Court adjourns N5bn copyright infringement lawsuit against gospel singer Sinach

• The federal high court in Lagos has postponed the “copyright infringement” lawsuit filed against gospel singer Sinach by music producer Michael Oluwole until January 2025.

• Maye, also known as Oluwole, has filed a N5 billion lawsuit against Sinach for her 2016 hit song ‘Way Maker’.

• Maye is requesting a court declaration from the court that he is the author and co-owner of the musical work.

The Federal High Court in Lagos has postponed the “copyright infringement” case brought against gospel artist Sinach by music producer Michael Oluwole until January 2025.

Oluwole, who is also known as Maye, has initiated a lawsuit amounting to N5 billion concerning Sinach’s 2016 popular track, “Way Maker.”

In case number FHC/L/CS/402/2024, Maye is seeking a judicial declaration affirming his status as an author and co-owner of the musical composition.

He is also requesting general damages of N5 billion for alleged violations of his rights.

Among other requests, the plaintiff seeks an order mandating that, in the absence of a written agreement with the defendant, all revenues generated from licenses or copyright assignments related to “Way Maker” be fairly divided between them as co-owners.

“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,” the lawsuit reads.

“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, represented by his attorney Justin Ige, stated that he served as a studio engineer for “Way Maker,” overseeing the recording, mixing, and mastering processes.

He also asserted that he created and performed various instrumental accompaniments, including piano, strings, and synthesizers, without transferring his performer’s rights.

Oluwole contended that Sinach released the song without his permission or compensation and claimed that she secured licenses for the track without sharing the resulting profits.