Award-winning Ghanaian rapper Kwesi Arthur has publicly accused his former record label, Ground Up Chale, of exploitation and intimidation, alleging that the company continues to exercise control over his career despite his exit several years ago.
In a series of social media posts, the musician claimed that Ground Up Chale and its CEO, Glen Boateng, are demanding a payment of $150,000 before he can use images of himself for a new independent music project. Kwesi Arthur described the demand as unfair and unreasonable, stating that he is no longer under contract with the label.
According to the artiste, his relationship with Ground Up Chale officially ended after the release of his 2022 album Son of Jacob. However, he alleges that the label still claims ownership over his image, brand, and music created during his time with the company, a situation he says has significantly delayed his progress as an independent artiste.
Kwesi Arthur further claimed that throughout his years with the label, he did not receive financial benefits proportionate to the success of his music. He alleged that while his work generated substantial revenue and international recognition, he personally gained little from the commercial returns.
The rapper explained that the ongoing dispute has taken a toll on his peace of mind and forced him to speak publicly in order to protect himself and his career. He called on fans, industry stakeholders, and the general public to take note of the situation, stressing that transparency is necessary in addressing issues between artistes and record labels.
The revelations quickly sparked widespread reactions on social media, with fans and fellow creatives expressing concern and support. Many users also reignited discussions about artiste rights, ownership of creative work, and the need for fair contractual agreements within Ghana’s music industry.
Ground Up Chale, which has played a key role in shaping Ghana’s contemporary hip-hop and Afrobeats scene, has not officially responded to the allegations as of the time of publication. The silence from the label has further fueled public speculation and calls for clarification.
Kwesi Arthur rose to fame with his breakout hit Grind Day and has since become one of Ghana’s most influential music exports, earning international awards and recognition. His decision to operate independently reflects a growing trend among African artistes seeking greater creative freedom and ownership of their work.
Industry observers say the situation highlights long-standing concerns within the entertainment sector, particularly regarding contractual transparency, intellectual property rights, and artiste welfare. Many believe the outcome of the dispute could influence future conversations about how record labels and artistes engage professionally.
As fans await an official response from Ground Up Chale, the controversy continues to dominate entertainment discussions, reinforcing calls for reforms that protect creatives while promoting fairness and accountability in the music business.
— KWESI ARTHUR (@KWESIARTHUR_) January 21, 2026
Source: Thepressradio.com
