Sinach Faces Legal Battle In N5bn Copyright Infringement Case

 

The Federal High Court is set to hear a lawsuit filed by music producer Michael Oluwole, known as Maye, against international gospel artist Osinachi Joseph Egbu, popularly known as Sinach, over an alleged copyright infringement.

The case, which is scheduled for hearing on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, involves a claim for N5 billion in damages.

The plaintiff, Maye, has filed suit FHC/L/CS/402/2024, requesting a declaration from the court affirming his co-ownership of the popular song “Way Maker.”

He is also seeking compensation for alleged violations of his rights, including damages and equitable division of profits related to the song.

Among his demands, he requests that all revenue from licenses or copyright assignments for “Way Maker” be shared between him and Sinach as co-owners, given their lack of a formal agreement.

Maye claims he was responsible for recording, mixing, and mastering the song, and contributed several instrumental accompaniments without a formal agreement transferring his performer’s rights.

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He alleges that Sinach released “Way Maker” in December 2015, incorporating his contributions without compensation, furthering accusing Sinach of generating licensing fees without sharing any proceeds, describing her actions as deliberate and oppressive.

Sinach, through her legal counsel Emeka Etiaba (SAN), has denied the allegations, asserting that she was already a global figure before the song’s release.

She claims sole authorship of the song, which she says was composed in collaboration with others, including Nwabude Chude Arinze.

Sinach contends that Maye’s involvement was limited to mixing the track, a service for which he was paid, and denies that she had any obligation to formalize an agreement with him.

“Way Maker” has become an international hit, with over 100 million views on YouTube by March 2019. It has won multiple awards, including the GMA Dove Award for Song of the Year, and has been translated into more than 50 languages. The song has been covered by over 60 artists globally, including Michael W. Smith and Bethel Music.

The outcome of this case could have significant implications for intellectual property disputes within Nigeria’s music industry.