Black Market Records (BMR) has officially responded to recent allegations circulating on social media and national television regarding its contracts with Gengetone artists. In a press release dated April 9, 2026, the label strongly refuted claims made during an appearance on Jeff Koinange Live by Dennis Itumbi.
During the broadcast, Itumbi reportedly suggested that Black Market Records had signed multiple Gengetone artists under illegal agreements. These remarks quickly sparked online debate, especially among fans of Kenya’s vibrant Gengetone movement.
In response, Black Market Records clarified that all agreements entered with their artists are “legal and valid,” emphasizing that they operate under structured frameworks such as the “Exclusive Artist Recording Agreement.” The label maintained that its contracts comply fully with industry standards and legal requirements.
The statement also revealed that the matter is currently under judicial consideration at the Kenyan High Court. Due to the ongoing legal process, BMR urged all parties involved—including Itumbi and the artists—to refrain from discussing the issue publicly. This move underscores the seriousness of the dispute and the label’s intent to resolve the matter through proper legal channels rather than public discourse.
This development comes at a time when the Gengetone industry continues to grow rapidly, with increasing attention on artist rights, contract transparency, and label accountability. Disputes like this highlight the importance of clear agreements between artists and record labels, especially in a fast-evolving music scene.
Fans and industry stakeholders are now closely watching how the case unfolds, as it could set a precedent for future artist-label relationships in Kenya. While BMR has taken a firm stance defending its practices, the final outcome will ultimately depend on the court’s ruling.
For now, the situation remains unresolved, but one thing is clear: conversations around fairness, legality, and transparency in the Kenyan music industry are far from over.
