NewStats: 3,264,955 , 8,185,211 topics. Date: Thursday, 12 June 2025 at 11:11 PM 1x3i6u

The Federal High Court will hear a N5billion infringement suit filed against international gospel artiste Osinachi Joseph Egbu, popularly known as Sinach, by music producer Michael Oluwole, also known as Maye, on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

The plaintiff, in suit number FHC/L/CS/402/2024, is seeking a declaration from the court that he is an author and co-owner of the musical work ‘Way Maker’. He is also demanding general damages of N5 billion for alleged cumulative infringements of his rights.

Among other reliefs, the plaintiff is seeking an order mandating that in the absence of a written agreement between him and the defendant, all fees accruing from licenses or assignments of copyright in ‘Way Maker’ should be divided equitably between them as co-owners.

The plaintiff also requests the court to: Determine an equitable division of fees as either an equal share or another division the court deems appropriate; Compel the defendant to disclose all licenses and copyright assignments related to ‘Way Maker’, for all accrued fees, and pay the plaintiff his due share; Declare that the defendant failed in her statutory obligation to conclude written agreements with the plaintiff for his contributions to the sound recording; Affirm that the plaintiff’s performer’s rights were infringed upon; Issue a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from further reproduction, distribution, or public performance of ‘Way Maker’ or any adaptations thereof.


Through his counsel, Justin Ige of Creative Legal, the plaintiff averred that he worked as a studio engineer on ‘Way Maker’, recording, mixing, and mastering the song. He also asserts that he created and performed several instrumental accompaniments, including piano, strings, and synthesizers, without a transfer of his performer’s rights.

The plaintiff alleges that the defendant released ‘Way Maker’ commercially in December 2015, incorporating his instrumental contributions without compensation or agreement. He further claims that the defendant has been granted licenses for the song without sharing the proceeds, describing her conduct as deliberate and oppressive.

In response, the defendant, through her counsel Emeka Etiaba (SAN) of Etiaba Chambers, denies the plaintiff’s claims.


She argues that she achieved global recognition before ‘Way Maker’ and asserts sole authorship of the song, which she says was composed, arranged, and performed in collaboration with other artists, including Nwabude Chude Arinze, before the plaintiff’s involvement.

The defendant maintains that the plaintiff’s role was limited to mixing the master recording, a service for which he was paid. She denies any obligation to enter into a written agreement with him and insists he is not entitled to performer’s, copyright, or publishing rights.

Sinach’s ‘Way Maker’ has garnered international acclaim, becoming the first Nigerian gospel song to sur 100 million views on YouTube in March 2019. It has won multiple awards, including the GMA Dove Award for Song of the Year, and has been translated into over 50 languages. The song has been covered by over 60 Christian artists, including Michael W. Smith and Bethel Music.

In 2020, ‘Way Maker’ was among the most-played songs in U.S. churches and served as an anthem during a Minneapolis protest march honoring George Floyd. The court’s ruling on this case could set a significant precedent for intellectual property disputes in the Nigerian music industry.

https://guardian.ng/news/court-to-hear-n5b-suit-against-sinach-for-alleged-copyright-infringement/#google_vignette

She argues that she achieved global recognition before ‘Way Maker’ and asserts sole authorship of the song, which she says was composed, arranged, and performed in collaboration with other artists, including Nwabude Chude Arinze, before the plaintiff’s involvement.

The defendant maintains that the plaintiff’s role was limited to mixing the master recording, a service for which he was paid. She denies any obligation to enter into a written agreement with him and insists he is not entitled to performer’s, copyright, or publishing rights.
Smh. Soroniyen.

If Sinach had been performing "Way maker" in churches before it was professionally recorded, it might be difficult for a studio engineer to lay claim to this song.

TWO issues here (in three parts)
1 (a) Who wrote the music/melody (composer)?
1 (b) Who wrote the words/lyric (author)?
2. Who owns the recording (master tape)?

Ordinarily, session musicians get paid outright for jobs done on the recording... unless of course there's a written agreement otherwise. Same goes for the engineer and producer.

I thought the music was for praise/worship and spiritual benefit of every Christian. How come court enter the matter?

Two supposedly born again music artistes fighting over money matter in a Court guided by wordly system, headed by unbeliever judge and represented by hustler lawyers.

Do they now want people to bear in mind the controversial hustle side of the song when it's played rather than the main purpose of the song which is to edify the spirit of worshippers?

So all these na hustle? Na wao

What does the oluwole yoruba muslim know about gospel song
The judge should throw the case into the trash can and jail the jobless amala muslim for abuse of court process

Among other reliefs, the plaintiff is seeking an order mandating that in the absence of a written agreement between him and the defendant all fees accruing from licenses or assignments of copyright in ‘Way Maker’ should be divided equitably between them as co-owners

.
You already shoot yourself in the foot by itting there was no written agreement.

disappointed

Wait oh so somebody like a drummer fit just wake up one day if song blow, begin make claim say dem infringe him copyright after dem pay for him service.

