FOR Highlife act Epixode, Ghana already has its most powerful ambassador to the world. No, it is not football. It is music.
The Atia hitmaker believes the country has a sound so rich and so deep that if Ghana puts its weight behind it, music can carry the nation’s name to every corner of the world.
The argument, he says, is not complicated. Football gives the world ninety minutes with Ghana every few years. Music, on the other hand, stays with people every single day.
In a recent conversation with Graphic Showbiz, Epixode drew a bold comparison between Ghana and countries that have built global identities through their music.
“When you hear Reggae, you think Jamaica. When you hear Amapiano, South Africa comes to mind. Ghana has Highlife, our original sound and cultural fingerprint. If we invest in it, promote it and package it well, music can become one of Ghana’s biggest ambassadors to the world,” he explained.
Epixode, born Theophilus Nii Arday Otoo, is convinced that no other cultural export comes close to what a well-supported music industry could do for the country’s global image and that Ghana has been slow to reckon with that reality.
On whether music can unite Ghanaians the way football does, he is measured but direct.
“We are making progress, but there is room for more intentionality. Football naturally fosters national unity because everyone supports one team. Music has that same power if we make records that celebrate who we are as Ghanaians first.”
“We need more songs that tell our stories, celebrate our diversity and inspire national pride beyond trends and seasons”, he added.
He is quick to acknowledge that the talent is there. What is still catching up, he says, are the structures around it. (Read Fashion designer Sadia Sanusi passes away)
“The industry is full of potential. We have incredible artistes, producers and creatives. At the same time, we are still building stronger systems that can help artists compete consistently on the global stage. The creativity is there; now we must keep improving the infrastructure that supports it.”
With the FIFA World Cup on the horizon and artistes across the globe already releasing songs in its honour, Epixode has a clear idea of what his soundtrack to support Ghana’s Black Stars would be.
“I would want the world to hear the full Ghanaian experience. Highlife at the core, because that is our foundation. Then I would blend in traditional rhythms from across the country — Ga influences, Ashanti percussion, Northern sounds, and contemporary Afro-fusion elements. Something modern but deeply rooted.”
His latest single has been generating attention, and for Epixode, it is more than just a new release; it is a statement.
“Juli Juli is a beautiful Highlife composition with a nostalgic feel of the 80s rhythm mixed with a contemporary sound. I believe Highlife can be sweet again, and as part of the voice of this new generation of Highlifers, Juli Juli is a great piece to celebrate our rich sound and get people dancing.”
With European shows already confirmed and more international dates in the pipeline, he is not done making his case to the world.
“Every time I perform abroad, I see myself as a representative of Ghanaian culture. Exciting things are coming, and I look forward to sharing them with the world”, he added.
