Kwesi Arthur Sounds the Alarm: “If Anything Happens to Me…” — Rapper Accuses Former Label of Threats, Exploitation, and Rights Control

Popular Ghanaian rapper Kwesi Arthur has ignited concern after alleging that his former record label, Ground Up Chale, and its CEO Glen Boateng are threatening his safety and attempting to exert control over his career long after their professional relationship ended, including demanding $150,000 for him to use his own images in new independent work. His explosive social media post, which includes a warning that Boateng and the label should be held responsible if anything happens to him has sparked widespread reaction from fans and industry figures alike.

Kwesi Arthur made these allegations in a detailed statement shared on social media on the night of January 21, 2026, saying that Ground Up Chale is demanding a substantial fee before he can include his own photos in an upcoming independent project. He claims the label insists it owns his image, music catalogue, and brand from 2016 to the present, despite his assertion that he has not worked with them since the release of his debut album, Son of Jacob, in 2022.

In the statement, Kwesi Arthur also accused the label’s leadership of refusing to pay him any earnings from his music during the years he was signed, alleging they profited from his creativity while he received nothing. He described ongoing intimidation and manipulation, saying the situation has had a significant toll on his well-being and mental health. The rapper further claimed that there are efforts behind the scenes aimed at blocking him from releasing his music independently, warning fans that any interference with his current projects should be blamed on his former management.

One of the most alarming lines of his statement has drawn the most attention: “If anything happens to me, Glen Boateng and all team members of Ground Up Chale are responsible and should be held responsible.” This stark warning has sparked deep concern among fans and colleagues, with hashtags like #FreeKwesiArthur trending on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), and calls for transparency and support for artist rights amplifying across social media.

Kwesi Arthur rose to fame with tracks like Grind Day, which helped propel him to international recognition and established him as one of Ghana’s leading hip-hop voices. After operating under the Ground Up Chale umbrella — a label once seen as a springboard for his career — he eventually moved toward independence around 2022–2023, establishing his own imprint, Sisi Music, and releasing projects such as This Is Not The Tape III (2024) through models that emphasize artist ownership.

As of now, Ground Up Chale and Glen Boateng have not issued a public response to the allegations, leaving many in the industry awaiting clarification. The situation underscores broader conversations about artist rights, contractual fairness, and personal safety, especially as musicians increasingly seek control over their images and careers in the rapidly evolving African music landscape.