Abi how the thing dey work? because I no understand this one.

Hmmm

Them just employ this . He go tire in less than two weeks. I don dey Nairaland for long. I sabi as things dey.

It's so sad that this is coming from someone who knows the rule of the game but just want to trend.
1. You did not write de song
2. You did not compose it either
3. You did not perform it
Just studio section which you ve been paid you are now laying claims as ownership of the song

Firstcitizen:
Wait oh so somebody like a drummer fit just wake up one day if song blow, begin make claim say dem infringe him copywrite after dem pay for him service.

Abi how the thing dey work? because I no understand this one.

The judgement will show how its done. Supposing the judges are neutral

You can't be a co owner of the song when
1) you didn't write it
2) you didn't compose the tune
3) many other people were involved in the song in one capacity or the other (would they lay a claim too)
4) you were paid for your job
5) you had no prior agreement you co own the song, written or otherwise.

Dottore:
I thought the music was for praise/worship and spiritual benefit of every Christian. How come court enter the matter?

Two supposedly born again music artistes fighting over money matter in a Court guided by wordly system, headed by unbeliever judge and represented by hustler lawyers.

Do they now want people to bear in mind the controversial hustle side of the song when it's played rather than the main purpose of the song which is to edify the spirit of worshippers?

So all these na hustle? Na wao

Shebi na you give them money wer them take enter studio?

People just want a piece off success.

What brought court matter inside music that was meant to worship God?
Abu nau business una dey do before?


Make una no break my heart oo ❤️❤️❤️

FreeStuffsNG:
She argues that she achieved global recognition before ‘Way Maker’ and asserts sole authorship of the song, which she says was composed, arranged, and performed in collaboration with other artists, including Nwabude Chude Arinze, before the plaintiff’s involvement.

The defendant maintains that the plaintiff’s role was limited to mixing the master recording, a service for which he was paid. She denies any obligation to enter into a written agreement with him and insists he is not entitled to performer’s, copyright, or publishing rights.
Smh. Soroniyen.

Not sure you know anything about this which you want to dabble into. This is neither gaslighting nor political master planning.

Greedy people everywhere, i see deep state hand in this fighting against Sinach ...and don't be fooled the guy might just win now she's not d to any church

Dottore:
I thought the music was for praise/worship and spiritual benefit of every Christian. How come court enter the matter?

Two supposedly born again music artistes fighting over money matter in a Court guided by wordly system, headed by unbeliever judge and represented by hustler lawyers.

Do they now want people to bear in mind the controversial hustle side of the song when it's played rather than the main purpose of the song which is to edify the spirit of worshippers?

So all these na hustle? Na wao

Court enter the matter because it was solely a profit making venture from day one

Firstcitizen:
Wait oh so somebody like a drummer fit just wake up one day if song blow, begin make claim say dem infringe him copywrite after dem pay for him service.

Abi how the thing dey work? because I no understand this one.

dis one na sound engineer sef.........i wonder for some people!

Someone just want to bring Sinach down. Let's see how it goes sha.

Different narratives of what transpired. Only the law can decide case like this.
Fans will believe the version by their favorite artist and will call the plaintiff the devil because they don’t know him. They can even say he is from oluwole family from the famous oluwole street in Lagos to forge his claims and allegations

SIGE:
Greedy people everywhere, i see deep state hand in this fighting against Sinach ...and don't be fooled the guy might just win now she's not d to any church

Really?

Could you please enlighten me more on this?

I thought she used to be Pastor Chris's right hand singer?

On top worship or worldly song?

How's this different from P-square and rude boy saga?

💰 💰

Good move,let's how it goes.

SIGE:
Greedy people everywhere, i see deep state hand in this fighting against Sinach ...and don't be fooled the guy might just win now she's not d to any church

Did you read the case filed at all? You guys will always play the victim.
For God sake, which one be state interest? This is no case. I know where you come from by your reasoning.
Go get a brain

mymadam:
TWO issues here (in three parts)
1 (a) Who wrote the music/melody (composer)?
1 (b) Who wrote the words/lyric (author)?
2. Who owns the recording (master tape)?

Ordinarily, session musicians get paid outright for jobs done on the recording... unless of course there's a written agreement otherwise. Same goes for the engineer and producer.

I feel she might win the case, "having paid" the engineer his wages. I feel the engineer is trying to make an issue out of the huge global success of the song, which is also not out of line but should have been settled amicably, out of court.

Obara Jesus!

So, that Oyakìlome girlfriend na SONG THIEF