Ghanaian rapper Kwaw Kese has weighed in on the controversy surrounding award-winning colleague rapper Kwesi Arthur and his former management after he alleged that the record label is demanding US$150,000 from the rapper for the use of his own images in a new project.
In a series of social media posts on January 22, 2026, Kwaw Kese said supporters should stop “making noise” and urged them to help to pay the amount for Kwesi Arthur if it is legitimately owed. “Ground Up is demanding $150k. Make you people stop making noise and pay for Kwesi Arthur, period,” he posted.
Kwaw Kese, in another post, dismissed critics as reacting on emotions rather than understanding the business side of the music contracts. He further reiterated his suggestion, stating that fans can crowdsource the necessary funds to pay off the demanded sum to resolve the matter.
“You guys just Dey talk out of emotions. Business has nothing to do with your emotions. You guys never heard of buying yourself out of a contract??? Let’s contribute 1 dollar each, 150k people = 150k$,” he added.
According to Kwaw Kese, this course would allow Kwesi Arthur to move forward with his career.
I fulfilled all contractual obligations under the label – Kwesi Arthur
The comments come amid public discussions sparked by Kwesi Arthur’s allegations that his former label is exerting undue control over his brand and blocking his independent music releases. In his own social media statement, the rapper accused Ground Up Chale and its CEO of asserting ownership of his image, music, and related rights dating back to 2016, despite no professional affiliation since his 2022 album Son of Jacob.
The situation has reignited conversations within Ghana’s entertainment community about artist rights, contract terms, and the business realities of the music industry.
As the controversy wages on, no official response has yet been issued by Ground Up Chale regarding the allegations.
Ground up is demanding 150k$. Make you people stop making noise and pay for Kwesi Arthur , period ✌️
— KING KESE (@kwawkese) January 22, 2026
You guys just Dey talk out of emotions. Business has nothing to do with your emotions .
You guys never heard of buying yourself out of a contract???
Let’s contribute 1dollar each, 150k people = 150k$
— KING KESE (@kwawkese) January 22, 2026
