The court is set to commence hearings on a N5 billion lawsuit against gospel artist Sinach, whose real name is Osinachi Joseph Egbu. The proceedings are scheduled for Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
The plaintiff, music producer Michael Oluwole, known as Maye, seeks a legal declaration to affirm his status as a co-author and owner of the popular song “Way Maker.” In the infringement suit numbered FHC/L/CS/402/2024, Maye is demanding N5 billion in general damages, citing various infringements of his rights.
Additionally, he requests that the court mandate an equitable division of any fees related to licenses or copyright assignments for “Way Maker,” claiming that in the absence of a written agreement, they should share the proceeds as co-owners.
Along with this, Maye is asking the court to:
1. Decide on a fair distribution of fees, whether equal or as the court deems fit.
2. Require Sinach to reveal all licenses and copyright assignments for “Way Maker” and account for all earnings, ensuring Maye receives his rightful share.
3. Confirm that Sinach has not fulfilled her legal duty to formalize a written agreement regarding his contributions.
4. Recognize that his performer’s rights have been violated.
5. Issue a permanent injunction against Sinach, preventing further reproduction, distribution, or public performance of “Way Maker” or any adaptations of it. Through his lawyer, Justin Ige of Creative Legal, Maye claims he worked as a studio engineer for “Way Maker,” handling the recording, mixing, and mastering of the track.
He also asserts that he composed and performed several instrumental parts, including piano and strings, without transferring his rights. Maye alleges that Sinach commercially released the song in December 2015, using his contributions without compensation or agreement, and has since granted licenses for the song without sharing the profits, describing her actions as both deliberate and oppressive.
In her defense, Sinach, represented by her attorney Emeka Etiaba (SAN) of Etiaba Chambers, refutes Maye’s allegations. She contends that she was already internationally recognized prior to “Way Maker” and claims sole authorship of the song, stating that it was composed, arranged, and performed in collaboration with other artists, including Nwabude Chude Arinze, before Maye’s involvement.
Sinach argues that Maye’s contribution was limited to mixing the master recording, a service for which he was compensated, and she denies any necessity for a written agreement with him. Sinach also insists that he has no entitlement to performer’s, copyright, or publishing rights. “Way Maker” has achieved global success, becoming the first Nigerian gospel song to surpass 100 million views on YouTube in March 2019.
It has received numerous accolades, including the GMA Dove Award for Song of the Year, and has been translated into over 50 languages. The song has also been covered by over 60 Christian artists, including Michael W. Smith and Bethel Music. In 2020, “Way Maker” was one of the most-played songs in U.S.
churches and served as a rallying anthem during protests in Minneapolis honoring George Floyd. The outcome of this case could have profound implications for intellectual property issues within the Nigerian music industry.
Story by Obaapa Janee
