The High Court has lifted orders that had temporarily stopped the Copyright Tribunal from hearing copyright disputes involving Kenyan musicians Moses Otieno Ojwang, popularly known as Fathermoh, and Harry Otieno Adoyo, popularly known as Harry Craze, and their former record label, Black Market Records.
In a ruling delivered on November 9, 2026, Justice T. W. W. Ogwuya set aside orders issued on September 29, which had halted proceedings in two cases filed by the musicians before the Copyright Tribunal.
The judge also struck out an application by Black Market Records LLC and its representative, Cedric Singleton, seeking to have the tribunal proceedings transferred to the High Court and stopped on grounds that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction to handle the disputes.
The court found that Black Market Records had failed to disclose important information when it initially approached the High Court, including notices of appeal relating to the tribunal proceedings and the status of earlier commercial cases involving the parties.
The dispute stems from disagreements over musical works and an agreement dated November 9, 2019.
Fathermoh and Harry Craze had separately approached the Copyright Tribunal in 2026, filing claims against Black Market Records LLC and two other parties.
Harry Craze’s claim, filed on May 11, 2026, concerns the agreement and musical works including “Matopare”, “Luku Ni Pyam” and “Diglo”.
