In a viral TikTok video, Ugandan singer Bruno K has exposed what he describes as a web of fraud and exploitation within the Ugandan entertainment industry, particularly targeting self-proclaimed pastor Shadrack Kisame and US-based Cedric Singleton, the CEO of Black Market Records.
Bruno K alleges that Kisame, who operates as the Business Development Director for several entertainment brands, has manipulated multiple artists into signing exploitative contracts with Black Market Records. He accuses Kisame of swindling artists’ earnings, emotionally blackmailing them, and branding them as mentally unstable when they speak out.
“I was supposed to be paid $20,000 (UGX 76 million) in royalties, but instead, they gave me only UGX 20,000! How can someone do that to an artist?” Bruno K ranted in a video, further stating that Shadrack Kisame and Cedric Singleton systematically strip artists of their music rights while reaping massive financial benefits.
Additionally, Bruno K revealed that Nina Roz’s YouTube channel was deleted by Black Market Records as a form of retaliation after she attempted to exit the label. He also mentioned that fellow artist Jami Culture has suffered similar exploitation, with his music being removed without his consent.
Eddy Kenzo, who has been vocal about artist rights in Uganda, supported Bruno K throughout the case. Kenzo played a pivotal role in securing legal representation for Bruno K and called for stronger policies to protect local musicians from international label exploitation.
Black Market Records has been under scrutiny for rebranding multiple times—from Black Market LLC to Black Market Media and then Black Market Records—a move suspected to be an attempt to evade accountability. Bruno K has vowed to continue the fight until every Ugandan artist affected by BMR receives justice.