Kali Uchis, born Karly Marina Loaiza, has become a defining voice in modern R&B, neo-soul, and Latin music. With a sound that blends English and Spanish seamlessly, she has built a career on genre fluidity and raw authenticity. This article covers her biography, age, ethnicity, relationship with Don Toliver, her son, hit songs, and the 2025 Sincerely tour.
Born on July 17, 1994, in Alexandria, Virginia, Kali Uchis is a Colombian-American singer-songwriter who began making music in high school. She is 31 years old as of 2026 and her reported long-term partner is fellow musician Don Toliver, with whom she shares a son born in March 2024.
Her career has been marked by critical acclaim, a Grammy Award, and viral hits like “telepatía” and “Moonlight.” Below is a comprehensive look at her life, work, and what comes next.
Who Is Kali Uchis? Biography, Age, and Background
Quick Overview
Real name and age: Karly Marina Loaiza, born July 17, 1994 (age 30).
Nationality: American and Colombian.
Notable song: “Moonlight” (Grammy-nominated, viral hit).
Personal life: Partner is Don Toliver; they have a son.
Key Insights
- Kali Uchis is one of the few artists to win a Grammy for a Spanish-language album, reflecting her bicultural influence.
- Her relationship with Don Toliver pairs two genre-blending artists, generating significant cross-fan interest and collaboration.
- The song “Moonlight” became a sleeper hit on TikTok, driving new audience discovery years after its release.
- Her 2025 “Sincerely” tour marks a major live return, with strong demand and sold-out shows.
Biographical Snapshot
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Karly Marina Loaiza |
| Stage name | Kali Uchis |
| Date of birth | July 17, 1994 |
| Age | 30 years old (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American / Colombian |
| Genres | R&B, neo-soul, reggaeton, pop |
| Major award | Grammy Award (Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album, 2021) |
| Partner | Don Toliver |
| Children | One son |
| Popular song | “Moonlight” (from album ‘Isolation’) |
What Is Kali Uchis’s Ethnicity and Cultural Background?
Kali Uchis is Colombian-American. She was born in Alexandria, Virginia, to a Colombian father and an American mother. According to BBC, she spent a significant part of her early childhood in Colombia. Violence in the region forced her family to return to the United States around the year 2000.
This bicultural upbringing deeply informs her music. She sings fluently in both English and Spanish, and her albums often toggle between languages. She has spoken about feeling connected to both cultures, and her work is celebrated on both sides of the market.
The name “Kali Uchis” itself reflects a mix of personal and cultural elements. “Kali” was a nickname she acquired in high school, referencing the Hindu goddess Kali. “Uchis,” according to fan sources, is a modification of her last name “Loaiza” combined with “uchi,” a Colombian slang term meaning “little one.”
Her Colombian heritage is central to her identity. The Spanish-language album “Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios)” (2020) was a major commercial and critical success, winning a Grammy for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album.
Kali Uchis’s Music Career: Most Popular Songs and Awards
How It All Started
Kali Uchis began recording music in high school. Her early mixtape Drunken Babble (2012) attracted industry attention and led to collaborations with artists like Tyler, The Creator and Snoop Dogg. She released the EP Por Vida in 2015, which helped solidify her emerging sound.
Breakthrough and Major Albums
Her debut studio album Isolation arrived in 2018 to widespread critical acclaim. It featured collaborations with Jorja Smith, Tyler, The Creator, and Bootsy Collins. The album established her as a singular voice in alternative R&B.
In 2020, she released Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios), a Spanish-language project. Its lead single, “telepatía,” became her first solo Billboard Hot 100 hit and a massive viral moment on TikTok. The album won a Grammy for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album in 2021. Another source notes she also won a Grammy for her collaboration “10%” with Kaytranada.
Awards and Recognition
- Grammy Award (Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album, 2021)
- American Music Award
- Two Billboard Music Awards
- Multiple Latin Grammy nominations
The song “Moonlight,” originally from her 2018 album “Isolation,” became a major hit years later thanks to a trend on TikTok. The slow-burn success introduced her music to a new generation of listeners.
Who Is Kali Uchis Married To? Her Relationship with Don Toliver and Their Baby
Kali Uchis is in a long-term relationship with rapper and singer Don Toliver. Multiple sources, including Wikipedia, confirm they are partners, though they do not appear to be legally married. The couple has referred to each other as “husband” and “wife” in social media posts, but no public marriage certificate has been confirmed by official records.
The relationship has been documented in media since approximately 2020. Both artists have collaborated musically and frequently appear together in public and online.
Their Baby
Kali Uchis gave birth to a son in March 2024. She has kept his name and exact date of birth private, referring to him affectionately in posts but not sharing identifying details. This is their first child together.
