E.L has finally opened up about the decision to step away from the music spotlight after winning the coveted Artiste of the Year award in 2016.
At a time when many artistes would have been looking to build on the momentum of such a major career milestone, E.L chose a different path. Rather than remain constantly in the public eye, he took time away to travel, live abroad and experience life away from the demands of fame.
According to the award-winning artiste, being constantly visible and having to maintain a public persona eventually became exhausting.
“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.
E.L explained that he sometimes found the pressure of always being at the forefront overwhelming, describing the attention that comes with fame as a lot to deal with.
“Sometimes I wish I’m not known like this,” he admitted, adding that he wanted to be able to enjoy simple things such as crossing the street or taking a day off without being recognised.
The break, he said, gave him the opportunity to experience life as an ordinary person again.
But stepping away from the spotlight did not mean EL stopped making music. He revealed that he continued recording and producing throughout the period, often working privately from his own studio rather than releasing music consistently or maintaining a visible presence in the industry.
E.L acknowledged that taking such a long break came with financial consequences, particularly at a point when his career was at its peak.
However, he said the decision became necessary because his mental health had to take priority.
“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. I’m not sure I would be sitting here today talking to you.”
Despite spending years away from the centre of the music industry, E.L said he has been humbled by the continued support for his music.
He noted that his extensive catalogue has remained relevant with fans, even during periods when he was not actively promoting new releases.
