BY Daniel Bampoe
The music industry has produced global stars and chart-topping hits, but behind the glamour lies a long history of strained relationships between artists and the record labels or managers meant to support them.
Over the past decade, several high-profile disputes have exposed deep-seated challenges within the industry, including unfavourable contracts, withheld royalties, lack of transparency, creative control battles, and the vulnerability of young talents who sign deals without legal guidance.
While many artists begin their careers with optimism and trust in their management teams, these partnerships have, in numerous cases, ended publicly and bitterly.
From dancehall and hip-hop to Afrobeats, these disputes have not only altered individual careers but have also sparked wider conversations about exploitation, mental health, and the urgent need for reform in the music business ecosystem.
One of the earliest and most cited cases is that of dancehall singer Kaakie, who rose to prominence under Xtra Large Music in the early 2010s.
Kaakie
With hit songs like “Too Much” and “Shishi Banku,” she quickly became one of Ghana’s leading female dancehall acts.
However, in 2017, after six years with the label, Kaakie announced her departure, citing an unfavourable contract she signed at a young age.
She later revealed that the agreement granted the label full ownership of her music, effectively stripping her of the right to perform her own songs.
The split was acrimonious, with the label reportedly retaining control of most of her social media platforms.
Disillusioned, Kaakie relocated to the United Kingdom to pursue a nursing career, stepping away from mainstream music.
Years later, similar concerns resurfaced with rapper Kofi Jamar, who confirmed his exit from GADone Records in August 2025.
Despite his commercial breakthrough with “Ekorso,” the rapper accused the label of sidelining him after 2024, even though his contract had ended.
According to Kofi Jamar, repeated attempts to communicate with management were ignored, leaving his career stagnant.
He described the experience as damaging to both his professional growth and mental health, a complaint that mirrors the frustrations of many emerging artistes navigating label relationships.
Another fast-rising rapper, Lalid, also found himself at odds with management under Ground Up Chale.
In October 2025, he publicly accused the label of failing to honour promises outlined in a written contract. His stay with the label lasted only a few months, during which he claimed to have received neither financial compensation nor career support.
Though brief, the episode became a learning experience for Lalid, reinforcing the importance of ownership and clearly defined agreements.
Singer Mr Drew’s exit from Highly Spiritual Music in 2023 further highlighted the risks of signing contracts without legal advice. After enjoying success with songs like “Eat” and “Case,” he admitted that the deal he signed was overly restrictive.
While producer Kaywa maintained that Mr Drew declined a renewal offer, the artist described the separation as a necessary step for personal and artistic growth.
Mr. Drew
Though largely amicable, the split underscored the power imbalance that often favours labels.
Ground Up Chale has featured prominently in several of these narratives. Beyond Lalid, artists such as Twitch 4Eva quietly transitioned away from the label after releasing music and collaborative projects around 2020. While no major public fallout occurred, industry insiders have cited creative differences and contract timelines as possible reasons for his move towards independence.
The most explosive dispute, however, involves Kwesi Arthur, one of Ghana’s most successful hip-hop exports. In January 2026, the “Grind Day” hitmaker accused Ground Up Chale and its CEO, Glen Boateng, of demanding US$150,000 for him to use his own images for an independent project.
Kwesi Arthur alleged that the label claimed perpetual ownership over his image, music, and brand dating back to 2016, despite the absence of active ties since his 2022 album “Son of Jacob.” He further accused the label of withholding royalties, issuing threats, and sabotaging his work.
Kwesi Arthur
The revelations sparked the viral #FreeKwesiArthur campaign, drawing support from fellow artists, media personalities, and fans, while also highlighting the mental toll such disputes can take.
Elsewhere, Black Sherif’s legal battle with his former manager Chavis became a defining moment for artist independence. Following his 2022 deal with Empire Music Africa, Chavis sued for breach of contract. The court ultimately ruled in Black Sherif’s favour, affirming his autonomy.
Although the case ended positively for the artist, it exposed disagreements over financial expectations and contractual clarity during pivotal career moments.
In 2019, Kelvynboy’s departure from Burniton Music Group marked the end of both a professional and personal relationship with Stonebwoy. Despite hit records like “Down Flat,” the split led to years of tension, public accusations, and allegations of betrayal.
Kelvynboy later sought reconciliation and eventually aligned himself with new mentorship, illustrating how deeply such fallouts can fracture industry relationships.
Kelvynboy
For Fameye, disputes revolved more around management than a traditional record label. His legal tussle with former manager Ogidi Brown over alleged unpaid funds and contractual disagreements lingered for years before both parties settled at Antoa shrine in 2025. Fameye has since established his own label, emphasizing independence and control over his career.
Finally, Lasmid’s exit from Highly Spiritual Music in 2023, following the massive success of “Friday Night,” reflected a pattern seen across the label’s roster.
Though both parties described the separation as mutual, it reinforced ongoing conversations about creative freedom and management expectations.
Lasmid
Collectively, these cases paint a clear picture of an industry grappling with structural challenges. Young artistes, often eager for exposure, sign contracts without adequate legal advice, only to later confront restrictive terms and financial disputes.
