Popular Ghanaian rapper and singer Kwesi Arthur has publicly accused Glen Boateng, the founder and key figure behind Ground Up Chale, along with the company’s team members, of ongoing threats, manipulation, and attempts to hinder his independent music career.
In a detailed statement shared on social media, Arthur claimed that Ground Up Chale is demanding $150,000 from him to use images of himself in an upcoming independent project. He alleged that the company asserts ownership over his personal image, music, and related rights dating back to 2016, despite his departure from any affiliation with them following the release of his project Son of Jacob.
Arthur emphasized that he has had no professional or financial ties to Ground Up Chale for years and has not received any earnings from his music catalog during that period. He described receiving “constant threats and manipulation” from Boateng, whom he accused of profiting from his past work while actively working to prevent future releases.
The rapper expressed deep concern for his safety and that of his family, stating: “If anything happens to me, Glen Boateng and all team members of Ground Up Chale are responsible and should be held responsible.” He further warned that if his current fan-focused project is taken down or disrupted, Boateng should be held accountable, describing the situation as a deliberate effort to ensure he “never put out music again.”
Arthur noted that the prolonged conflict has significantly impacted his mental health and overall wellbeing. After staying silent for an extended period, he said he chose to go public to protect himself and reveal what he believes to be the truth.
Ground Up Chale, a UK-registered entity with Boateng listed as a primary figure with significant control, previously collaborated with Arthur on various tracks and projects, helping launch his early career. The label has been associated with several Ghanaian artists and releases over the years.
This is not the first reported tension between Arthur and Ground Up Chale. Previous accounts from 2022 and later indicated challenges during his transition to independence, including difficulties renegotiating contracts and accessing masters or royalties. Arthur has since established his own ventures and continued releasing music independently.
Neither Boateng nor Ground Up Chale has issued a public response to the latest allegations at the time of this report. The situation has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with fans and observers expressing support for Arthur and calling for greater artist protections in the Ghanaian music industry.
Kwesi Arthur, known for hits that helped define modern Ghanaian rap and afrobeats, continues to build his career outside traditional label structures. The dispute highlights ongoing issues of contract terms, ownership rights, and artist-label dynamics in the African music scene.
