ACCRA, GHANA – June 20, 2025 – For over a decade, the name Epixode has been synonymous with the fiery energy of Ghanaian dancehall. With a cabinet of awards and a string of hard-hitting singles like 2014’s “Avatar,” “Kutu,” and “Ogbooni,” he has firmly sealed his spot as one of the top three dancehall artists in the nation, a reputation cemented by his 2021 win as Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA). Yet, in a masterful and deliberate artistic evolution, Epixode is shedding old skin, not to abandon his roots, but to embrace a sound that speaks to the soul of Ghana: Highlife. He is gradually and convincingly becoming the voice of the genre for a new generation.
The first tremor of this seismic shift was felt in 2020 with the release of “Mene Woa,” a collaboration with rap icon Sarkodie. The track was a revelation. Listeners were introduced to a different side of the “Energy God”—his writing was more emotive, his tone carried a new vulnerability, and the composition signaled a new future. This was the beginning of a conscious pivot towards creating what he calls “songs for generations.”
This new direction saw him weaponize his music for social impact. In 2019, he released “Wahala dey,” becoming a voice for the voiceless by addressing social injustice, the mismanagement of state resources, and the fading hopes of Ghanaian youth. He doubled down in late 2024 with “Chobooi,” a powerful anthem tackling the national crisis of illegal mining (“galamsey”). His commitment was officially recognized when “Chobooi” won the prestigious Music for Good award at the May 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards. His motivation is clear and profound. In his own words, he wants to “leave a footprint that will inspire the next generation,” ensuring his music is remembered not just for its rhythm, but for the societal impact it created.
This mission is intrinsically tied to his belief in Ghana’s cultural identity. For Epixode, the path to global recognition for Ghanaian music lies in embracing its authentic self. He believes that for the nation to be “positioned properly on the global stage, we have to appreciate our local sounds, the instruments that evoke the spirit of melody and rhythm, and place value on it.” This conviction is the driving force behind his passionate projection of Highlife.
He put this philosophy into practice with the 2022 release of “Atia.” The song was a cultural moment. The primary version, a beautiful highlife rendition featuring the evergreen Kwabena Kwabena, received a priceless endorsement from the legend himself. But Epixode didn’t stop there. He scientifically experimented with the sound, releasing further versions featuring folk icon Dela Botri, Afro-soul powerhouse Abiana, and Afrobeats star Mr. Drew, proving the song’s versatile and universal appeal.
This journey, he reveals, was not a surprise but a calculated move planned a decade ago, around 2015. The overwhelming reception he now receives in Ghana and on his global tours is the fruit of that long-term vision. A cornerstone of this success is the symbiotic relationship with his band, KRUS. Comprising Joshua and other world-class instrumentalists, the Krus are not just a backing band; they are collaborators in redefining a classic sound for the modern era. Their live performances are electric, and songs like “Efie Nsem” and “Obra” are perfect examples of the sound Epixode is projecting—a sound that honours Highlife from its genesis while feeling fresh and contemporary.
The strategy is working. Epixode is successfully bridging generational gaps, appealing to both millennials who grew up with Highlife and a Gen Z audience who embraced “Atia” as a viral sensation. The track exploded online, with the live session featuring Kwabena Kwabena alone accumulating over 1.1 million views on YouTube and sparking countless video creations on TikTok. He acknowledges this shift, admitting that even though he has made music for years, “Highlife has given him recognition and respect in music” on a whole new level.
The way forward for Epixode is clear: global dominion. He is poised to be a true ambassador for Ghanaian music in the decades to come. With a trusted team, a well-laid plan, and a sound that is both authentic and universally appealing, the world is eager to listen. With the right support from state and private institutions, the voice that once dominated the dancehall arena is set to make Ghana proud on the world’s biggest stages, carrying the torch of Highlife for a new era.