Ghanaian singer and songwriter Akwaboah has made a claim about the widely discussed moment when veteran highlife musician Amakye Dede crowned Kuami Eugene as the “Highlife King”.

He stated that the entire act was planned and staged.

Speaking in an interview with Nana Romeo on UTV’s Atuu on March 21, 2026, Akwaboah mentioned that he chose to remain silent for a long time because he does not speak on issues for trends.

However, he revealed that he was present during rehearsals and personally witnessed how the event was organized.

“I decided not to say anything concerning this because I don’t say things for trends but for the first time, I would careless of what someone says. I was there when we were having the rehearsals. I was also on the show that very day to perform,” he said.

According to him, instructions were given to Amakye Dede during rehearsals on how the moment should unfold, suggesting that the symbolic crowning was pre-arranged.

My marriage has been good so far – Akwaboah

“During the rehearsals, the coordinator told Amakye Dede on what he should do. It was actually planned, staged and executed. I was there with them that day so even if they call me, I can testify. They didn’t know I was listening to them. Whatever I heard really happened,” he shared.

He further clarified that, in his view, Amakye Dede should not be blamed for the situation, insisting the highlife legend did not independently decide to crown Kuami Eugene.

“Amakye Dede didn’t willingly give the crown to Kuami Eugene so I don’t want anyone to blame the man. There was nothing I could do or say because people will say I hate the person that was given the crown,” he added.

Prior to Akwaboah’s claims, Amakye Dede admitted that he succumbed to external pressure when he crowned Kuami Eugene as the “King of Future Highlife” in Ghana during the 2019 TGMAs.

He revealed on Okay FM that artiste manager Kiki Banson handed him the crown and urged him to bestow the honour on Kuami Eugene.

“It wasn’t me… They forced me to do it,” he confessed, adding that anyone in doubt could seek confirmation from Mr Banson.


FG/EB


CEO of Sofaamy Glass shares secrets to success: