Boston-Based Artist Monahlyan Captures Empowerment and Sensuality in Her Song “Like That There”

Evan Cristo’s heart is as big as his message. From a very young age, Evan recalls learning the drums as a second language, next to learning to speak. He grew up immersed in music, influenced by hip-hop, R&B, Afro-Cuban, Haitian, Guinean, West African, Nigerian, Afro-Brazilian, and Afro-Mexican sounds through travel and connection, gradually fusing these influences into his own contemporary style.

In high school, he joined a band that spurred further curiosity in worldly genres, as he explored his Yoruba ancestry from Nigeria, in celebration of diverse cultures and methods of expression. Drumming has taken him across the globe, most notably on a South American tour as part of the American Music Abroad program, where he performed and collaborated in 9 countries, engaging in arts and musical exchanges with multiple communities. His journey has also led to prestigious performances at Carnegie Hall and touring and session drumming with renowned artists like Aloe Blacc. Not to mention Evan also sings, writes, composes, and produces. Throughout this journey, Evan experienced firsthand the power of music to connect people, empower individuals, and aid in self-regulation. By combining R&B, African diaspora sounds, unique rhythms, hip-hop, and dance music, Evan’s artistry today catalyzes connectivity and healing, which shines through his newest EP, “Medicine Man.”

Evan shares that his most cherished experience came from realizing that music can intentionally heal, and not only is there vast impact to be made in that direction, but it’s also fulfilling and enjoyable. He understood that his gifts and skills were meant to heal. In the EP’s title track “Medicine Man,” an uplifting and upbeat song, the lyrics “empty out your soul, let the love come in,” embody one of the most important steps to healing, which is opening up. He observes that because we live in a society inundated with energies constantly around us, it’s really easy for people to get wrapped up, closed off, or distracted by preconceived notions that don’t actually serve them. He shares that music can aid in dissipating fear, connecting with yourself, and opening up to find clarity about how to live your most empowered life. 

In his own pathway to empowerment, Evan highlights the lyrics from another track on the EP titled “Gold Mine”:

“Can’t turn down what is yours from birth, the world will keep bringing it in front of all the things that you think you want.” These words emphasize another important step in the process which is learning to let go of control. By letting go, you open yourself up more, which improves your ability to listen to and follow your gut instincts. When you try that, it can help override the brain, which is often tangled up by what you “think you should want.” Evan explains that in the pursuit of what you “think you should want,” you can often miss the real treasure: learning to listen to your heart when it speaks. On a personal level, Evan shares that he grew up Buddhist, and when his mother passed away when he was only 20 years old, part of that practice involved understanding that her consciousness still surrounds him. The fear of losing her transformed into a feeling of connection and protection. That openness to love and listening in, has become a principle for how he understands and wants to share the process of healing. 

Evan also teaches music in prisons and juvenile halls, plays music for dance classes, and leads healing rituals rooted in the traditional practices of the African diaspora. The EP “Medicine Man” is a culmination of how healing defines his life and work, and showcases his ability to connect with populations from all life circumstances, cultures, and backgrounds. He wants to continue empowering people to make decisions for themselves, to remain connected to their hearts and each other and to the things that matter most. And Evan reminds us warm heartedly, “whatever that is, you already know.”

To get a dose of this medicine, follow Evan Cristo on Spotify for the upcoming release of “Medicine Man.”

Connect with Evan Cristo on social media to catch his upcoming music video for “Gold Mine” and next album release titled “Outwitting the Devil.”

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