deep connection to her Latin roots. Her artistic journey began in high school, where she learned to play the piano and saxophone, participated in a jazz band, and became interested in photography. She often skipped classes to work on experimental short films, eventually becoming interested in creating music. After being kicked out of her home, she lived in her car and started writing songs that would later appear on her debut mixtape, Drunken Babble, released in 2012.

Uchis gained initial recognition with her mixtape, Drunken Babble, which blended various genres, including doo-wop, reggae, and early 2000s R&B. Her breakthrough came with the release of her debut EP, Por Vida, in 2015, featuring collaborations with artists like Diplo, Tyler, the Creator, and Kaytranada. The success of Por Vida paved the way for her debut studio album, Isolation, released in 2018, which received widespread acclaim and peaked at number 34 on the Billboard 200. The album’s eclectic mix of genres and Uchis’ distinctive voice earned her a dedicated following and critical praise.

In 2020, Uchis released her second studio album, Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios), her first project predominantly sung in Spanish. The album featured the viral hit “Telepatía,” which gained immense popularity on TikTok and marked Uchis’ first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 25. The success of “Telepatía” helped the album reach number one on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart, further solidifying Uchis’ status as a rising star in the music industry. In addition to her solo work, Uchis collaborated with various artists, including Kaytranada on the Grammy-winning single “10%” and Don Toliver on “Drugs N Hella Melodies.”

Uchis continued to build on her success with the release of her third studio album, Red Moon in Venus, in 2023. The album, which featured collaborations with Omar Apollo, Don Toliver, and Summer Walker, peaked at number four on the Billboard 200. Uchis also embarked on a successful tour in support of the album, further expanding her fan base. In 2024, she released her fourth studio album, Orquídeas, which marked her second Spanish-language project and peaked at number two on the Billboard 200.

Throughout her career, Uchis has been recognized for her unique sound and artistic vision. She has received numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for her collaboration with Kaytranada and several Billboard Music Awards. Her music, which seamlessly blends elements of R&B, Latin, and electronic genres, has resonated with audiences worldwide, making her one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music. Uchis’ ability to navigate different musical styles while staying true to her artistic roots has established her as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.