Kwesi Arthur raises alarm over alleged threat to his life

Kwesi Arthur Raises Alarm Over Alleged Threats From Former Label Boss Glen Boateng

Popular Ghanaian rapper and singer Kwesi Arthur has raised serious concerns over his personal safety, alleging threats to his life by his former record label, Ground Up Chale, and its CEO, Glen Boateng.

The award-winning artist made the allegations public in a lengthy statement shared on social media on Wednesday night, January 21, 2026, sparking widespread reactions across Ghana’s music industry and beyond.

What Happened Between Kwesi Arthur and Ground Up Chale?

According to Kwesi Arthur, his former label is demanding US$150,000 before he can use photographs of himself for an upcoming independent music project. He claims Ground Up Chale insists it owns the rights to his image, music catalogue, and brand dating from 2016 to the present.

The rapper, however, disputes this claim, stating that he has not worked with the company since the release of his debut album, Son of Jacob, in 2022.

Allegations of Control and Exploitation

Kwesi Arthur further alleged that during his time with Ground Up Chale, he did not receive meaningful financial benefits from his music. He accused Glen Boateng of intimidation, manipulation, and profiting from his labour, describing the experience as emotionally exhausting and damaging to his mental well-being.

He also claimed that efforts are currently being made behind the scenes to prevent him from releasing music independently, saying these actions have stalled his career and caused ongoing distress.

Safety Concerns Raise Alarm

One of the most troubling aspects of the statement was a warning that raised concern among fans and industry observers. Kwesi Arthur stated that if anything were to happen to him, Glen Boateng and members of the Ground Up Chale team should be held accountable.

He explained that fear for his own safety and that of his family compelled him to speak out publicly after enduring the situation in silence for years.

Silence From Ground Up Chale

As of the time of reporting, Ground Up Chale has not released an official statement addressing the allegations made by the artist.

Life After Ground Up Chale

Kwesi Arthur has operated as an independent artist since around 2022–2023. He later founded his own label, Sisi Music, and has released projects such as This Is Not The Tape III (2024).

The rapper has also adopted 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.