Sinach Faces 5 Billion Naira Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Over “Way Maker”
The Federal High Court will hear a copyright infringement lawsuit on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, filed by music producer Michael Oluwole, popularly known as Maye, against internationally acclaimed gospel artist Osinachi Joseph Egbu, known as Sinach. Maye is seeking N5 billion in damages, alleging co-ownership of the global hit song “Way Maker.”
In suit FHC/L/CS/402/2024, Maye asks the court to declare him a co-owner of “Way Maker” and to grant him a share of all revenue generated from the song. He claims he recorded, mixed, and mastered the track and contributed instrumental accompaniments without transferring his performer’s rights through a formal agreement.
Maye alleges that Sinach released the song in December 2015, incorporating his work without compensation. He further accuses Sinach of earning licensing fees without sharing the proceeds, calling her actions “deliberate and oppressive.”
Sinach, represented by Emeka Etiaba (SAN), has denied the allegations. Her legal team argues that she is the sole author of “Way Maker,” created in collaboration with Nwabude Chude Arinze, and maintains that Maye’s role was limited to mixing the track, a service for which he was compensated. Sinach asserts she was already an established global artist before the song’s release and had no obligation to formalize any additional agreement with Maye.
“Way Maker” has become a worldwide sensation, amassing over 100 million views on YouTube by March 2019. The song has won prestigious accolades, including the GMA Dove Award for Song of the Year, and has been covered by over 60 artists, such as Michael W. Smith and Bethel Music. It has also been translated into more than 50 languages.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching consequences for intellectual property rights within Nigeria’s music industry. It highlights the growing importance of formal agreements in the collaborative creation of music, especially as Nigerian artists and producers gain global recognition.
The case continues to draw attention, with legal experts and industry stakeholders closely watching for its potential impact on copyright law enforcement in Nigeria.
