Roots & Rhythm: Finding Balance with Christian Morant | by Abby Duran | September 2024
"Some of the best advice I've received was from my dad to do it now. With the caveat of my personal mantra to slow down." Christian Morant left Charleston in 2021 for family matters in Manhattan and became one of the most influential spoken word artists while tapping into other creative outlets. Juggling multiple jobs between cities while spending time with family and community isn't just a balancing act for the poet, actor, and musician. It's a lifestyle, rather, that has helped him find his roots.
"[Coming back to Charleston], I got to tap back into the poetry scene by causation, which has propelled my music. From a technical aspect, it taught me to slow down, and the art of spoken word fine-tuned my rhythm. In other words, it allowed my music to breathe."
Photograph by Colleen Stepanian
There's rarely a moment to settle in a place like New York City, which, as the classic saying goes, never sleeps. By adapting to the pace of New York vs. South Carolina, Morant found a way to grow out of burnout and into his purpose.
"I've come to realize," he expresses, "that the creative journey is truly my own." His clarity developed by accepting that his circles may or may not understand his innovations and intentions. "There's a form to the creative process," he continues, "where I would do it for validation instead of the good of my soul. I've learned to be at peace with what and how I create now."
Photograph by Shani Hadjian
