Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
The Ghanaian music industry woke up to unexpected drama this morning involving the “King of the Street,” Kwaw Kese, and the “Son of Jacob,” Kwesi Arthur. In a rapid turn of events, what started as a grand gesture of solidarity has ended in a public disclaimer and the deletion of a donation link.
The Goodwill Gesture
It is no secret that fans and industry insiders have been clamoring for the full return of Kwesi Arthur to the limelight. Rumors regarding contract disputes with his former imprint, Ground Up Chale, have circulated for some time, with reports suggesting a hefty $150,000 (approx. GH₵ 2.2 million) buyout clause is required to settle the score.
In a bid to help his younger colleague, veteran rapper Kwaw Kese took matters into his own hands. He reportedly set up a GoFundMe page, appealing to the general public and music lovers to help raise the alleged $150,000 needed to “settle” the label and “free” the artiste.
The Rejection
However, the initiative did not sit well with the Grind Day hitmaker. Moments after the fundraiser gained traction on social media, Kwesi Arthur issued a sharp disclaimer.
According to reports from GHOne TV, Kwesi Arthur urged his fanbase to strictly ignore the gesture. He clarified that he had “no affiliation” with the donation drive and advised supporters to avoid sending money to the cause.
The swift rejection forced Kwaw Kese to pull the plug, deleting the GoFundMe link from his social media platforms shortly after.
Why Did Kwesi Reject the Help?
While Kwaw Kese’s intentions appear to have been rooted in support—channeling the ‘Big Brother’ energy he is known for—Kwesi Arthur’s refusal highlights a few likely realities:
- Legal Implications: Publicly crowdsourcing funds to pay a debt might be seen as an admission of liability in a legal battle. If Kwesi is contesting the amount or the terms of the contract with Ground Up, paying it off validates their claim.
- Professional Autonomy: Kwesi Arthur has always maintained a reserved and private persona. Handling business disputes via public charity may not align with his brand image or personal principles.
- Lack of Consent: The primary issue seems to be that the fundraiser was set up without the artiste’s direct approval.
The #FreeKwesiArthur Movement
Despite the friction regarding the GoFundMe, the conversation has reignited the #FreeKwesiArthur hashtag online. Fans are eager to see the talent resolve his label issues, though it is now clear that Kwesi Arthur intends to fight his battles on his own terms, not through public sympathy.
