By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
Award-winning Ghanaian rapper Kwesi Arthur has publicly raised alarm over what he describes as years of exploitation, intimidation, and career sabotage by his former management, GroundUp Chale, and its founder Glen Boateng.
In a strongly worded statement shared publicly, the “Grind Day” hitmaker alleged that he has been stripped of the right to earn from his past, present, and even future projects, despite no longer being affiliated with the record label.
“I can’t earn anything from my past, present or future projects because GroundUp has taken over my projects. I’m being charged $150,000 or have my new songs taken down. Glen, my former manager, has planned to end my career,” Kwesi Arthur wrote.
According to the rapper, he is currently being asked to pay $150,000 simply for using images of himself for a new independent project. He claims GroundUp insists it owns him, his image, his music, and everything attached to his brand from 2016 to date, even though he says he has not worked with the company since the release of Son of Jacob.
Kwesi Arthur further alleged that he has not earned a single dime from his music during the period he was under the label and has, for years, endured constant threats, manipulation, and psychological pressure.
“If anything happens to me, Glen Boateng and all team members of GroundUp Chale are responsible and should be held responsible,” he warned, citing concerns for his safety and that of his family.
He also claimed that any attempt he makes to independently release music is deliberately sabotaged.
“If for whatever reason this project that I am trying to give to my fans independently gets taken down, know Glen is responsible. He is working constantly around the clock for me to never put out music again,” the rapper added.
Kwesi Arthur explained that he had remained silent for a long time but was now speaking out because the situation had gravely affected his wellbeing and mental health.
A Wider Industry Problem.
The revelations have reignited discussions about exploitative contracts in Ghana’s music industry, especially those signed by young and upcoming artistes.
Popular singer Black Sherif has previously faced similar scrutiny over his contract with his former label, with reports indicating that he may not fully benefit from his work until 15 years after signing.
Industry observers say these cases point to a troubling pattern where young artistes sign unfavorable deals due to lack of legal guidance, only to suffer long-term financial and creative consequences.
Public Reaction and Calls for Reform
Kwesi Arthur’s statement has triggered widespread reactions on social media, with fans, fellow artistes, and industry stakeholders calling for:
Greater contract transparency.
Mandatory legal representation for young artistes.
Industry-wide reforms to protect creative talent.
As of now, GroundUp Chale and Glen Boateng have not publicly responded to the allegations.
Kwesi Arthur’s cry for help has once again exposed the harsh realities behind fame and success in the music industry, raising urgent questions about artist rights, accountability, and the need for structural reform to protect Ghana’s creative talents.
