The creator of the widely famous gospel tune Way Maker, Sinach (Osinachi Joseph Egbu), is currently embroiled in a legal dispute. Michael Oluwole, a.k.a. Maye, is a music producer who has sued the gospel singer, alleging co-ownership of the song and asking an outrageous N5 billion for claimed copyright violation.
The case, which was filed in Lagos’ Federal High Court, is receiving a lot of attention from the gospel music scene. Oluwole, a studio engineer and producer, claims that his rights have been violated because his creative contributions to Way Maker have not been recognized. He is seeking damages and a declaration of co-ownership.
Way Maker, which has been translated into other languages and performed by international celebrities, brought Sinach, one of Nigeria’s most renowned gospel singers, international acclaim. The song resonated with listeners as a message of hope during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to its enormous popularity.
But recently, concerns over the production method and the distribution of rights have been raised by Oluwole’s assertions. He contends that his artistic contribution was essential to the track’s popularity and merits official acknowledgement. Regarding the complaint, Sinach has not yet released a public statement.
It is anticipated that the legal hearings would provide insight into the inner workings of producing a worldwide hit. According to legal experts, this case may establish a precedent for intellectual property conflicts in Nigeria’s music business, where ownership boundaries are frequently blurred by collaborative collaborations.
For gospel music listeners, this revelation serves as a sharp reminder of the nuances that go into hit songs. As the lawsuit progresses, the conclusion might fundamentally alter how production credits and royalties are allocated in the business.
