The Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned the “copyright infringement” suit filed against gospel singer Sinach by music producer Michael Oluwole until January 29 and 30, 2025.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the Music producer, Oluwole, also known as Maye, filed a five billion Naira lawsuit against Sinach over her 2016 hit song ‘Way Maker’.
Maye, in suit number FHC/L/CS/402/2024, claims that he co-owns the hit song ‘Way Maker’ and seeks general damages of N5 billion for alleged rights violations.
The plaintiff, who sought out for general damages of N5 billion for alleged cumulative infringements of his rights, among other reliefs, orders that, in the absence of a written agreement with the defendant, all fees generated from licenses or assignments of copyright in ‘Way Maker’ be equitably shared between them as co-owners.
The lawsuit reads: “The plaintiff also requests the court to: Determine an equitable division of fees as either an equal share or another division the court deems appropriate.
“Compel the defendant to disclose all licenses and copyright assignments related to ‘Way Maker’, account for all accrued fees, and pay the plaintiff his due share.
“Declare that the defendant failed in her statutory obligation to conclude written agreements with the plaintiff for his contributions to the sound recording; Affirm that the plaintiff’s performer’s rights were infringed upon.
“Issue a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from further reproduction, distribution, or public performance of ‘Way Maker’ or any adaptations thereof.”
Oluwole, through Justin Ige, his legal representative, said he worked as a studio engineer on ‘Way Maker’, recording, mixing, and mastering the song.
In response, Sinach, through her legal counsel Emeka Etiaba of Etiaba Chambers, denied the producer’s claims maintaining that she had achieved global recognition before ‘Way Maker’ and claimed sole authorship of the song.
The mother of one affirmed that the song was composed, arranged, and performed with other artistes such as Nwabude Chude Arinze, before Oluwole’s involvement.
She argued that the music producer’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.
