Epixode

Epixode
Birth nameTheophilus Nii Arday Otoo
Born16 March 1990
Jamestown, Accra, Ghana
GenresReggae, Dancehall, Highlife
Occupation(s)Singer, 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][2]

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.[3]

Career

Epixode's style blends reggae, dancehall, highlife, and Afrobeats, using English, Ga, Twi, and Jamaican patois. His singles include Atia,[4] Stubborn Souljah, Too Much,[5] Wahala Dey,[6] and Efie Nsem.[7][8]

In 2023, he performed at the Afro Summer Jam in Switzerland.[9][10] He also performed at the Reggae Geel in Belgium, and headlined the Highlife Konnect Concert in Zurich in 2023.[11] He has also stated publicly that he sees himself as part of a movement to revive Ghanaian highlife music.[12]

Notable collaborations

Awards and recognition

  • 2021: Winner – Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year[14]
  • 2024: Winner – Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year[15]
  • TGMAs 2025 Music for Good Award winner[16]

International Reggae and World Music Awards

  • 2021: Nominated – Best African Entertainer[17]

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.[18][19][20] He also advocates for preserving Ghana's music heritage through cataloging and archiving artist works.[21][22] In 2024, he launched a cultural initiative coaching underserved youth in arts and music[23]

Discography

Singles and EPs

  • Atia (Hi Life Rendition) featuring Kwabena Kwabena (2022)[24]
  • Jehovah featuring Stonebwoy (2022)[25]
  • Stubborn Souljah (2023)[26]
  • Obra (Nyame Bra) featuring Santrofi (2023)[27]
  • Millions (2025)[28]
  • 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)[29]

References

  1. ^ "Vpal Music to release Epixode's new single Gyal dem sugar". GhanaWeb. 9 February 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  2. ^ "MusicEpixode Theophilus Nii Arday Otoo".
  3. ^ "Vpal Music to release Epixode's new single 'Gyal dem suga'". GhanaWeb. 2017-02-09. Archived from the original on 2024-12-28. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  4. ^ "'I made history' - Epixode speaks on how 'Atia' rekindled Highlife music". GhanaWeb. 2023-05-12. Archived from the original on 2024-12-19. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  5. ^ "WATCH: Epixode cements creative position with "Too Much"". www.classfmonline.com. 2020-06-18. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  6. ^ "Epixode releases video of his song on social justice 'Wahala Dey'". 2019-10-28. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  7. ^ "I am a 'mad' and difficult artiste to work with – Epixode - MyJoyOnline". Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  8. ^ "Ghana's music will sell more if we document it well - Epixode - MyJoyOnline". Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  9. ^ GNA (2023-07-18). "Epixode recounts memorable performance at Highlife concert in Switzerland". Ghana News Agency. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  10. ^ "Epixode, Adane, Okyeame Kwame, other superstars to headline Ghana Day Festival in Switzerland". 2023-06-10. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  11. ^ "Epixode recounts memorable performance at Highlife concert in Switzerland". 2023-07-19. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  12. ^ "Rekindling love for Highlife, my priority - Epixode". GhanaWeb. 11 April 2024. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  13. ^ "Epixode recounts music journey on 'Jeovah' ft. Stonebwoy". GhanaWeb. 2018-03-20. Archived from the original on 2025-01-04. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  14. ^ "Epixode hopes to be as big as Grammy winner Kabaka Pyramid 'one day' - MyJoyOnline". Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  15. ^ "Epixode acknowledges fans support after latest VGMA win". 11 May 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  16. ^ Francis (2025-05-24). "Telecel honours Epixode with Music for Good Award at 26th TGMAs". The Business & Financial Times. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  17. ^ "IRAWMA Awards: Shatta Wale, Epixode, Stonebwoy others nominated". Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  18. ^ ""I designed Shatta Movement Family logo" - Epixode | Pulse Ghana". www.pulse.com.gh. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  19. ^ "Epixode talks headlining project..." Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  20. ^ Times, Ghanaian (2019-07-13). "Educate young artistes to sign musical contracts - Epixode". Ghanaian Times. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  21. ^ "I made history – Epixode speaks on 'Atia' rekindled Highlife music". GhanaWeb. 12 May 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  22. ^ "Highlife is the sound of the future - Epixode - MyJoyOnline". Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  23. ^ "Epixode engages upcoming musicians in a music development seminar".
  24. ^ Teye, Abigail (2025-06-02). ""Only Kwabena Kwabena responded after reaching out to many highlife artistes for Atia Donko remix" - Epixode". Asaase Radio. Retrieved 2025-08-07.
  25. ^ yghanadmin (2018-03-19). "Listen Up: Epixode features Stonebwoy on 'Jehovah'". YFM Ghana. Retrieved 2025-08-07.
  26. ^ "Ghana's music will sell more if we document it well - Epixode - MyJoyOnline". Retrieved 2025-08-07.
  27. ^ "Epixode release new highlife jam, "O'bra (Onyame Bra)" featuring Santrofi Band - AmeyawDebrah.com". 2023-04-14. Retrieved 2025-08-07.
  28. ^ "Musicians should be decorous in their choice of lyrics - Epixode".
  29. ^ Otchere, Gertrude Owireduwaah (2022-10-19). "Epixode unveils tracklist for 'Atia Archive' EP - Adomonline.com". Retrieved 2025-08-07.