Ghanaian musician E.L has spoken about his decision to step away from the music spotlight after winning the Artiste of the Year award in 2016. At the time, many artistes would have sought to capitalize on the momentum of such a major career milestone. Instead, E.L chose to take a different path, travelling and living abroad to experience life away from the demands of fame. This break allowed him to recharge and refocus.
According to E.L, being constantly visible and maintaining a public persona became exhausting. He is an artist who values experiencing different things, and the pressure of always being at the forefront was overwhelming. The attention that comes with fame was a lot to deal with, and he sometimes wished he was not widely known. E.L desired to enjoy simple things like crossing the street or taking a day off without being recognised.
The break gave E.L the opportunity to experience life as an ordinary person again. During this time, he continued to record and produce music, often working privately from his own studio. Although he did not release music consistently or maintain a visible presence in the industry, he remained committed to his craft. This period of relative anonymity allowed him to focus on his music without the pressures of fame.
E.L acknowledged that taking a long break came with financial consequences, particularly when his career was at its peak. However, he said the decision was necessary because his mental health had to take priority. His contemporaries in the industry understand that mental health comes first, and E.L needed to take a break to recharge. He credits this decision with allowing him to continue making music.
The break also gave E.L a chance to reflect on his career and his place in the music industry. He has been humbled by the continued support for his music, even during periods when he was not actively promoting new releases. His extensive catalogue has remained relevant with fans, demonstrating the enduring appeal of his music.
E.L's decision to step away from the spotlight has had a lasting impact on his career and personal life. He has been able to maintain a sense of normalcy and prioritize his mental health. While the break came with challenges, it has ultimately allowed him to continue making music on his own terms.
E.L's story serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health, particularly in high-pressure industries like music. His experience highlights the need for artists to take breaks and recharge, even when it seems counterintuitive to their career momentum. By taking care of his mental health, E.L has been able to sustain his music career and continue making meaningful contributions to the industry.
Key points
- E.L took a break from the music industry to prioritize his mental health and experience life away from fame.
