Ghanaian rapper and music producer E.L has revealed that concerns about his mental health and the pressures associated with fame influenced his decision to step away from the spotlight after winning Artiste of the Year in 2016.
The award-winning musician said that rather than capitalising on the heightened attention that followed one of the biggest achievements of his career, he chose to travel, live abroad and experience life away from the constant demands of being a public figure.
According to E.L, remaining constantly visible became exhausting and made him yearn for some of the ordinary experiences that fame had taken away.
“I was travelling a lot. I’m the type of artist that I like to experience different things. Sometimes being in the public eye, it gets exhausting,” he said.
Fame Became Exhausting
The musician admitted that there were moments when he wished he was not widely recognised, saying he wanted the freedom to undertake simple everyday activities without attracting attention.
“Sometimes I wish I’m not known like this,” he said, explaining that the break allowed him to experience ordinary life again.
Despite withdrawing from the centre of the entertainment industry, E.L said he did not abandon music.
He continued recording and producing music privately in his studio, although he was no longer releasing material consistently or maintaining the public visibility that had characterised the peak of his career.
‘I Needed a Break’
E.L acknowledged that his extended absence came with financial consequences, particularly because he stepped away at a time when his career had significant momentum.
He maintained, however, that protecting his wellbeing was more important.
“My contemporaries in the industry too, they understand that your mental health comes number one before anything or anybody else. At a point in that career, I needed to take a break. I needed it,” he said.
The rapper said he remains appreciative of the support his music continues to receive despite spending years away from the industry’s spotlight.
He attributed some of that continued interest to his extensive catalogue, which he said has remained relevant among listeners even during periods when he was not actively promoting new releases.
