Award-winning Ghanaian musician Epixode is challenging long-held stereotypes in the Reggae and Dancehall scene by publicly sharing his commitment to a clean, substance-free lifestyle.
In an interview on Okay FM with host Nana Romeo, the artist revealed, “I’ve never drunk alcohol. I’ve never smoked.” Removing his glasses to emphasise his sincerity, Epixode made it clear that his choice was not born out of ignorance but from a conscious decision to live differently.
“It was a personal decision to stay clean, no matter the environment or temptations,” he said.
Epixode attributed his discipline and moral compass to a strong upbringing. Raised in a home where his mother was a touring musician and his father worked in banking, he said he was “fortunate” to have experienced a stable family life that exposed him early to the entertainment industry—without being consumed by its darker sides.
While tattoos and piercings came much later in his career, Epixode insisted his outward appearance doesn’t define his values.
“I only got my tattoos about two years ago. Growing up, I didn’t have piercings or ink. I wasn’t trying to fit in; I just wanted to be different,” he explained.
The singer also took the opportunity to address a persistent myth in creative circles—that drugs or alcohol are necessary to fuel artistic expression.
“If substances made you creative, then Gospel artists would be the biggest addicts,” he said jokingly, before adding seriously: “You don’t need drugs to make good music.”
He pointed to legendary South African Reggae artist Lucky Dube as an example of a clean-living musician who never relied on substances for inspiration.
Epixode also made a case for rethinking perceptions of Reggae and Dancehall. “There’s a soft, beautiful side to this genre—look at Sean Paul, Konshens, Beenie Man. It’s not all gangsters and bravado,” he noted.
With his message, Epixode is not only carving a unique path for himself but also offering an alternative narrative for young fans who may feel pressured by music industry stereotypes.
His lifestyle, grounded in discipline and self-awareness, is a refreshing reminder that true artistry stems from authenticity—not addiction.
