Kwaw Kese to Refund $170 GoFundMe for Kwesi Arthur after Backlash

Ghanaian rapper Kwaw Kese says he will refund $170 raised through a GoFundMe campaign he created for fellow artiste Kwesi Arthur, following public backlash and the latter’s disapproval of the initiative.

A few weeks ago, Kwaw Kese set up the online fundraiser after Kwesi Arthur took to social media alleging that his former management was demanding $150,000 from him for the use of his own images. Believing he was offering support, Kwaw said he mobilized fans to help raise the amount to settle the dispute and secure the rapper’s freedom.

However, Kwesi Arthur distanced himself from the campaign, urging the public to disregard it and stating that he had no prior knowledge of the fundraiser.

Speaking in an interview, Kwaw Kese expressed disappointment at the reaction to his gesture.

“I set up the GoFundMe account and if it was a bad thing I wouldn’t even talk about it. I came online and posted the GoFundMe account and said people should support our brother, pay the money so that Kwesi Arthur can have his freedom,” he said.

Kwaw maintained that his intentions were genuine and that he had no plans to personally benefit from the funds raised.

“There was no way I would open the account and use the money without giving it to Kwesi. I was doing it strictly for Kwesi Arthur. I was pained that someone could own his images and want you to pay $150,000. You are bigger than that amount of money. Let’s do this, pay the guy off so you can be free,” he added, referencing Kwesi’s former management, Ground Up Chale.

According to Kwaw Kese, the campaign raised $170. He disclosed that GoFundMe had given him a deadline to withdraw the funds or have them automatically refunded.

“The $170 is still in the account. They have given me a deadline to withdraw it or they refund it to the donors. Considering the backlash, I will allow GoFundMe to refund the monies,” he said.