Kwesi Arthur, Black Sherif, Kelvynboy are some artistes whose fallout sparked ‘drama’
Behind many of the hit songs Ghanaian audiences sing along to, is a record label or management team that first identified, nurtured, and helped the raw talent that sang them.
These labels provide the structure and backbone for distributing projects to a wider audience.
Over the years, Ghana’s entertainment industry has witnessed the rise of several such labels and managers who played pivotal roles in shaping artistes’ careers from their formative stages.
However, not all partnerships last. In some cases, when the relationship breaks down and the parties part ways, disputes and public controversies often follow.
Below are some Ghanaian artistes whose exit from their former management or record labels became highly publicised and contentious.
Kwesi Arthur–Ground Up Dispute: What we know so far from both sides
1. Kwesi Arthur
The rapper accused his former management, ‘Ground Up Chale’, of attempting to control his music and personal image long after their working relationship had ended.
He claims he was asked to pay $150,000 to use his own photographs for an independent project.
However, the label indicated that the footage Kwesi Arthur used to promote his project dates back to the beginning of his career and was produced by them. They argued that Kwesi Arthur cannot use the image without their authorisation.
2. Black Sherif
Before Kwesi Arthur’s situation came Black Sherif’s legal battle with his former management over alleged breach of contract, including claims that he signed international deals without their involvement.
The court later dismissed most of the claims, awarding only nominal damages.
3. Kelvynboy
Stonebwoy’s Burniton Music Group parted ways with Kelvynboy in 2019, ending both professional and personal ties.
The label explained that the decision was part of an audit of its relationship with its officers and associated acts.
The split sparked years of tension, with both artistes trading criticisms. At a point, Kelvynboy even alleged that Stonebwoy’s camp attacked him in Ashaiman.
4. eShun
Queen eShun parted ways with her former manager, Stephen Mensah, who was also her boyfriend.
After leaving, she revealed that she had been in a “toxic” relationship and needed to walk away.
She accused her ex-management of emotional and verbal abuse and claimed she was made to treat him like a “god”.
She further alleged that revenue from streams and performances went into Stephen Mensah’s bank account.
5. Yaw Berk
In 2019, the “Independent Lady” hitmaker made several allegations against producer Kaywa after leaving Highly Spiritual Music.
He claimed Kaywa failed to manage him well and that only two songs were released during his two years with the label.
He also alleged that the studio they used for recording was infested with bed bugs.
Yaw Berk later apologised for the bed bugs statement. In January 2021, he again asked Kaywa to forgive him for claiming he was not properly managed during his time at Highly Spiritual Music.
6. Fameye
Highlife artiste Fameye parted ways with his former manager Ogidi Brown and his label, OGB Music.
Fameye had signed a five-year deal with the label in 2018, which covered management and all music-related expenses.
The partnership broke down in 2020, and during the fallout, Fameye faced numerous allegations from Ogidi Brown, including curses. There were also claims that he refused to refund investments the label had made in his career.
By December 2020, Ogidi Brown even resorted to resolving the dispute through a shrine.
7. Lasmid
In a similar vein, Lasmid’s exit from Highly Spiritual Music was confirmed by the label’s CEO, Kaywa, during an appearance on Adom TV’s ‘ShowTime’ on June 4, 2023.
According to Kaywa, internal issues played a role, and despite several conversations, Lasmid had already decided to leave.
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s exclusive interview with Ghanaian musician/comedian David Oscar Dogbe
AK/EB
