NAIROBI, Kenya — The Copyright Tribunal has issued temporary orders stopping Black Market Records from claiming ownership, monetising, or commercially exploiting music by Kenyan artists Harry Craze and Fathermoh, pending the hearing of a copyright dispute.
The ruling comes amid an ongoing legal battle involving allegations of unlawful exploitation of music catalogues, disputed contracts, and unpaid royalties in Kenya’s fast-growing entertainment industry.
Artists Move to Tribunal Over Music Rights
The case was filed by the two artists through lawyer Adrian Kamotho, who accused the record label of continuing to control and profit from their works without consent.
Harry Craze, whose real name is Harry Otieno Adoyo, told the tribunal that despite the dissolution of Rico Gang in December 2023, the label continued to assert ownership over both group and solo projects.
He cited songs such as Matopare, Luku Ni Pyam, and Diglo, alleging that the label had also facilitated the removal of some tracks from streaming platforms while still monetising them.
Fathermoh Claims Rights Over 63 Songs
Fathermoh, born Moses Otieno Ojwang and a member of Mbuzi Gang, also accused the label of unlawfully claiming rights over 63 of his songs.
He told the tribunal that copyright strikes against his content disrupted releases and negatively affected his earnings and audience growth on platforms such as YouTube and Spotify.
The artists argue that contracts previously signed with the label are invalid, alleging fraud, misrepresentation, and unlawful enrichment.
Tribunal Issues Interim Protection Orders
In its interim ruling, the Copyright Tribunal barred Black Market Records, its agents, and any associated parties from exploiting the disputed works or interfering with the artists’ performances, concerts, or promotional activities.
The orders will remain in force until the matter is fully heard and determined.
The case is expected to set a key precedent for how music contracts and intellectual property rights are enforced in Kenya’s entertainment sector.
