The Kwesi Arthur vs. Ground Up Chale saga continues to dominate Ghanaian music conversations, and now one of the key figures behind the label’s early success has added his voice. Renowned producer KaySo (Sony Kwame Owusu, aka KaySo From Tema) took to X on January 22, 2026, with candid posts revealing he earned absolutely nothing from producing Kwesi Arthur’s iconic 2017 hit “Grind Day“ and other tracks from that era under Ground Up Chale (GUC).
In his first viral tweet, KaySo stated:
“For the record, I made GHC 0 from Grind Day and the songs from that period. It was a learning experience that shaped how I approach ownership and agreements today.”
He followed up with a more emotional reflection:
“We all came in with good faith, I treated Ground Up like my business. I even brought Kwesi Arthur in and helped develop his career. There was enough for everyone to win. I will always claim what’s mine, but it’s disappointing to look back at how things played out“
These posts came amid Kwesi Arthur’s explosive accusations against GUC manager Glen Boateng and the label, where he claimed ongoing control over his image, music, and finances post-contract, including demands for US$150,000 to use his own photos. KaySo’s revelations have amplified calls for transparency, fair royalties, and better artist/producer protections in the industry.
KaySo’s Pivotal Role in “Grind Day” and Early GUC Success
“Grind Day” remains one of the biggest anthems in modern Ghanaian hip-hop, winning Hip-Hop Song of the Year at the 2018 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. KaySo produced the track, appeared in the video (famously introducing himself with “This is KaySo… From Tema”), and played a major part in shaping Kwesi Arthur’s breakout sound. He has since worked with stars like KiDi, Sarkodie, Medikal, Stonebwoy, and others, but his early contributions to GUC including introducing Kwesi to the label—helped build the brand that launched multiple careers.
His posts highlight a common sentiment: many entered the partnership with genuine intent and hard work, treating the label “like my business,” only to face disappointment when rewards didn’t materialize.
Fan and Industry Reactions
Fan and Industry ReactionsThe tweets exploded online, garnering thousands of likes, reposts, and quotes:
Fans expressed shock and solidarity, with comments like “Herh Glen be mafia ankasa” and “Kayso too is lying?” in response to denials from the label side.
Supporters of Kwesi Arthur pointed to it as validation: “Now those saying it’s a lie… should come and listen.”
Media outlets quickly picked it up, with headlines from GhanaWeb, AmeyawDebrah, Pulse Ghana, and others amplifying the story and linking it to broader issues of exploitation.
Some called for future collaborations between KaySo and Kwesi Arthur once the dust settles, noting their chemistry could produce more bangers.
This isn’t the first time royalties and contracts have sparked outrage in Ghanaian music recent examples include Fancy Gadam’s low payout complaints—but KaySo’s measured, reflective tone (calling it a “learning experience” while claiming his contributions) has resonated deeply, adding nuance to the heated debate.
KaySo’s openness underscores systemic challenges: producers and artists often invest time, creativity, and networks without clear ownership or revenue shares. His evolved approach to “ownership and agreements” signals a shift many in the industry are pushing for—better contracts, split sheets, and independent paths.
As the Ground Up Chale controversy unfolds (with GUC’s lawyer disputing some claims on platforms like Joy FM), stories like KaySo’s remind us that behind the hits are real people and real frustrations. The hope is that this moment sparks meaningful reform so future talents can “win” without heartbreak.
For the record, I made GHC 0 from Grind Day and the songs from that period. It was a learning experience that shaped how I approach ownership and agreements today.
We all came in with good faith, I treated Ground Up like my business. I even brought Kwesi Arthur in and helped develop his career. There was enough for everyone to win. I will always claim what’s mine, but it’s disappointing to look back at how things played out💔
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