{{Short description|Ghanaian rapper and singer (born 1999)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2026}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Kwesi Arthur | background = solo_singer | image = Kwesi Arthur.jpg | image_size = | landscape = <!-- yes, if wide image, otherwise leave blank --> | alt = | caption = Kwesi Arthur performing at Alliance Francais. | native_name = | birth_name = Emmanuel Kwesi Danso Arthur Junior | alias = King Arthur, Diidaday, Heavy Hitta, Young Arthur | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1999|12|18|df=y}} | birth_place = [[Tema]], Ghana | origin = Ghana | death_date = | death_place = | genre = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]], [[Afrobeats]] | occupation = Rapper • singer-songwriter • record producer | years_active = 2017–present | label = independent | website = }}
'''Emmanuel Kwesi Danso Arthur''' (born 18 December 1999), known professionally as '''Kwesi Arthur''', is a Ghanaian rapper, singer and songwriter from [[Tema]]. <ref>{{cite web | url= https://yen.com.gh/tags/kwesi-arthur/ | title= Kwesi Arthur| publisher=yen.com.gh| access-date= 2024-11-30}}</ref> He rose to fame in 2017 with the hit single "Grind Day", which received widespread acclaim, a co-sign and a chart-topping remix from rap heavyweights [[Sarkodie (rapper)|Sarkodie]] and [[Medikal]].<ref name="Citi Newsroom">{{Cite news|url=https://citinewsroom.com/2018/06/05/bet-awards-kwesi-arthur-gets-nomination-in-viewers-choice-category/|title=BET Awards: Kwesi Arthur gets nomination in Viewers' Choice category|date=5 June 2018|work=Citi Newsroom|access-date=7 November 2018}}</ref><ref name="graphic.com.gh">{{Cite news|date=6 November 2018|title=My mum wanted me to do gospel music—Kwesi Arthur|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/showbiz/ghana-music/kwesi-arthur-my-mummy-wanted-me-to-do-gospel-music.html|location=Accra, Ghana|access-date=6 March 2019|newspaper=[[Daily Graphic (Ghana)|Daily Graphic]]}}</ref> In 2019, his second EP, ''Live from Nkrumah Krom Vol II'', garnered more than 2 million streams in the first week of its release.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ghanafuo.com/review-kwesi-arthurs-live-nkrumah-krom-vol-ii-home-run/|title=REVIEW: Kwesi Arthur's "Live From Nkrumah Krom Vol. II: Home Run"|date=26 April 2019}}</ref>
Arthur has won several accolades, including Rapper of the year and Hip Hop Song of the year at the [[Vodafone Ghana Music Awards]] as well as a Viewer's Choice Best International Act nomination at the [[BET Awards 2018|2018 BET Awards]]. He became the second Ghanaian rapper to be nominated for BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher after [[Sarkodie Awards and nominations|Sarkodie]]'s nomination in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-20|title=Kwesi Arthur Reps Ghana at 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher|url=https://www.ghananotes.com/kwesi-arthur-reps-ghana-at-2020-bet-hip-hop-awards-cypher/|access-date=2020-10-20|website=GhanaNotes.com|language=en-US|archive-date=13 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113191850/https://www.ghananotes.com/kwesi-arthur-reps-ghana-at-2020-bet-hip-hop-awards-cypher/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Early life and education== Kwesi Arthur was born on 18 December 1999 in [[Tema]]. He was raised in Tema Community 9 and is the second of four children with a brother named Benjamin Danso Arthur, who is popularly known as Dayonthetrack and is also a musician. After completing his high school education at Temasco<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ghanaguardian.com/video-i-still-owe-fees-at-temasco-kwesi-arthur-shares-heartbreaking-story-on-his-journey-to-success|title=VIDEO: I still owe fees at Temasco - Kwesi Arthur shares heartbreaking story on his journey to success|website=The Ghana Guardian News}}</ref> in 2013, Kwesi's plans of furthering his education to study [[psychology]] and law at the [[University of Ghana]] came to a standstill due to a lack of funds. This led the rapper to consider a job offer as a security guard in Tema.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/Kwesi-Arthur-reveals-how-he-almost-ended-up-as-a-security-guard-675859|title=Kwesi Arthur reveals how he almost ended up as a security guard|date=11 August 2018|website=GhanaWeb}}</ref>
==Music career== Kwesi Arthur was discovered by Ghanaian rapper and entrepreneur [[Sarkodie (rapper)|Sarkodie]], whom he featured on one of his hit songs called "Grind Day", alongside [[Medikal]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Latest Ghanaian Music News & New Songs |url=https://www.pulse.com.gh/entertainment/music |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=Pulse Ghana |language=en}}</ref>
Kwesi Arthur started writing raps after listening to [[Drake (musician)|Drake]]'s debut album, ''[[Thank Me Later]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/entertainment/2018/November-5th/video-i-slept-in-a-kiosk-with-my-parents-siblings-kwesi-arthur.php|title=Video: I slept in a kiosk with my parents, siblings – Kwesi Arthur|access-date=5 November 2018}}</ref>
In 2017, he released the lead single "Grind Day" from his debut EP, ''Live from Nkrumah Krom'' (2017). The record was released under his independent outfit and supported by a social movement called GroundUp Chale. He later released the remix for "Grind Day", featuring [[Sarkodie (rapper)|Sarkodie]] and [[Medikal]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.pulse.com.gh/entertainment/celebrities/10-things-you-didn-t-know-about-kwesi-arthur-id8469261.html|title=10 things you didn't know about Kwesi Arthur|last=Mawuli|first=David|access-date=5 November 2018}}</ref>
Kwesi Arthur has collaborated with numerous Ghanaian musicians, including [[Sarkodie (rapper)|Sarkodie]], [[Medikal]], [[KiDi]], Jason E LA, [[R2Bees]], B4bonah, M3dal, [[M.anifest]], [[EL (rapper)|EL]], [[Stonebwoy]], [[Shatta Wale]] and South African rapper [[Nasty C]] . He was nominated for Best International Act at the [[BET Awards 2018|2018 BET Awards]].<ref name="Citi Newsroom"/><ref name="graphic.com.gh" />
Kwesi Arthur is one of the most successful artists in Ghana, with his music being internationally recognized and awarded. In 2020 his song "Live From The 233" was one of the most streamed African songs on the streaming service [[Apple Music]].
