Throwback Thursday: King Promise’s rise from Nungua to the World – Nsemkeka
On this week’s Throwback Thursday, we shine the spotlight on none other than King Promise, the reigning 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards Artiste of the year.
The smooth-singing hitmaker has been delivering chart-bangers and redefining Ghanaian music since 2016. With a career built on great vocals, infectious beats, and serious style (yes, those big shoes have a fanbase of their own), King Promise’s journey is nothing short of phenomenal.
The Promise Begins — 2016
King Promise, real name Gregory Bortey Newman, made his debut with “Thank God”, featuring British-Ghanaian artist Fuse ODG. It was a humble but confident entrance, Afropop-infused and rich with gratitude. From the jump, it was clear: this wasn’t just another boy from Accra. He had a sound, and he had something to say.
Building Momentum — 2017 to 2018
The following year, he hit us with “Oh Yeah”, a romantic groove that had everyone slow dancing in their feelings. But it was 2018’s “CCTV”, featuring Sarkodie and Mugeez, that truly made the nation pause. Part prayer, part party, it became an anthem that cut across demographics and solidified his place as a rising icon.
Going Global — 2019 to 2020
In 2019, he teamed up with Nigerian superstar Wizkid on the cross-border smash “Tokyo”, adding more fuel to his international fire. Then came “Sisa”, during the Covid 19 era, a heartbreak anthem that balanced vulnerability with smooth Afrobeats brilliance.
In late 2020, King Promise gifted fans “Alright”, a motivational collaboration with Shatta Wale that reminded us all to keep going, no matter the storms. The song also marked a turning point in his career, aligning with his signing to 5K Records/Sony Music UK a major move that took his sound to the global stage.
The Terminator Era — 2023
If there was any doubt that King Promise had become a global force, “Terminator” shut it down. Released in May 2023, the KillBeatz-produced banger exploded across platforms racking up over 200 million streams, dominating TikTok, and inspiring remixes with Young Jonn, Tiwa Savage, and even Sean Paul. It wasn’t just a hit. It was a moment. A cultural flex. A certified Afrobeats classic.
Making History — 2024 and Beyond
In April 2024, King Promise made history as the first Ghanaian artist to sell out a concert in Singapore. The event, held at the Tipsy Unicorn Beach House, kicked off his Asian Tour, with stops in Bali and Jakarta following. Ghana went global and King Promise was at the center of it all.
A Reign Worth Remembering
From early hits like “Abena,” “Commando,” and “Selfish,” to crossover gems like “Favourite Story” and “Paris,” King Promise has built a discography that blends tenderness, swagger, and unmistakable style. Now crowned Artiste of the Year 2025 and celebrated on stages from Accra to Singapore, his rise is a masterclass in consistency and craft.
And if this Throwback Thursday tells us anything, it’s that King Promise didn’t just keep the promise he leveled up every step of the way.
Got a favorite King Promise throwback? Drop it in the comments and let’s vibe!