Born Karly-Marina Loaiza on July 17, 1994, Kali Uchis’s story begins in Alexandria, Virginia. Her parents were immigrants from Colombia, instilling in her a deep connection to her heritage from a young age. However, her upbringing wasn’t solely American. Around the age of four or five, her family relocated to Colombia, immersing her in the vibrant culture and sounds of her parents’ homeland. She spent formative years in a small town near Pereira, a city nestled in the heart of Colombia’s coffee region. Uchis fondly recalls her childhood home filled with birds and the enchanting melodies of Latin music, such as the Cuban band Los Zafiros, which shaped her musical dreams.
Later in her childhood, Kali Uchis returned to Virginia, experiencing life in the United States once again. This bicultural upbringing, straddling both American and Colombian cultures, became a defining aspect of her identity and artistic expression. During her final year of high school in 2012, Uchis’s musical talent began to gain traction when she released a mixtape. This early exposure caught the attention of influential figures in the music industry, setting the stage for her professional career.
Kali Uchis’s music is a testament to her diverse influences. Drawing inspiration from genres she absorbed growing up, ranging from classic doo-wop and soul to Latin pop and perreo, she crafts a sound that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Her debut album, Isolation, released in 2018, garnered widespread critical acclaim, showcasing her artistic versatility. She has since earned two Grammy Award nominations and a Latin Grammy nomination, solidifying her place as a prominent figure in contemporary music.
In 2020, Kali Uchis released her second album, Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) ∞, a project that further emphasized her Latin roots. While she has always incorporated both English and Spanish in her music, Sin Miedo marked a deliberate shift towards Spanish-language lyrics and collaborations with Latin music stars like Tainy and Jhay Cortez. This album, considered by some as a bold move for a US-based artist, resonated deeply with audiences and demonstrated her commitment to embracing her full cultural identity in her artistry.
In conclusion, to pinpoint exactly “where is Kali Uchis from” requires acknowledging both Virginia and Colombia as her formative homes. Her journey from Alexandria, Virginia, to Pereira, Colombia, and back, has shaped her into the globally recognized artist she is today. This unique upbringing provides a rich tapestry of experiences that are woven into the fabric of her captivating music.
