Kwesi Arthur Alleges Threat to His Life in Dispute With Former Label Ground Up Chale

Ghanaian rapper and singer Kwesi Arthur has raised serious concerns about his safety, alleging that his former record label, Ground Up Chale, and its CEO Glen Boateng are attempting to intimidate and control him years after their professional relationship ended.

In a detailed statement shared on social media on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the award-winning artist accused the label of making financial and legal demands tied to his image, music, and brand — claims he says are unjustified since he has not worked with the company since the release of his debut album Son of Jacob in 2022.

Kwesi Arthur Says Ground Up Chale Demands $150,000 for His Photos

According to Kwesi Arthur, Ground Up Chale is requesting US$150,000 before he can use photographs of himself for an upcoming independent project. The label reportedly claims ownership of his image rights, catalogue, and brand dating back to 2016.

Kwesi Arthur rejected the demand, stating that he has operated independently since leaving the label and that no such control agreement exists beyond his debut album era.

Artist Accuses Glen Boateng of Intimidation and Exploitation

The rapper further alleged that during his time with Ground Up Chale, he did not receive fair financial returns from his music. He accused CEO Glen Boateng of intimidation, manipulation, and profiting from his labour without transparency.

Kwesi Arthur described the experience as emotionally exhausting and damaging to his mental health, adding that ongoing pressure from the label has continued to affect his career progress.

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“If Anything Happens to Me…” — Fans React to Disturbing Warning

One of the most alarming parts of Kwesi Arthur’s statement was his claim that he fears for his life and the safety of his family. He said that if anything were to happen to him, Glen Boateng and the Ground Up Chale team should be held responsible.

The statement sparked widespread concern across social media, with fans and industry figures calling for clarity and protection for the artist.

Label Allegedly Blocking His Independent Releases

Kwesi Arthur also claimed that behind-the-scenes efforts are being made to prevent him from releasing music independently. He said these actions have stalled his momentum and contributed to ongoing distress.

As of the time of publication, Ground Up Chale has not issued an official response to the allegations.

Kwesi Arthur’s Move to Independence and Sisi Music

After parting ways with Ground Up Chale around 2022–2023, Kwesi Arthur launched his own label, Sisi Music, and released projects such as This Is Not The Tape III (2024). He has since adopted alternative distribution strategies focused on artist ownership, including the “Proud 2 Pay” system.

His split from the label has previously been marked by online disputes, including now-deleted posts accusing Ground Up Chale of unfair publishing and distribution practices.

As the situation unfolds, fans continue to await an official response from Ground Up Chale, while concerns grow over the impact of the dispute on Kwesi Arthur’s safety and career.