Over the past few weeks, Ghanaian musician King Paluta has found himself in the eye of a storm following his outburst at a female ‘fan’ during the All White Boat Party in London on Saturday, 28th June 2025.

A video that surfaced online shows him hurling insults at a patron he claims was giving him a “bad reaction” during his performance. This unfortunate scene has sparked widespread criticism, with industry players and social media users expressing their disappointment at the rapper’s conduct.

Undoubtedly, King Paluta’s action was unbecoming of a public figure and an artiste of that stature, especially one whose brand is now gaining solid ground on both local and international stages. As an artiste who got a nomination in the Artiste of the Year category of the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards and has earned public admiration through songs like ‘Yahitte’, ‘Aseda’, ‘Makoma’, ‘For the Popping’, among others, his image should radiate maturity, discipline and control. It is only fair and right that we hold him accountable for falling short in this regard.

That notwithstanding, the depth of the backlash he is receiving is alarming. It reeks of unprofessionalism. It smacks of emotional insensitivity. It lacks fairness and objectivity.

Several industry stakeholders, including media personalities have taken turns to register their disapproval. He has been called “fool.” Some have gone as far as to curse him, predicting he will go back in to his earlier state as an underground artiste for eighty years and more, or that he will fade into oblivion for lack of proper personality.

It is important to note that criticism is very important in keeping artistes grounded and accountable, but it must be aimed at reformation, not destruction. When we go beyond constructive feedback into territory marked by insults, mockery and condemnation, we are no longer critiquing; we are tearing down. As members of the media and the creative space, we must remember that our words carry weight. In trying to correct one wrong, we must not commit another.

Already, King Paluta has responded with a song laced with subliminal jabs possibly at those chastising him. While this may win him sympathy from loyal fans or serve as a release valve for his frustration, it does not help his image in the long term. His refusal to apologise is also not doing him any good. In moments like these, humility speaks louder than talent. A simple acknowledgment of wrongdoing could go a long way to mend bridges and restore confidence in his brand. But I hear Paluta’s recalcitrance in one beyond even his handlers. 

I personally don’t know where he is headed with this posture but if this trend of insults and counter-attacks continues, it could significantly harm his career. Brands may hesitate to associate with him, organisers may avoid booking him for international gigs, and fans who are the bedrock of any artiste’s success, may start to drift away. Even worse, the narrative may shift from his music to his temper, a shift that could derail his momentum. Maybe he wants to tailor his brand along the Shatta Wale model. But the big question is whether he is ready to go through everything that comes with living the Shatta brand; it’s not for the faint-hearted. 

In the meantime, King Paluta must rise above the polemics. It is within his power to salvage the situation and regain goodwill. Offering an apology, either in person or via a public statement, will not make him weak; it will show maturity.

To our colleagues in the media and the creative arts industry, I am not here to assume the highest moral ground on this matter. We all make mistakes. Sometimes, annoying situations may steal the bigger part of our emotions and we may say things that we will regret later. But we can only get better when we watch each other’s back and whip in line when one strays.

Let us use our voices wisely. Let us demand better from our artistes, but let us not bury them under the weight of our words. The purpose of criticism must always be to build, not break.

In an industry already struggling with support systems, destroying potential icons through unchecked vitriol does no one any good. King Paluta erred, but let us better ways of helping him be a better person.

About the author

Kwame Dadzie is an arts and culture journalist at the Multimedia Group. He writes for myjoyonline.com and hosts the most authoritative entertainment talk show in Ghana (Showbiz A-Z on Joy FM). He is also co-host of Daybreak Hitz, Ghana’s ultimate entertainment and lifestyle morning show.