Reggie Zippy, born Reginald Ainooson on July 16, 1984, is a Ghanaian-born UK-based musician best known as one half of the pop duo Reggie ‘n’ Bollie. Here’s a deep dive into his life and career:
Early career in Ghana
Before his international fame, Reggie Zippy made waves in Ghana’s hiplife scene. In 2006, he released tracks like “Virgin,” “4 Sale,” and “Adoma”, which earned him local recognition.
Rise to international fame
In 2012, Reggie teamed up with fellow Ghanaian artist Bollie Babeface (Ishmael Hamid) to form Reggie ‘n’ Bollie.
They gained massive popularity after finishing as runners-up on the 2015 season of The X Factor UK, mentored by Cheryl Fernandez-Versini.
Their energetic performances and Afrobeat-infused pop made them fan favorites.
Music and business ventures
After The X Factor, they signed with Syco Music, Simon Cowell’s label, and released singles like “New Girl” (which charted in the UK Top 30) and “Link Up.”
They later launched their own label, F.R.O.D Music, and released albums like Uncommon Favours (2017) and Clarity (2021).
Personal life and challenges
Reggie was married to Edith Ward, and they have three children together. However, their 15-year marriage ended in 2023.
The breakup was highly publicized, with Reggie openly discussing his emotional struggles and mental health challenges following the divorce.
He has also spoken about unlawful arrests in the UK, which he claims were linked to his domestic disputes. In 2025, he revealed that the UK police offered him financial compensation for these incidents.
Mental health advocacy
Reggie has used his platform to speak candidly about mental health, especially among men facing emotional and legal battles post-divorce.
His raw, emotional videos have sparked conversations about the stigma surrounding men’s mental health in African and diaspora communities.
