Ghanaian musician Kwesi Arthur has publicly raised serious concerns regarding his past professional relationship with record label Ground Up Chale and its co-founder, Glen Baoteng. In a strongly worded statement, the award-winning artist alleges prolonged contractual disputes, financial claims, and personal distress stemming from what he describes as continued control over his creative identity and output long after their working relationship ended.
The statement, shared for public awareness and personal safety, highlights the growing tension between artists and record labels over ownership, creative rights, and long-term contractual obligations in the music industry.
Allegations of ownership claims and financial demands
At the core of Kwesi Arthur’s statement is an allegation that Ground Up Chale continues to claim ownership over his image, music, and brand dating back to 2016. According to the artist, he is currently being asked to pay an amount of $150,000 for the use of images of himself in a new independent project. He further asserts that he has not earned any income from his music during the years he worked under the label, despite the commercial success and visibility achieved during that period.
Kwesi Arthur also states that he has not had any formal affiliation with the company since the release of Son of Jacob, yet he continues to face restrictions and challenges whenever he attempts to release music independently. These claims raise broader questions about transparency, contract duration, and fair compensation within creative partnerships.
Impact on creative freedom and personal wellbeing
Beyond the financial and legal dimensions, the artist emphasizes the emotional and psychological toll of the situation. He describes experiencing constant threats, manipulation, and what he perceives as deliberate attempts to block his musical releases. According to him, these actions have significantly affected his mental health and overall wellbeing.
Kwesi Arthur notes that his decision to speak publicly was not made lightly. He indicates that he remained silent for an extended period, but growing concerns for his personal safety and that of his family compelled him to share his experience. His statement suggests a broader struggle many artists face when attempting to regain autonomy after exiting restrictive professional agreements.
A broader conversation about artist rights in Ghana
While the allegations remain one-sided and untested in a legal setting, Kwesi Arthur’s statement has reignited public discourse around artist rights, contract literacy, and power dynamics in the Ghanaian music industry. Many observers see this moment as an opportunity for emerging artists to better understand the long-term implications of record deals and for industry stakeholders to reflect on ethical business practices.
As the situation continues to unfold, it underscores the importance of clear contracts, mutual respect, and dispute-resolution mechanisms that protect both creative freedom and business interests. For now, Kwesi Arthur’s message stands as a personal account one that calls attention to the complexities of fame, ownership, and independence in modern music careers.