Kalimba

Kalimba Kadjaly Marichal Ibar, professionally known as Kalimba, is a Mexican singer and actor. Born on 26 July 1982 in Mexico City to Afro-Cuban parents, Kalimba and his sister M'balia bear traditional African names, reflecting their rich heritage. The musical and theatrical roots run deep in the Marichal family, with both his parents, notably his father, being integral figures in the entertainment business. He began performing in earnest at the tender age of 3. Alongside his sister M'balia, he graced television shows and theaters, notably appearing in Chiquilladas, Chispas de Chocolate, and Carrusel de las Américas in the early 1990s. In 1993, he rose to prominence by joining the teenage pop act La Onda Vaselina, first appearing in the group's commercial blockbuster La Banda Rock. After parting ways with OV7 in 1996, Kalimba delved into voice acting, playing the role of young Simba on Disney's The Lion King, dubbing for movies like James and the Giant Peach and Chicken Little, and voicing iconic characters in series like TaleSpin and Hey Arnold! After rejoining OV7 in the early aughts, Kalimba made his official solo debut in 2004 with the album Aerosoul, followed by NegroKlaro (2006) and Mi Otro Yo (2008). His next couple of releases, Amar y Querer: Homenaje a las Grandes Canciones (2009) and Homenaje a las Grandes Canciones Vol. II (2011) found the singer paying tribute to legendary Latin pop artists such as José José and Juan Gabriel accompanied by a live orchestra. Over the following years, Kalimba served as a judge on reality shows like La Voz Perú and México Tiene Talento while also releasing well-received pop albums such as Cena Para Desayunar (2014) and Somos Muchos y Venimos Todos (2019). In 2022, he and his former OV7 bandmates embarked on the OV7 Treinta tour, later issuing the single "Si Es Amor." The following year, he returned with the single "Con las Ganas de Verme Llorar."