Ghanaians have taken to social media to rally behind award-winning rapper Kwesi Arthur following allegations he has made against his former record label, Ground Up Chale, and its Chief Executive Officer, Glen Boateng.
The musician has accused the label and its CEO of unlawfully demanding US$150,000 while falsely claiming ownership of his image and musical works, despite what he says is the absence of any professional relationship between them since the Son of Jacob album period.
In a post shared on his social media platforms on January 21, Kwesi Arthur alleged that he has not received any financial benefits from his music catalogue and has been subjected to continuous threats and manipulation.
“If anything happens to me Glen Boateng and all team members of Ground up chale are responsible and should be held responsible. I am currently being asked to pay $150,000 for using images of MYSELF for this current project.”
He further claimed that the label continues to assert ownership over his career and creative output long after their working relationship ended.
“Ground up claims to own me, my image, my music and everything attached to it from 2016 to this day. Although I have not worked or had any affiliation to the company since Son of Jacob. I have not made a dime from any of my music within the period I worked with them for years now and receive constant threats and manipulation from Glen who is living off of my money and hard work.”
Kwesi Arthur also warned that any interference with his upcoming project should be blamed on the label’s chief executive.
“If for whatever reason this project that I am trying to give to my fans independently gets taken down, know Glen is responsible.”
Explaining why he chose to make the matter public, the rapper said the situation has taken a toll on his wellbeing and mental health, and concerns for his safety and that of his family pushed him to speak out.
“He is working constantly around the clock for me to never put out music again. I’ve tried to not say anything for a long time though this has affected my wellbeing and mental health greatly but for the safety of myself and my family I choose to publicly share the truth.”
The allegations have sparked widespread discussion on social media, with calls for greater transparency in artist-label relationships within the Ghanaian music industry.
Many fans and supporters have adopted the hashtags #FreeArthur and #FreeKwesiArthur, to express solidarity with the rapper and condemn Ground Up and its CEO.
Many have pledged to stand by the musician and support his independent work, while others have gone further to warn against any harm coming to him.