== Controversies And Law suit == Glen Boateng, the founder of music company popularly cedis in damages over comments Kwesi Arthur made in a social media post in the month of January 2026{{Clarify|reason=The statement needs to be reworded for clarity.|date=March 2026}}.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ground Up Chale sues Kwesi Arthur over online accusations, seeks more than GH₵10 million in damages - MyJoyOnline|url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/ground-up-chale-sues-kwesi-arthur-over-online-accusations-seeks-more-than-gh%e2%82%b510-million-in-damages/|access-date=2026-01-29|language=en-US}}</ref>
==Discography== ===EPs=== *''Live from Nkrumah Krom'' (2017)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-04-30 |title=Listen UP: Kwesi Arthur Drops Debut EP ‘Live From Nkrumah Krom’ {{!}} AmeyawDebrah.com |url=https://ameyawdebrah.com/listen-kwesi-arthur-drops-debut-ep-live-nkrumah-krom/ |access-date=2024-03-27 |language=en-US}}</ref> *''This Is Not The Tape, Sorry 4 The Wait'' (2019) *''Live from Nkrumah Krom Vol II Home Run'' (2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.myjoyonline.com/entertainment/2019/April-26th/fans-go-wild-for-kwesi-arthurs-new-album-lfnkii-home-run.php|title=Fans go wild for Kwesi Arthur's new album 'LFNKII – Home Run'|website=myjoyonline.com|access-date=9 May 2019}}</ref> *''This Is Not The Tape, Sorry 4 The Wait II'' (2020) *''This Is Not The Tape III'' (2024)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-19 |title=Kwesi Arthur partners Tieme Music on new project 'This is not the Tape III' - MyJoyOnline |url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/kwesi-arthur-partners-tieme-music-on-new-project-this-is-not-the-tape-iii/ |access-date=2024-03-27 |website=www.myjoyonline.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Studio albums=== *''Son Of Jacob'' (2022)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-22 |title=Kwesi Arthur releases much-anticipated 'Son of Jacob' album - MyJoyOnline.com |url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/kwesi-arthur-releases-much-anticipated-son-of-jacob-album/ |access-date=2022-04-30 |website=www.myjoyonline.com |language=en-US}}</ref> *''Redemption'' (2026)
=== Singles === {| class="wikitable" !Year !Title !Production credit !Ref |- | rowspan="2" |2017 |Grind Day | rowspan="2" |[[KaySo (producer)|Kayso]] |<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/entertainment/showbiz-news/video-meet-grind-day-hit-maker-kwesi-arthur.html|location=Accra, Ghana|title=VIDEO: Meet "Grind Day" hitmaker Kwesi Arthur|last=Zurek|first=Kweku|access-date=6 November 2018|newspaper=[[Daily Graphic (Ghana)|Daily Graphic]]}}</ref> |- |Grind Day ''Remix'' feat [[Medikal]] and [[Sarkodie (rapper)]] |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/Kwesi-Arthur-features-Sarkodie-Medikal-on-Grind-Day-remix-613211|title=Kwesi Arthur features Sarkodie, Medikal on 'Grind Day' remix|website=ghanaweb.com|date=29 December 2017 |access-date=6 November 2018}}</ref> |- |2018 |Anthem |Barking by Ramz | |- |2018 |''Woara'' (meaning - It Is You) |Shotto Blinkz |<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ghanamotion.com/kwesi-arthur-woara-god-engineering-prod-by-shotto-blingx/|title=Kwesi Arthur – Woara (God Engineering) (Prod. by Shotto Blingx)|website=ghanamotion.com|access-date=6 November 2018}}</ref> |- |2018 |Don't Keep Me Waiting feat [[KiDi|Kidi]] |NytWulf |<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.pulse.com.gh/entertainment/music/kwesi-arthur-drops-dont-keep-me-waiting-feat-kidi-id8900259.html|title=Kwesi Arthur drops "Don't Keep Me Waiting" feat KiDi|last=Mawuli|first=David|access-date=6 November 2018|archive-date=7 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107010116/https://www.pulse.com.gh/entertainment/music/kwesi-arthur-drops-dont-keep-me-waiting-feat-kidi-id8900259.