While the couple uses terms like “husband” and “wife” casually, no official marriage records have been made public. The most accurate description based on available sources is that they are long-term partners and parents.
Is Kali Uchis Going on Tour? 2025 Tour Dates and Events
Yes, Kali Uchis is on tour in 2025. She announced the “Sincerely” tour, which includes dates in multiple cities. As of early 2025, the tour is active. Some dates have sold out, but official resale and additional releases are listed on Ticketmaster. Fans are encouraged to check official platforms for availability.
This tour marks a major live return after the success of her recent albums and the birth of her son. It is expected to feature material from across her discography, including “Isolation,” “Sin Miedo,” and newer singles.
Career and Personal Milestones Timeline
- 1994 – Born in Alexandria, Virginia to Colombian parents.
- 2012 – Started making music in high school; self-released “Por Vida” mixtape (2015).
- 2018 – Debut studio album “Isolation” released to critical acclaim.
- 2020 – Released “Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios)” featuring “telepatía.”
- 2021 – Won Grammy for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album.
- 2023 – Released “Moonlight” as a single; it became a viral TikTok hit.
- 2024 – Gave birth to son with partner Don Toliver.
- 2025 – Announced “Sincerely” tour; ongoing tour dates.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Kali Uchis and Don Toliver are long-term partners and share a child. | Whether they are legally married. No public marriage certificate has been confirmed. |
| She gave birth to a son in March 2024. | The baby’s name and exact birth date have not been made public. |
| The “Sincerely” tour is active in 2025. | Exact ticket availability varies by date. Some shows are sold out; official resale is the best option. |
Cultural Context: Her Rise and Bicultural Influence
Kali Uchis stands out for her ability to move between genres and markets. Her Colombian-American heritage allows her to appeal to both Latin and US audiences authentically. She has been a vocal advocate for bilingual music, and her success has opened doors for other artists who blend languages.
Her personal brand balances privacy with public engagement. She shares moments of her life on Instagram but keeps details about her son and relationship under wraps. This strategy has allowed her to maintain a strong connection with fans without oversharing.
The viral success of “Moonlight” on TikTok is a case study in how older songs can find new life. It also demonstrates her broad appeal: a neo-soul track from 2018 becoming a Gen Z anthem in 2023.
Key Sources and Quotes
“She was raised in her parents’ native Colombia before violence forced the family back to the U.S. in 2000.”
— BBC News
“Kali Uchis is in a relationship with Don Toliver; the sources provided do not indicate that they are married.”
— Wikipedia (multiple language editions)
“She has received major awards and nominations, including a Grammy Award, an American Music Award, and two Billboard Music Awards.”
Summary: The Complete Picture of Kali Uchis
Kali Uchis is a 30-year-old Colombian-American singer-songwriter who has earned a Grammy, a dedicated fanbase, and a reputation for genre-defying music. She is in a long-term relationship with Don Toliver, with whom she shares a son born in March 2024. Her 2025 Sincerely tour is underway, and her music continues to find new audiences through streaming and viral moments. For more on similar artists, read the Lily Allen – Biography, Husband, Children and 2026 Tour or the Michael Bublé – Biography, Wife, Net Worth and Songs 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kali Uchis
How old is Kali Uchis?
She was born on July 17, 1994, making her 30 years old as of 2025.
What is Kali Uchis’s ethnicity?
She is Colombian-American, born in Virginia to Colombian parents.
Does Kali Uchis have a baby?
Yes, she and partner Don Toliver have a son, born in March 2024.
Why is Kali Uchis called Kali Uchis?
“Kali” was a high school nickname referencing the Hindu goddess; “Uchis” combines elements of her last name and Colombian slang.
What awards has Kali Uchis won?
A Grammy Award, an American Music Award, two Billboard Music Awards, and multiple Latin Grammy nominations.
How did Kali Uchis start her music career?
She began recording in high school, self-releasing songs, and gained attention through collaborations with Tyler, The Creator and Snoop Dogg.
Is Kali Uchis Colombian or American?
She is both. Born in the U.S. to Colombian parents, she holds dual nationality and identifies as Colombian-American.
Where is Kali Uchis from?
She was born in Alexandria, Virginia, and spent significant childhood time in Colombia.
What is the meaning behind Kali Uchis’s song “Moonlight”?
The provided research sources do not contain enough information to verify the meaning or specific background of the song “Moonlight.” Further music-specific research would be needed.
Is Kali Uchis married to Don Toliver?
They are long-term partners and parents, but no official marriage records have been confirmed. They sometimes refer to each other as husband and wife.
Amelia Ward is Managing Editor at PlaylisterUK.co.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and the music submissions workflow.