Dr Cryme Recalls How Music Led Him to TV Presenting

By Esther Korantemaa Offei

Ghanaian rapper Darlington Agyekum, popularly known as Dr Cryme, has recounted how his music career led him into television presenting at 4Syte TV, where he hosted the popular music video countdown programme, Top 10.

Speaking in an interview on Highway 10.10 on ZED FM, Dr Cryme said his journey with 4Syte TV began in 2009 when he was given the opportunity to host a show designed around his creative personality.

“The 4Syte thing actually started from 2009. That’s when I was on 4Syte. I had a show designed for me. It was called Top 10,” he said.

The programme featured music videos ranked from number 10 to number one. Dr Cryme said his background as an artiste helped him bring a different style and energy to the programme.

“I’m an artist, so I’m a creative person. I added a lot of flair when it came to presenting,” he said.

He explained that one of his main objectives was to make every artiste who appeared on the programme feel important and appreciated, regardless of their level of success.

“I just made sure that you become a superstar on my show,” he said.

Dr Cryme said he deliberately introduced artistes in a manner that highlighted their achievements and created excitement around their appearances.

“Anytime that somebody’s coming, whether he’s uprising or whatever, I go like, you know, he’s a multi-million artist with too many nominations and all that, highly rated, bankable artist,” he said.

He believes the approach encouraged artistes to appear on the programme and helped create a positive atmosphere for guests.

The rapper also said his experience in live television strengthened his confidence and communication skills, particularly because live programmes leave little room for mistakes.

“With the live, when they say action, you can’t say sorry,” he said.

Dr Cryme noted that working in television also gave him additional visibility and helped him develop his ability to articulate himself effectively.

However, his growing music career eventually made it difficult for him to maintain the demanding schedule required for television presenting.

He explained that constant travelling for music performances meant he could be in different parts of the country while still being expected to return to the studio for television production.

“Music takes you super further than you can even anticipate. When the time is right and the wave is everywhere, Monday to Monday, you are always on the road,” he said.

Dr Cryme said he eventually discussed the challenge with 4Syte TV management and agreed that other presenters could take over the programme.

“I think my people that I’ve been on the show with are equally great. Let’s make them, let’s give them the try,” he said.

He added that the presenters who succeeded him also performed well, allowing the programme to continue successfully.