Evelyn Soto: The COLOMBIAN Percussionist Powering A.R. Rahman’s Global Sound

Evelyn Soto: The COLOMBIAN Percussionist Powering A.R. Rahman’s Global Sound

When you hear percussion that blends Afro-Caribbean traditions with global grooves and experimental textures, you may be listening to Evelyn Soto. As a percussionist, composer, and performer, Evelyn creates rhythm that feels alive, rooted, and constantly evolving. She moves across genres with confidence, bringing depth and clarity to every beat. Whether she plays hand drums in an acoustic trio or builds layered soundscapes in a contemporary ensemble, Evelyn uses percussion to tell stories of identity, movement, and connection.

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Evelyn Soto’s Musical Journey: From COLOMBIAN Roots to Percussion Mastery

Evelyn began her musical journey in Colombia, where rhythm was part of daily life. She grew up surrounded by bomba, plena, salsa, and street music, and her earliest instruments were whatever she could tap or strike. As a child, she joined community music groups and began formal training in classical percussion. Over time, she developed a passion for exploring the intersection of traditional and contemporary rhythm. She studied music in conservatory settings while continuing to learn from elders and culture bearers in her community. Rather than separating her experiences, Evelyn chose to bring them together. Her education shaped her technique; her heritage shaped her voice.

Evelyn Soto Breaks Barriers as a Female Percussionist in a Male-Dominated Field

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Carving a space as a female percussionist in a male-dominated field required strength and persistence. Evelyn often faced skepticism and had to prove herself repeatedly, even in spaces that claimed to value inclusion. She also navigated the challenge of honoring cultural rhythms without reducing them to performance. At times, she questioned where she belonged, between academic institutions, street music scenes, and experimental performance spaces. Through it all, she stayed true to her instincts. She let the drum guide her, trusting that rhythm could carry complexity and truth. Her journey shows how commitment and clarity can shape a unique artistic path.

Evelyn Soto Gains International Recognition for Her Precision and Cultural Impact

Audiences and critics recognize Evelyn for her precision, power, and presence. She has been featured in international festivals, percussion showcases, and cultural exchange programs. Musicians admire her for her versatility and depth, and educators invite her to share insights on rhythm, culture, and identity. She has become a mentor to young percussionists, especially women and Latinx artists seeking their place in the music world. Her influence continues to grow as she brings visibility to underrepresented traditions and voices within the global percussion landscape.

Why Evelyn Soto’s Percussion Transforms Rhythm into Storytelling and Expression

Listening to Evelyn Soto means entering a rhythmic world where every beat carries meaning. Her percussion speaks with strength and subtlety, moving through silence and sound with intention. She invites you to hear rhythm not just as timekeeping, but as storytelling. Whether you are drawn to folkloric drumming, contemporary improvisation, or cross-cultural collaboration, Evelyn offers music that is layered, honest, and transformative. If you want to experience percussion that connects roots to imagination, Evelyn Soto’s work deserves your attention.

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Jaya Ravi

Jaya Ravi

Jaya Ravi is a marketing associate based in Seattle, WA, with roots in Chennai. She is an avid fan of Kollywood cinema and stays up-to-date with the latest movies, music, and dance trends. Jaya attended the University of Washington, where she developed an interest in social media and marketing through the American Marketing Association club. She is excited to build off of her previous experience and pursue a career in content marketing. Jaya is an Indian-American on a mission to share her love for both South Asian and American cinema with audiences worldwide. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, painting, and spending time with friends and family.