Ghanaian rapper and singer Kwesi Arthur has publicly accused his former record label, Ground Up Chale, of harassment and attempts to block his independent music career, escalating a long-simmering dispute between the award-winning artiste and the company.
In a social media posts, the musician, born Emmanuel Kwesi Danso Arthur, alleged that executives of Ground Up Chale, including founder Glen Boateng, were demanding $150,000 from him for using images of himself in a current independent project. He claimed the label insists it owns his image, music and all related rights dating back to 2016, despite his assertion that he has not worked with the company since releasing Son of Jacob.
Kwesi Arthur further alleged that he has not received earnings from his music during his years with the label and accused Boateng of issuing threats and engaging in manipulation. He warned that any harm to him or disruption to his current project should be attributed to the Ground Up team.
The artiste said the dispute has significantly affected his wellbeing and mental health, prompting him to speak out publicly for the safety of himself and his family.
Ground Up Chale had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of reporting.