Sinach Sued for N5 Billion Over Copyright Dispute on ‘Way Maker’
Popular gospel singer Sinach is facing a major legal battle after being sued by music producer Michael Oluwole, known as Maye, over her hit song Way Maker. Maye has filed a lawsuit against the singer, claiming that he is the rightful co-author and co-owner of the 2016 song. The producer is demanding N5 billion in damages, alleging copyright infringement.
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court, is numbered FHC/L/CS/402/2024. In it, Maye is seeking a court declaration that he is an author of the song and entitled to a share of the profits. He has also requested general damages for alleged violating his intellectual property rights over the years. The case has drawn significant attention, as Way Maker became a global hit and has been performed in many countries around the world.
Sinach, however, has strongly denied the producer’s claims. She asserts that she is the sole author of Way Maker and that her success, including the song’s worldwide recognition, came before any claims by Maye. Sinach maintains that she wrote the song independently, without any contribution from the producer. This has led to a legal dispute between the two parties, with Sinach firmly standing by her claim of sole authorship.
The singer’s global fame, which includes Way Maker becoming an anthem in churches around the world, has raised questions about the validity of Maye’s claims. Sinach, known for her powerful gospel music, has been a household name for years, and her achievements in the music industry have been significant. She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work, which has further fueled the controversy surrounding the lawsuit.
The legal proceedings began at the Federal High Court in Lagos on November 27, 2024. During the initial hearing, the court adjourned the case to January 29 and 30, 2025. This means that both parties will have to wait for a few more months before any final decisions are made regarding the copyright dispute.
The case has sparked discussions in the Nigerian entertainment industry, particularly within the gospel music community. It raises important questions about the ownership of songs and the legal rights of producers and artists. Copyright disputes are not uncommon in the music industry, but this case is particularly notable because of the widespread success of Way Maker and its impact on both the Nigerian and international gospel music scenes.
Both Sinach and Maye have strong arguments, with Sinach emphasizing her role in creating the song and Maye asserting his contribution as a producer. The court will need to carefully review the evidence to determine who holds the legal rights to the song and whether Maye is entitled to any share of the song’s earnings.
As the legal process continues, the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for other artists and producers in Nigeria and beyond. The music industry often faces challenges regarding copyright and intellectual property, and this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for how such disputes are handled in the future. For now, both Sinach and Maye will have to wait until the court reconvenes in early 2025 for the next phase of the trial.
