The federal high court in Lagos has adjourned the “copyright infringement” suit filed against gospel singer Sinach by music producer Michael Oluwole till January 2025.
In a case that could set a precedent for how producers are
credited, Michael Oluwole is hoping to get compensated following
the success of “Way Maker.”
Oluwole, also known as Maye, filed a N5 billion lawsuit against Sinach over her 2016 hit song ‘Way Maker’.
Maye, in suit number FHC/L/CS/402/2024, seeks a declaration from the court that he is an author and co-owner of the musical work.
He also demands general damages of N5 billion for alleged cumulative infringements of his rights.
Before Nigerian gospel artist Sinach (Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu) and producer Michael Oluwole worked on the internationally acclaimed gospel hit “Way Maker,” they were collaborators who had worked on various gospel songs during Sinach’s time as a member of the mega Nigerian church, Christ Embassy. “Way Maker” was the first and only song they released, giving Sinach her biggest commercial success. The song is also at the heart of a case set to begin hearing on November 27 involving Oluwole and Sinach.
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.
He also claimed that he created and performed several instrumental accompaniments, including piano, strings, and synthesizers, without a transfer of his performer’s rights.
Oluwole alleged that Sinach released the song without his consent or compensation. He also claimed that she had obtained licenses for the song without sharing the proceeds, describing her actions as “oppressive”.
In response, Sinach, through her counsel Emeka Etiaba of Etiaba Chambers, denied the producer’s claims.
The singer maintained that she had achieved global recognition before ‘Way Maker’ and claimed sole authorship of the song. She said the song was composed, arranged, and performed with other artistes such as Nwabude Chude Arinze, before Oluwole’s involvement.
Sinach argued that the Oluwole’s role was limited to mixing the master recording, a “service for which he was paid $300”.
She denied any obligation to establish a written agreement with him and maintained that he is not entitled to performer’s rights, copyright, or publishing royalties.
The trial, which began on November 27, 2024, was adjourned until January 29 and 30, 2025. This was after the court had taken arguments from the prosecution. The adjournment is to enable the defense to present its case.
Sinach’s ‘Way Maker’ has garnered international acclaim, becoming the first Nigerian gospel song to surpass 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.Sinach’s ‘Way Maker’ has garnered international acclaim, becoming the first Nigerian gospel song to surpass 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.
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