How the entertainment industry is reacting to Kwesi Arthur’s record label dispute

Following Kwesi Arthur’s accusations against executives of his former record label, ‘Ground Up Chale’, including claims of harassment, ownership of his image and music, and attempts to block his independent releases, several personalities within the entertainment fraternity have shared their reactions.

Video director Big OJ was among the first to comment, stating that record labels often exploit young artistes at the early stages of their careers when they lack industry knowledge.

He noted that in such arrangements, artistes sometimes cannot even use their own images because labels believe they played a major role in shaping their public identities.

'Blame Ground Up, Glen Boateng if anything happens to me' - Kwesi Arthur explodes

He pointed out that in such arrangements, artistes sometimes cannot even use their own images because labels believe they played a major role in shaping their public identities.

“They take advantage of u at the beginning when you don’t know any better. Your own image oo, you can’t use. They say they made your image pop so they own you for whatever period you agree. When someone says they like independent, this is why. You have to play the long game to win,” he wrote.

Music producer Yung Demz, who previously worked under Ground Up, also shared his experience.

He recalled how Ground Up CEO Glen Boateng once assured his father that the label would support him and his family, but in his view, those promises were not fulfilled.

“I’ll never forget when my mother asked me what I make from those songs that they’ve been hyping me about. and I was mute but glen I bet you remember when my dad come to the studio to get your promise that you’ll do us solid,” Yung Demz wrote.

Joeylit, one of the creatives behind Ghanaian streetwear brand, ‘Free The Youth’, expressed confidence that Kwesi Arthur would eventually break free from contractual restraints.

Rapper Kwesi Slay also commented, stating that he could personally settle the reported US$150,000 for Kwesi Arthur to independently release his project, but felt the amount was unreasonable.

He criticised Glen Boateng and argued that such actions prevent artistes from performing at their best.

“He be stupid guy…with whatever man dey go through these are some of the people wey no dey allow artiste bring out dema best…I fit pay the 150k for you but ebi nonsense! LEAVE KWESI ARTHUR ALONE,” Kwesi Slay indicated in Pidgin mixed with English.

The reactions follow a statement posted by Kwesi Arthur on January 21, 2026, in which he claimed that ‘Ground Up Chale’ is demanding US$150,000 for him to use his own image in a current project.

He specifically named Glen Boateng and Ground Up, stating that they should be held responsible if anything bad happens to him.

Kwesi Arthur further claimed the label asserts ownership over his image, his music and everything attached to it from 2016 to this day.

He also alleged that he has not earned any money from his music during the period he was affiliated with the label and has been subjected to “constant threats and manipulation.”

Imagine trying to own a human being and then using threats to silence them.

If you have to bully, manipulate and sabotage someone to stay relevant, you’re not a manager. You’re a parasite.

Grown men moving like landlords of someone’s life, image and sweat. Embarrassing.… pic.twitter.com/VO0RZ9S1Nm

— nana aba (@thenanaaba) January 22, 2026

He be stupid guy…with whatever man dey go through these are some of the people wey no dey allow artiste bring out dema best…I fit pay the 150k for you but ebi nonsense! LEAVE KWESI ARTHUR ALONE ‼️ https://t.co/heEQ8aYUnM

— Kwesi Slay (@kwesi_slay) January 21, 2026

ISAIAH 10:27

And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.

I WILL COME AND TALK PROPERLY WHEN I WAKE UP. KWESI WILL BE FREE I PROMISE https://t.co/5OroPWMfqQ

— BLACK FABIO® (@joeylitONAIR) January 22, 2026

i’ll never forget when my mother asked me what i make from those songs that they’ve been hyping me about. and i was mute

but glen i bet u remember when my dad come to the studio to get ur promise that you’ll do us solid.

— yd (@yung_d3mz) January 22, 2026

They take advantage of u at the beginning when you don’t know any better. Your own image oo, you can’t use. They say they made your image pop so they own you for whatever period you agree. When someone says they like independent, this is why. You have to play the long game to win https://t.co/7XF4H1q5i5

— DIRECTOR OJ (@bigojfilms) January 21, 2026

Sometimes I feel sorry for record labels.

They had many business options, many safer investments..

but they chose to bet on an “ARTISTE”

Time, money, strategy, reputation…

all before the world knew your name.

— DJ MENSAH (@DJMENSAH1) January 22, 2026

Medikal talks about the ongoing issue between Kwesi Arthur and Glen pic.twitter.com/fh0gFuuWRw

— Prosper BYK (@ProsperByk) January 21, 2026