Nigerian gospel sensation Osinachi Egbu, better known as Sinach, is embroiled in a legal battle with music producer Oluwole Michael, professionally known as Maye. The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, accuses Sinach of copyright infringement concerning her globally acclaimed hit song Way Maker, released in 2016.
Maye claims to be a co-author and co-owner of the song, asserting that his contributions as a studio engineer included recording, mixing, mastering, and creating instrumental accompaniments for the track. He alleges that Sinach released Way Maker without his consent, violating his intellectual property rights.
Through his lawyer, Justin Ige, Maye is demanding ₦5 billion in damages and a court declaration recognizing his co-ownership of the song. He also seeks a detailed accounting of the song’s earnings and an injunction to prevent Sinach from further reproducing, distributing, or performing the track without his permission.
Sinach’s lawyer, Emeka Etiaba (SAN), refuted the allegations, maintaining that Sinach is the sole author of Way Maker. He stated that Maye’s role was limited to providing technical services, such as mixing the recording, for which he was appropriately compensated. Etiaba argued that Maye has no legal claim to the song’s copyrights or royalties.
The court hearing on November 27, 2024, before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, has been adjourned to January 29 and 30, 2025, to allow further arguments from both parties.
About 'Waymaker'
Released in 2016, Way Maker has become a monumental success in gospel music, earning Sinach international acclaim. The song catapulted her to global recognition as the first African artist to top the Billboard Christian Songwriter charts. It also won Song of the Year at the 2020 Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards and BMI Song of the Year in 2021.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Way Maker became a source of hope and inspiration, ranking as the most-played gospel song in the United States that year. Its uplifting message continues to resonate with millions worldwide.
This legal battle shines a spotlight on copyright disputes in Nigeria’s music industry. It echoes past high-profile cases, such as the 2016 conflict between Tuface and Blackface over African Queen and the 2018 disagreement between Danfo Drivers and Tekno over Jogodo. Both cases ended in out-of-court settlements, highlighting the complexities of intellectual property claims in the industry.
As proceedings continue, the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for copyright law and the protection of creative works in Nigeria. For Sinach, who has made an indelible mark on global gospel music, the stakes are high, as the case involves not just her song but also her legacy.
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