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Ghanaian rapper and singer Kwesi Arthur has publicly accused his former record label, Ground Up Chale, and its CEO, Glen Boateng, of attempting to block his independent career and laying claim to his image, music, and brand.
In a statement shared on social media late Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the musician alleged that Ground Up Chale is demanding US$150,000 from him to use images of himself for an upcoming independent project. He claimed the label continues to assert ownership over his likeness and music dating back to 2016, despite his exit from the company after the release of his debut album Son of Jacob in 2022.
Kwesi Arthur further alleged that he received no financial returns from his music throughout his time with the label and accused Glen Boateng of ongoing threats, manipulation, and efforts to prevent him from releasing music independently.
In the most alarming part of his statement, the artiste warned that if anything were to happen to him, Glen Boateng and members of the Ground Up Chale team should be held responsible.
He also stated that the prolonged dispute has negatively affected his mental health and wellbeing, adding that he felt compelled to speak out publicly for his own safety and that of his family.
The post sparked widespread reactions online, quickly going viral on X, formerly Twitter. Hashtags including #FreeKwesiArthur, #KwesiArthur, #GroundUpChale, and #GlenBoateng trended in Ghana as fans and industry players called for transparency and accountability in artist-label relationships.
As of the time of reporting, Ground Up Chale has not issued an official response to the allegations. The label, founded by Glen Boateng, played a key role in Kwesi Arthur’s early rise to prominence in Ghana’s hip-hop and Afrobeats scene.
Kwesi Arthur has been operating independently since 2022–2023 under his own imprint, Sisi Music, releasing projects such as This Is Not The Tape III in 2024 through platforms that promote artist ownership. His fallout with Ground Up Chale has previously surfaced in deleted social media posts accusing the label of unfair publishing and distribution practices.
