In a significant turn of events, Ghanaian rapper and singer Kwesi Arthur has publicly accused his former management company, Ground Up Chale, and its CEO, Glen Boateng, of serious misconduct and exploitation. The allegations were made through a heartfelt statement shared on his official social media account on January 21, 2026, where he expressed his frustrations regarding the ownership of his image and creative work.
Kwesi Arthur, who rose to prominence in recent years, stated that Ground Up Chale is demanding a staggering US$150,000 from him for the right to use his own images in an upcoming independent project. This demand has raised eyebrows within the music community, particularly as he argues that since his last official collaboration with the label, which was his debut album ‘Son of Jacob’ released in 2022, he has had no professional or contractual ties with them.
The rapper alleged that Ground Up Chale claims ownership over not just his image, but his entire music catalog and brand—dating all the way back to 2016. Such assertions, according to Kwesi Arthur, are unjustified, especially considering that he has not received any financial compensation or royalties from his music throughout his association with the label.The grievance goes beyond financial disputes. Kwesi Arthur described his experience with Ground Up Chale as fraught with “ongoing threats, manipulation, and attempts to thwart his independent releases.” He claimed that Glen Boateng, the CEO, has been “living off” the efforts of his hard work, thereby contributing to an environment of ongoing distress and frustration for the artist.
The rapper’s statement included a poignant warning: should anything adverse happen to him or his family, he holds Glen Boateng and Ground Up Chale accountable. This declaration underscores the heightened emotional turmoil he has been experiencing, as he candidly revealed that the circumstances surrounding his former management have severely impacted his mental health and overall well-being.
“If anything happens to me, Glen Boateng and all the team members at Ground Up Chale are responsible and should be held accountable,” Kwesi Arthur asserted in his post. “I am currently being asked to pay $150,000 for using images of MYSELF for this current project. Ground Up claims to own my image, my music, and everything associated with it from 2016 to this day.”
Despite having left the label behind, Kwesi Arthur voiced concerns that his past affiliation continues to haunt him. He stated, “I have not made a dime from any of my music within the period I worked with them for years now, and I receive constant threats and manipulation from Glen, who is living off of my money and hard work.”
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This public dispute points to a broader issue within the music industry, specifically regarding the often contentious relationships between artists and their management teams. The situation serves as a cautionary tale, prompting discussions among industry stakeholders about the necessity of artists negotiating fair contracts and seeking legal advice before committing to long-term agreements.
Support for Kwesi Arthur has poured in, with fellow rapper Medikal stepping forward to express solidarity. He publicly criticized the Ground Up team, urging them to “leave Kwesi Arthur alone,” highlighting the camaraderie that exists among Ghanaian artists, especially during moments of adversity.
The online discourse surrounding these allegations features comments that resonate deeply within the artistic community, emphasizing the critical need for awareness regarding the implications of poorly negotiated deals and the vulnerabilities that many artists face in the industry. Observers have remarked on the exploitative practices that have become distressingly common, as artists find themselves ensnared in contracts that leave them with little control over their own creative identities.
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The media's response to the unfolding drama reflects a growing concern about power imbalances in the Ghanaian music scene, where many artists, particularly those negotiating their first contracts, may inadvertently place themselves in precarious situations. The case of Kwesi Arthur shines a light on the need for industry reforms and better structures that protect artists’ rights and financial interests.
As the story continues to develop, the record label and its management remain silent on the allegations made by Kwesi Arthur, prompting questions about their response to the growing public scrutiny. Fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely, as the outcome of this high-profile dispute could potentially set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
In conclusion, the unfolding saga surrounding Kwesi Arthur and Ground Up Chale serves as a critical reminder of the challenges faced by artists in maintaining control over their creative works. It accentuates the importance of vigilance in contract negotiations and the need for stronger artist protections within the industry, stirring conversations about ethics and accountability in the realms of music management. As Kwesi Arthur continues to navigate this complex situation, supporters await his next move, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes artistic integrity and well-being.
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