Bruno K
After four years, musician Bruno K has finally received justice following a final judgment in his legal battle with Black Market Records (BMR), the label that had signed him years ago.
The artist had been engaged in a lawsuit with BMR over copyright infringement. On April 1, a final judgment was issued, requiring the label to compensate Bruno K and his legal team.
Upon hearing the news, Bruno K took to social media to express his gratitude to UNMF President Eddy Kenzo and his lawyers for their support in securing justice.
“Black Market has been ordered by the judge to pay me 130 million shillings for damages. I want to thank the president of UNMF, Eddy Kenzo, and his entire cabinet, my lawyers @FERDINANDIUS & @BwoweIvan, and the whole KAA team,” Bruno K posted.
A document attached to his post reveals that a permanent injunction has been issued, preventing Black Market Records from interfering with or infringing on Bruno K’s copyright. Additionally, the label is prohibited from claiming ownership of his work.
The judgment mandates that Black Market Records pay Bruno K Shs100 million in damages, along with over Shs2 million due from a counterclaim. The Shs100 million is for general damages, while the Shs30 million is for aggravated damages. If Black Market Records fails to comply with the court ruling, a 14% annual interest rate will be applied from the date of the judgment.
Bruno K had petitioned the Court in 2022, explaining that he signed a one-year exclusive recording artist agreement with Black Market Records on May 12, 2020. Under the agreement, the label was to finance the recording and production of his songs in exchange for exclusive copyright.
However, Bruno K claimed he only recorded one song under the contract and chose not to renew the agreement when it expired in May 2021. In November 2022, he filed a case in the Commercial Court, alleging that Black Market Records had falsely claimed copyright ownership of his music on YouTube.
Bruno K also filed an application for a temporary injunction and interim order to prevent Black Market Records, its CEO Cedric Singleton Lychern, and Kisame Shadrack Shagaf from continuing to make copyright claims against his music while the main case was ongoing. The second application was supported by correspondence from YouTube, showing additional copyright claims made against his music.
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