Epixode

Epixode
Born
Theophilus Nii Arday Otoo

(1990-03-16) 16 March 1990
Jamestown, Accra, Ghana
GenresReggae, Dancehall, Highlife
OccupationsSinger, songwriter, painter, creative director
InstrumentVocals
Years active2010–present

Theophilus Nii Arday Otoo (born 16 March 1990), known professionally as Epixode, is a Ghanaian reggae–dancehall singer, painter, and creative director.[1]

Early life

Epixode was born and raised in Jamestown, Accra, where he was exposed to traditional Ghanaian music through his mother, a cultural music performer. He began writing and performing music in his early teens, winning local dancehall competitions by the early 2010s.[2]

Career

Epixode's style blends reggae, dancehall, highlife, and Afrobeats, using English, Ga, Twi, and Jamaican patois. His singles include Atia,[3] Stubborn Souljah, Too Much,[4] Wahala Dey,[5] and Efie Nsem.[6][7]

In 2023, he performed at the Afro Summer Jam in Switzerland.[8][9] He also performed at the Reggae Geel in Belgium, and headlined the Highlife Konnect Concert in Zurich in 2023.[10] He has also stated publicly that he sees himself as part of a movement to revive Ghanaian highlife music.[11]

Notable collaborations

Awards and recognition

Vodafone Ghana Music Awards

  • 2021: Winner – Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year[13]
  • 2024: Winner – Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year[14]
  • TGMAs 2025 Music for Good Award winner[15]

International Reggae and World Music Awards

  • 2021: Nominated – Best African Entertainer[16]

Artistry

Epixode is a trained visual artist. He has designed album art, stage visuals, and promotional graphics, and is credited with creating the SM logo for Shatta Wale.[17][18][19] He also advocates for preserving Ghana's music heritage through cataloging and archiving artist works.[20][21] In 2024, he launched a cultural initiative coaching underserved youth in arts and music.[22]

Discography

Singles and EPs

  • Atia (Hi Life Rendition) featuring Kwabena Kwabena (2022)[23]
  • Jehovah featuring Stonebwoy (2022)[24]
  • Stubborn Souljah (2023)[7]
  • Obra (Nyame Bra) featuring Santrofi (2023)[25]
  • Millions (2025)[26]
  • Agbo (2025)
  • Chop n' Go (2024)
  • Obi Girl (2024)
  • Chooboi (2024)
  • Nyash featuring Krus Band (2024)
  • Efie Nsem with Krus Band (2024)

Albums / EPs

  • Atia – The Archive (2022)[27]

References

  1. ^ "Vpal Music to release Epixode's new single Gyal dem sugar". GhanaWeb. 9 February 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  2. ^ "Vpal Music to release Epixode's new single 'Gyal dem suga'". GhanaWeb. 9 February 2017. Archived from the original on 28 December 2024. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  3. ^ "'I made history' - Epixode speaks on how 'Atia' rekindled Highlife music". GhanaWeb. 12 May 2023. Archived from the original on 19 December 2024. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  4. ^ "WATCH: Epixode cements creative position with "Too Much"". www.classfmonline.com. 18 June 2020. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  5. ^ "Epixode releases video of his song on social justice 'Wahala Dey'". 28 October 2019. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  6. ^ Larbi, Nana Qwame (21 June 2022). "I am a 'mad' and difficult artiste to work with – Epixode - MyJoyOnline". Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  7. ^ a b Nyaame, Joan (2 September 2023). "Ghana's music will sell more if we document it well - Epixode - MyJoyOnline". Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  8. ^ GNA (18 July 2023). "Epixode recounts memorable performance at Highlife concert in Switzerland". Ghana News Agency. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  9. ^ "Epixode, Adane, Okyeame Kwame, other superstars to headline Ghana Day Festival in Switzerland". 10 June 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  10. ^ "Epixode recounts memorable performance at Highlife concert in Switzerland". 19 July 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  11. ^ "Rekindling love for Highlife, my priority - Epixode". GhanaWeb. 11 April 2024. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  12. ^ "Epixode recounts music journey on 'Jeovah' ft. Stonebwoy". GhanaWeb. 20 March 2018. Archived from the original on 4 January 2025. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  13. ^ Dadzie, Kwame (7 February 2023). "Epixode hopes to be as big as Grammy winner Kabaka Pyramid 'one day' - MyJoyOnline". Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  14. ^ "Epixode acknowledges fans support after latest VGMA win". 11 May 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  15. ^ Francis (24 May 2025). "Telecel honours Epixode with Music for Good Award at 26th TGMAs". The Business & Financial Times. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  16. ^ "IRAWMA Awards: Shatta Wale, Epixode, Stonebwoy others nominated". Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  17. ^ ""I designed Shatta Movement Family logo" - Epixode | Pulse Ghana". www.pulse.com.gh. 11 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  18. ^ "Epixode talks headlining project ft Gucci Mane, Kabaka Pyramid, Bounty Killer, others". GhanaWeb. 24 February 2021. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  19. ^ Times, Ghanaian (13 July 2019). "Educate young artistes to sign musical contracts - Epixode". Ghanaian Times. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  20. ^ "I made history – Epixode speaks on 'Atia' rekindled Highlife music". GhanaWeb. 12 May 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  21. ^ Mensah, Walter (5 September 2023). "Highlife is the sound of the future - Epixode - MyJoyOnline". Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  22. ^ "Epixode engages upcoming musicians in a music development seminar".
  23. ^ Teye, Abigail (2 June 2025). ""Only Kwabena Kwabena responded after reaching out to many highlife artistes for Atia Donko remix" - Epixode". Asaase Radio. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  24. ^ yghanadmin (19 March 2018). "Listen Up: Epixode features Stonebwoy on 'Jehovah'". YFM Ghana. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  25. ^ "Epixode release new highlife jam, "O'bra (Onyame Bra)" featuring Santrofi Band - AmeyawDebrah.com". 14 April 2023. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  26. ^ "Musicians should be decorous in their choice of lyrics - Epixode". GhanaWeb. 25 May 2025. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  27. ^ Otchere, Gertrude Owireduwaah (19 October 2022). "Epixode unveils tracklist for 'Atia Archive' EP - Adomonline.com". Retrieved 7 August 2025.