Award-winning Ghanaian Reggae and Dancehall artist Epixode is rewriting the narrative around what it means to be a successful musician in his genre—and he’s doing it without drugs or alcohol.
In an interview on Okay FM with host Nana Romeo, Epixode surprised many when he disclosed that he has never smoked or drunk alcohol throughout his career, despite the stereotypes often associated with Reggae and Dancehall culture.
“It was a personal decision to stay good,” he said. “I saw the direction I wanted my life and brand to take very early.”
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Epixode credited his upbringing as a major influence. Born into a musically inclined but disciplined household, he grew up with structure and values that kept him focused. His mother was a touring musician, and his father worked in finance—two contrasting worlds that gave him a strong sense of balance.
“I wasn’t pampered, but my home shaped me. I knew I didn’t need to prove anything by fitting into an image.”
According to Epixode, it’s possible to be artistic, edgy, and relevant without engaging in self-destructive habits. He also rejected the idea that substance use enhances creativity.
“Does every Gospel musician take drugs before creating a song?” he asked, with a smirk. “I believe talent comes from within—not from substances.”
His lifestyle choices also reflect in his appearance. Epixode shared that he only started getting tattoos two years ago, long after he had already made his mark on the industry.
“It’s not that I couldn’t do it earlier. I just had a different mindset. I didn’t want to be like everyone else.”
Epixode ended the conversation with a broader call for change in how people perceive Reggae and Dancehall.
“There’s more to our genre than smoke, bravado, and chaos. There’s beauty, love, and message—just look at artistes like Beenie Man and Sean Paul. That’s the version I want to represent.”
