Popular Ghanaian rapper, Kwesi Arthur, has raised an alarm over a threat to his life by his former label boss, Glen Boateng.
Ghanaian rapper and singer Kwesi Arthur has made serious public accusations and has also raised alarm over the threat of life against his former record label, Ground Up Chale, and its CEO, Glen Boateng, alleging attempts to control his image, music, and brand years after their professional relationship ended.
What happened between Kwesi Arthur and Ground Up Chale's Glen Boateng?
In a lengthy statement posted on social media on Wednesday night (January 21, 2026), the award-winning artist claimed that Ground Up Chale is demanding US$150,000 before he can use photographs of himself for an upcoming independent project.
According to Kwesi Arthur, the label insists it owns rights to his image, music catalogue, and brand from 2016 to the present, despite his assertion that he has not worked with the company since the release of his debut album Son of Jacob in 2022.
Kwesi Arthur further alleged that throughout his time under Ground Up Chale, he did not receive any meaningful financial benefits from his music. He accused Glen Boateng of intimidation, manipulation, and profiting from his labour, describing the situation as emotionally draining and damaging to his mental health.
One of the most troubling moments in his statement was a warning that raised concerns among fans and industry observers. The musician stated that should anything happen to him, Glen Boateng and members of the Ground Up Chale team should be held accountable. He explained that fear for his personal safety and that of his family pushed him to speak out publicly.
The artist also claimed that efforts are being made behind the scenes to block him from releasing music independently, adding that these actions have stalled his career and caused ongoing distress.
As of the time of reporting, Ground Up Chale has not released an official statement responding to the allegations.
Kwesi Arthur has operated as an independent artist since roughly 2022–2023. He later established his own label, Sisi Music, and released projects such as This Is Not The Tape III (2024), adopting alternative distribution models that prioritise artist ownership, including the “Proud 2 Pay” system. His separation from Ground Up Chale has previously been marked by online disputes, including now-deleted posts accusing the label of unfair publishing and distribution practices.
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