Ghanaian rapper Kwaw Kese has weighed in on the ongoing controversy involving award-winning rapper Kwesi Arthur and his former management, following claims that the record label is demanding US$150,000 for the use of images in a new project.
In a series of social media posts on January 22, 2026, Kwaw Kese urged fans and supporters to stop what he described as unnecessary noise and instead help raise the amount being demanded—if it is legitimately owed.
“Ground Up is demanding $150k. Make you people stop making noise and pay for Kwesi Arthur, period,” he wrote.
In another post, Kwaw Kese criticised some netizens for reacting emotionally rather than understanding the business realities of music contracts. He suggested that fans could even crowdsource the amount to resolve the issue.
“You guys are just talking out of emotions. Business has nothing to do with emotions. You’ve never heard of buying yourself out of a contract? Let’s contribute $1 each—150,000 people equals $150,000,” he added.
According to Kwaw Kese, paying the amount would allow Kwesi Arthur to move forward freely with his career.
His comments come amid widespread public debate triggered by Kwesi Arthur’s allegations that his former label, Ground Up Chale, is exerting undue control over his brand and restricting his independent music releases.
In his own social media posts, Kwesi Arthur accused Ground Up Chale and its CEO of claiming ownership of his image, music, and related rights dating back to 2016, despite having no professional relationship with the label since the release of his 2022 album, Son of Jacob.
The controversy has reignited broader discussions within Ghana’s entertainment industry about artist rights, contract obligations, and the business side of music.
As the debate continues, Ground Up Chale has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
