Ghanaian rapper D Cryme says his absence from the music spotlight was not a hiatus at all. While fans wondered why he had gone silent, he was busily running a different venture that demanded his full attention.
Speaking on MX24, he explained that artistes are often seen as inactive simply because they are not constantly on television or radio. He argued that visibility is wrongly used as the measure of hard work, even though many creatives are committed to pursuits that take place away from cameras.
“Every moment takes a lot of time. Whatever you find yourself doing, if you want to see the proper accomplishment of it, you need to devote time,” he said. He added that this perception makes it seem as if musicians abandon their craft whenever they shift their focus.
“It’s only unfortunate for most of our artistes because when people get to see you on TVs and Radio, the moment something else takes your time, it feels like you’re no longer doing music. That’s our curse when it comes to artistes,” he noted.
D Cryme stressed that reduced media presence does not equate to inactivity. Many musicians, he said, channel their energy into ventures far removed from showbiz.
“Anybody who’s quiet or silent, I believe they’re doing something productive, but it’s not more of a camera thing. Some have ventured into real estate, I don’t think they go everywhere with their cameras,” he explained. He added that some artistes prefer to update the public regularly, while others quietly focus on their interests. “Some would like to give you updates about it while some would also prefer to keep it on a low. Some are into agriculture.”
For him, that alternative pursuit was transportation. During his period of limited visibility, he was fully involved in running operations within the transport sector.
“I was into the transport business but that one, you don’t put cameras on it. The fans would be expecting music, but you’re also taking care of other businesses. That’s when someone would say that you’re quiet on music,” he said.
He also noted that releasing music today requires far more time and preparation than before. Modern production and approvals have added new layers to the process.
“One good thing is, we are always working something out in the studio, piling music up and making sure we give them the best. Again, music has changed,” he said. He explained that the old days of straightforward releases are long gone. “Gone are the days, every song was a potential hit and if it’s not good, you don’t stress bringing it out. Now you go through a series of clearance and other things before even one record comes out.”
D Cryme reassured listeners that artists remain active even during long periods without releases. He urged fans to understand that the extended timelines are part of the evolving music industry.
“Listeners should forgive us because before we release a song, the vetting and the process takes a long time, that’s why you might not be hearing of other artistes,” he stated.