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> |- |2019 |Zombie |TwoBars |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://afrosages.com/kwesi-arthur-zombie-prod-by-twobars/|title=Kwesi Arthur – Zombie (Prod. by TwoBars)|last=|first=|date=21 October 2019|website=afrosages.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025022445/https://afrosages.com/kwesi-arthur-zombie-prod-by-twobars/|archive-date=25 October 2019|access-date=2 November 2019}}</ref> |- |2020 |Turn On The Lights |Yung D3mz | |- |2020 |Live from 233 |Juiczxx | |- |2020 |Baajo feat [[Joeboy]] |Yung D3mz | |- |2021 |Winning feat [[Vic Mensa]] |Juiczxx | |- |2022 |Nirvana fet [[Kofi Mole]] |Juiczxx |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-21 |title=Kwesi Arthur releases new track 'Nirvana' - MyJoyOnline.com |url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/kwesi-arthur-releases-new-track-nirvana/ |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=www.myjoyonline.com |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |2025 |Real Thing | |}
==Awards and nominations== === Ghana Music Awards === {| class="wikitable" !'''Year''' !'''Recipient/Nominated work''' !'''Award''' !'''Result''' !'''Ref''' |- |rowspan="3"|2018 |rowspan="3"|Himself |Hip Hop Song of the Year |{{won}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/entertainment/2018/April-15th/full-list-of-winners-at-2018-vodafone-ghana-music-awards.php|title=Full list of winners at 2018 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards|access-date=7 November 2018}}</ref> |rowspan="3"|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/hearts-of-oak-congratulate-kwesi-arthur-on-vgma-nominations-id8074698.html|title=Hearts of Oak congratulate Kwesi Arthur on VGMA nominations|last=Anno-Kumi|first=Kwaku|access-date=7 November 2018}}</ref> |- |Hiplife/Hip Hop Artiste of the Year |{{nom}} |- |New Artiste of the Year |{{nom}} |- |rowspan="2"|2021 |Himself |Hiplife/HipHop Artist of the Year |Nominated |<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=News |first=Pulse |date=2021-04-04 |title=Full List: Here are the nominees for the 2021 Ghana Music Awards |url=https://www.pulse.com.gh/entertainment/music/full-list-here-are-the-nominees-for-the-2021-ghana-music-awards/7whwp48 |access-date=2022-10-08 |website=Pulse Ghana |language=en}}</ref> |- |Himself |International Collaboration of the Year |{{Won}} |<ref name=":0" /> |- |}
===BET Awards=== {| class="wikitable" !'''Year''' !'''Recipient/Nominated work''' !'''Award''' !'''Result''' !'''Ref''' |- |rowspan="1"|2018 |rowspan="1"|Himself |Viewers Choice Best International Act |{{nom}} |rowspan="1"|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-44372871|title=Rap artiste get Ghana first 2018 BET nomination|date=6 June 2018|work=BBC News Pidgin|access-date=5 November 2018}}</ref> |- |}
=== 3 Music Awards === {| class="wikitable" !'''Year''' !'''Recipient/Nominated work''' !'''Award''' !'''Result''' !'''Ref''' |- |rowspan="9"|2019 |rowspan="9"|Himself |Hip Hop Song of the Year |{{nom}} |rowspan="9"|<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.myjoyonline.com/entertainment/2019/February-13th/3music-awards-2019-shatta-wale-stonebwoy-kwesi-arthur-top-nomination-list.php|title=3Music Awards 2019: Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, Kwesi Arthur top nomination list|website=myjoyonline.com|access-date=10 May 2019}}</ref> |- |Hiplife/Hip Hop Artiste of the Year |{{nom}} |- |Hiplife/Hip Hop Act of the Year |{{nom}} |- |Song of The Year |{{nom}} |- |Music Man of The Year |{{nom}} |- |Breakthrough Act |{{nom}} |- |Digital Act of the Year |{{nom}} |- |Hiplife Song of the year |{{nom}} |- |Best Collaboration |{{won}} |- |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{Commons}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Arthur, Kwesi}} [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Ghanaian rappers]] [[Category:People from Tema]] [[Category:1994 births]] [[Category:21st-century Ghanaian male singers]] [[Category:Musicians from Accra]] [[Category:21st-century rappers]]