His song Chooboi has been submitted for consideration in the Best African Music Performance category at the 68th Grammy Awards. For him, the moment is less about winning and more about embracing the journey.

“Mentally and emotionally, I don’t think I’ll be negatively affected,” he told Graphic Showbiz on Sunday, October 5.

 “This experience will only make me stronger and prepare me for what’s ahead. If I win, it will be a ‘wow’ moment, but even if I don’t get nominated, no negative vibe will get to me.

“It’s a win-win, not just for me but for Ghana. The support has been massive, and I’m grateful for every tweet, mention, and platform that has shared the news”, he said.

Epixode, real name Theophilus Nii Arday Otoo, believes being shortlisted alone is a major accomplishment, considering the stiff competition.

 “There are millions of people making music. To even find your name among the shortlisted ones means you’re already a winner. I’ve seen the ups and downs of award schemes, from nominations to disappointments, so I take this as part of the journey”, he shared.

Describing the feeling when he received confirmation of the submission, Epixode said the recognition felt rewarding after years of hard work.

“It feels good, overwhelming at times but it reminds me that the sleepless nights and sacrifices don’t go unnoticed. At this point in my career, I want to celebrate progress. It may have come as a surprise, but it feels right.”

He credited his team and partners for strategically positioning Chooboi as a prelude to his upcoming album, Sounds of Our Land, scheduled for release next year.

 “Submitting the song was a deliberate decision. Big credit to my team. Sounds of Our Land showcases a rich indigenous sound, and we felt it was smart to first introduce Chooboi.

“ It’s not your typical Afrobeats or Highlife. It blends unique rhythms with a message that goes beyond entertainment. That’s why we believed it deserved this platform,” he added.

When asked if he thinks Chooboi, which won Music for Good award at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), stands a chance of being nominated, Epixode expressed optimism but emphasised his long-term vision.

“Yes, I believe Chooboi has a strong chance, but this step isn’t only about nominations. It’s about learning how the process works and positioning ourselves for the future.”

“If we don’t make it to the final nomination stage, we’ll come back stronger next year. The bigger goal is to complete the album, release it, and then fully step into the global space. This submission is just the beginning”, he disclosed.

According to him, while the Grammy was not initially the focus, it aligns with his larger mission of showcasing Ghanaian talent on the world stage.

 “Every artiste dreams of success, but for me, it has always been about creating records that go beyond Ghana. We want to tell the world who these Ghanaian boys are and where the sound comes from. So yes, reaching this stage is definitely part of the bigger picture,” he explained.

He stressed that the achievement is not just about personal glory but also about inspiring others.

 “This is bigger than me. It’s meant to show other artistes that their songs don’t have to be number one hits to make an impact. Keep pushing, because you never know where your work will take you”, he advised.

Epixode highlighted the social relevance of Chooboi, which he believes strengthens its chances with Grammy voters. “This isn’t a party song; it’s a record with a powerful message against illegal mining (Galamsey).

“I wanted to add my voice to that campaign. The fact that a socially conscious song, which isn’t even Ghana’s biggest hit, has reached this far shows that every effort by my team paid off”, he added.