The lawsuit, initiated by music producer Michael Oluwole, also known as Maye, alleges copyright infringement and seeks a formal acknowledgment of co-ownership of the song.
In case number FHC/L/CS/402/2024, Maye asserts that he served as a studio engineer for ‘Way Maker,’ which was released in December 2015.
According to The Guardian, Maye, represented by his attorney Justin Ige from Creative Legal, contends that his contributions encompassed recording, mixing, mastering the track, and producing instrumental elements such as piano, strings, and synthesizers.
Maye claims that Sinach commercially released the song without establishing a formal agreement or providing him with compensation, thereby infringing upon his performer’s rights. He is seeking general damages amounting to ₦5 billion for the alleged violations of his rights.
Through his legal representation, Maye is requesting various remedies, including a ruling that, in the absence of a written contract between him and Sinach, all revenues from licenses or copyright assignments related to ‘Way Maker’ should be fairly shared as co-owners.
In the lawsuit, Maye characterizes Sinach’s alleged failure to distribute the song’s licensing proceeds as “deliberate and oppressive.”
The plaintiff also seeks the court to: “Determine a fair distribution of fees, whether as equal shares or another allocation deemed suitable by the court. Require the defendant to reveal all licenses and copyright assignments associated with ‘Way Maker,’ account for all earned fees, and pay the plaintiff his rightful share. Declare that the defendant neglected her legal duty to finalize written agreements with the plaintiff regarding his contributions to the sound recording. Confirm that the plaintiff’s performer’s rights were violated. Issue a permanent injunction preventing the defendant from further reproducing, distributing, or publicly performing ‘Way Maker’ or any adaptations thereof.
Emeka Etiaba (SAN) of Etiaba Chambers represents Sinach, who has refuted the allegations against her, asserting that she is the sole creator of "Way Maker." The acclaimed artist stated that the song was composed, arranged, and performed in collaboration with other musicians, including Nwabude Chude Arinze, prior to Maye's involvement.
The defense argues that Maye's contribution was restricted to mixing the master recording, a service for which he received ₦150,000 (approximately $300).
Sinach's legal representatives contend that this payment releases her from any obligation to grant Maye copyright or performer’s rights.
The Federal High Court in Lagos commenced hearings on the case on Tuesday, during which Maye provided testimony and reiterated his claims under cross-examination.
Sinach’s legal team firmly challenged the plaintiff’s claims, questioning the validity of his assertions regarding co-authorship and ownership.
The trial has been postponed to January 29 and 30, 2025, to allow the defense to present its arguments.
The dispute over "Way Maker" is not the first copyright issue in the Nigerian music scene. In 2016, Afrobeat artists Tuface and Blackface had a disagreement over the song "African Queen," with Blackface alleging ownership. The matter was eventually settled out of court, with Blackface agreeing to cease his accusations and Tuface agreeing to pay him royalties.
A similar situation arose between the Afrobeat duo Danfo Drivers and singer Tekno concerning the 2018 track "Jogodo." Danfo Drivers claimed that Tekno had sampled their earlier song "Kpolongo." This dispute was also resolved through an out-of-court settlement.
The song has been interpreted by prominent Christian artists, including Michael W. Smith, Mandisa, and Leeland. In 2016, Sinach featured the song on her live album, "Waymaker – Live," which achieved commercial success and received a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of South Africa.
In May 2020, Sinach made history as the first African artist to reach the top of the Billboard Christian Songwriters chart. By June 2020, the song held the #1 position on the Christian Copyright Licensing International Top 100 due to its widespread use in worship services. "Way Maker" was awarded Song of the Year at the 2020 GMA Dove Awards, marking Sinach as the first Nigerian to receive this honor. In 2021, it became the first African gospel song to win the BMI Song of the Year award.
The music video, also released on December 30, 2015, features Sinach performing outdoors and was directed by Ose Iria. By March 2019, it had garnered over 100 million views on YouTube, making Sinach the first Nigerian gospel artist to achieve this feat.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the song resonated globally as people sang it in support of healthcare workers. It was also performed at protests for George Floyd in the United States, symbolizing hope and unity. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Michael W. Smith and Leeland, and has been translated into more than 50 languages, solidifying its status as a global anthem in churches around the world.
Sinach holds a degree in physics from the University of Port Harcourt. The singer, originally from Ebonyi, began her musical journey at Christ Embassy Church in Lagos, where she was mentored by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.
Her well-known tracks, including “Way Maker,” “I Know Who I Am,” and “The Name of Jesus,” have motivated countless individuals. She has produced nine studio albums and received multiple accolades, including the GMA Dove Song of the Year, marking her as the first Nigerian to attain this honor. In 2023, she was recognized as a global ambassador by the Commonwealth of Dominica. Sinach is married to Pastor Joseph Egbu, and they have a daughter named Rhoda.