Cedric Singleton, Founder & Owner of Black Market Records

Black Market Records, a music label popular for producing popular Gengetone and Urbantone hits, has revolutionized the music industry in Kenya. Cedric Singleton founded the label in 1989 in Sacramento, California.

Singleton has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Black-Market Records since 1989.

He is from Columbus, Ohio and studied at Western Illinois University in the Sacramento State

Singleton went to Westmoor High and South High School in Columbus, Ohio.

He started his music career as a deejay at college, to a radio presenter and finally as the owner of a giant record label across the globe.

The label gained prominence in the 1990s by promoting influential West Coast hip-hop artists such as Brotha Lynch Hung and X-Raided.

Black Market Records has expanded its reach internationally, particularly in Africa, under Singleton’s leadership.

It is now operating in over eleven African countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Nigeria, Sierra-Leone, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Swaziland, Liberia, and Somalia.

Kenyan Artists in Black Market Records

In Kenya, the label has been instrumental in promoting Gengetone. It has signed new artists who have transformed the traditional Kenyan Genge into another new level to fit the needs of the youthful population.

Some of the artists who are part of Black Market Records include Mbuzi Gang, Fathermoh, Vic West, Teslah Kenya, Johnny Benzx, Nande Boyz, Kwesi Mafia, Exray and Tarel Tala.

The Label has also some top Kenyan hits like Kuna Kuna by Vic West ft. Fathermoh, Savara, Brandy Maina & Thee Exit Band; Kaskie Vibaya by Fathermoh ft. Sylvia Ssaru and Shamra Shamra” by Mbuzi Gang ft. Mejja.

It also produced Sipangwingwi by Exray Taniua ft. Trio Mio and Sylvia Ssaru.

This is the song President William Ruto’s allies sang at Bomas of Kenya on September 15, 2022, after the official presidential election results was released.

Others are Miondoko by Thee Exit Band ft. Mbuzi Gang, Big Mama by Exray Taniua ft. Scar Mkadinali and Ka Hauna” – Joefes ft. Fathermoh & Exray.

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How it Helps Artists

Black Market Records performs the following functions for artists.

1.Artist Discovery & Signing. Searching for new and talented artists to sign to the label, evaluating their potential, and negotiating contract terms.

2.Record Production. Overseeing the recording and production process for new albums and releases, ensuring high quality and artistic vision.

3.Marketing and Promotion. Developing and executing marketing campaigns to promote the label’s artists and their music, including social media, media outreach, and live events.

Also Read: Top 10 Kenyan Music of 2024

4.Distribution. Securing distribution deals with various platforms such as streaming services, physical retail stores, and online marketplaces to get the label’s releases in front of as many listeners as possible.

5. Tour Management. Organizing tours and live events for the label’s artists, booking venues, handling logistics, and promoting shows.

6.Business Operations. Managing the financial and legal aspects of the label’s operations, including contracts, royalties, and accounting, to ensure the continued success and growth of the label.