Soulful singer-songwriter and acoustic sensation John Quartey, popularly known as Drex, is taking the Ghanaian music scene by storm with his passion, talent, and unwavering dedication to his craft. Known for his mesmerizing guitar riffs and soul-stirring voice, Drex has the potential to connect with diverse audiences worldwide, thanks to the universal language of his music.
In an exclusive interview on Radio Univers’ Campex Showbiz, Drex shared his remarkable journey, shedding light on his self-taught guitar skills and inspiring rise to prominence.
Drex’s musical journey began during his senior high school days. Reflecting on those formative years, he said:
“Sometimes I was writing songs, and I had a few friends around who were helping out. We were like a group of creatives, and usually, when we sat down and started goofing around, we’d get inspired to put something down.”
What began as an innocent pastime soon blossomed into a full-fledged passion, paving the way for his burgeoning music career.
Interestingly, Drex never considered himself a singer at first.
“I didn’t know I could sing, but people kept telling me, ‘Oh, you have good vocals,’ so I said, ‘Sure,’” he revealed with a humble laugh. Despite not envisioning a career in music, Drex’s natural talent and determination have propelled him to become one of the most exciting new voices in Ghana’s music industry.
Beyond music, Drex holds a diploma in IT and previously worked for a German IT company, showcasing his versatility. However, it is his guitar playing that truly defines his artistry. When asked if he identifies as a guitarist, Drex modestly responded:
“I wouldn’t call myself a guitarist; I’d say I’m an acoustic performer.”
With three years of playing experience and two years as a professional acoustic musician, Drex has steadily honed his craft. His performances at events such as the Music Acoustic Concert and his headline show, Once Upon a Time with DrexLazer, have captivated audiences, leaving an indelible mark on Ghana’s music landscape.
Despite his successes, Drex faces the challenge of being typecast as an Afrobeats artist, a genre that dominates Ghana’s music industry. Speaking candidly with Kvng Kelly on Campex Showbiz, Drex explained:
“We always have to keep up with the trends, and with the kind of music I do, Ghanaians usually go like, ‘Oh, why don’t you do Afro?’ Don’t get me wrong, I do sing Afro sometimes, but I want to push my own genre out there first so there’s something I can be referenced with in the long run, rather than just being called one of the Afrobeats artists in the space.”
Drex’s commitment to carving out his own niche in the acoustic music industry is both admirable and inspiring. He continues to navigate his journey with authenticity and a focus on creating a unique legacy.
Drex’s story is a testament to the rewards of perseverance, creativity, and passion. Reflecting on his journey, he shared a poignant piece of advice:
“Anything worthwhile is not easy.”
His soulful voice, paired with his mesmerizing guitar work, underscores the intentional effort he puts into his artistry. With every strum of his guitar, Drex is poised to leave an enduring legacy in the music industry, inspiring aspiring artists to pursue their dreams with the same dedication.
Drex is not just a performer; he’s a storyteller, a trailblazer, and a passionate artist with a vision. As he continues to navigate his journey with his guitar in one hand and his passion in the other, Drex is undoubtedly on the path to redefining Ghanaian acoustic music.
Story by: Karenhappuch Eyison | univers.ug.edu.gh
