Kali Uchis is a master musical mixologist who funnels her Colombian heritage and American flair into a powerhouse package. The Virginia-born singer is concocting a full-bodied creative serving, composed of her first live performance of her Spanish album Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) in partnership with 1800 Cristalino Tequila and launching her own fashion lines.

After gaining praise and global recognition of her first, English and critically acclaimed reggaetón, and R&B album, Isolation, the grammy-winning singer felt it was a “no brainer” to debut her second LP, Sin Miedo, last year in Spanish. However, she knew the transition was not going to be an easy feat. Describing her dual citizenship as a “blessing and curse,” she grappled with an issue commonly experienced by those of mixed descent—belonging. 

“There were a lot of people who didn’t want me to do [a Spanish album], from fans to the label. The head of Virgin/EMI Records [at the time] literally told us, ‘Do the Spanish shit, and you’re on your own,’” she recalls. The majority of her fans are English speaking, she says, and the ones that come from Spanish-speaking backgrounds aren’t always fluent. 

The album came at a time when Black and Brown people were (and still are) at the forefront of experiencing racism and civil unrest and Spanish-speaking people were harassed for using their language publicly. But with global listeners, the pop star is hoping to carve out a pathway of acceptance permanently. “[It’s] really special to me that people in other countries that don’t normally listen to Latin music are opening [up] their minds to [the genre], because that opens doors for other [Latin] artists.”

Despite disgruntled fans and uncompromising management, the album’s success, including her first nomination at the 2021 Latin American Music Awards for ‘Best Pop Album’ and hit single, “telepatía”—with over 200 million streams and TikTok virality—garnered irrefutable proof that the commercial lane for Latin female artists is globally forging ahead. “I have to do this for me, for my people,” she says. “Something that I always wanted was to be accepted by Colombia and make my family proud of me.” And with accolades continuing to sky-rocket, Colombia has found their new icon.

If you appreciate Kali and her artistry, subconsciously or not, you’re appreciating her familial culture and community, and that’s why the partnership with 1800 Cristalino Tequila, naturally made sense. “I feel like I’ve drunk tequila since I was of legal age,” she said, going on to explain that it was always the drink of choice at family parties. 

The tequila brand and Kali Uchis are gearing up for an unforgettable virtual concert experience  Thursday, April 22nd, 2021 at 9 PM EST. Viewers will be able to watch the Grammy-winner perform her chart-topping hits from Sin Miedo for the very first time, and with purchase of the cocktail kit, can sip her signature cocktail called “1800 Por Vida” courtesy of Cocktail Courier.

 “I hope that girls enjoy it. It’s a little luxury, a taste of something that makes you feel a little freaky but doesn’t take you out of character. It’s a good time,” Kali says. “I love working with 1800 because they want to give back and want to be part of something bigger than just sell their products.”

Half of the proceeds from each cocktail kit will help the ‘Human Rights Initiative’, which provides legal and social protections free of charge for immigrant communities in need.  

Enjoy a few more rounds of surprises to come this spring and summer on Kali Uchis. This time, tapping back into her fashion design and Latin roots. “I have my eyewear and first all-Colombian denim collections that are going to launch,” gushed the icon. “We have that ass-lifting technology in our denim that everybody steals—Colombian’s started it.”

Though the uncertainty of the world looms before us, Kali Uchis will continue to leap forward with integrity. “I generally feel like the most important bodies of work creatively are things that come from your heart, things that come from your spirit, and things where ambition is an afterthought,” she explains. As she continues to work on her third studio album, she hopes to get back on tour in 2022. But until then, we’ll say “Salud” to that!

See the official trailer of “Sin Miedo La Experiencia”, below: