The Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, has dismissed the ₦5 billion copyright lawsuit filed by music producer Michael Oluwole (Maye) against gospel artist Mrs. Osinachi Joseph Egbu (popularly known as Sinach), regarding her globally acclaimed musical work, “Way Maker”
In Suit No. FHC/L/CS/402/2024, the Plaintiff claimed to be an author and co-owner of the song, sought equitable sharing of all fees from licences and assignments, alleged infringement of performer’s rights, and claimed ₦5 billion in general damages, among other reliefs.
Delivering judgment, Hon. Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa held that the Plaintiff failed to prove authorship or co-ownership of the musical work.
The Court found that the song “Way Maker” was created and performed by the Defendant (including a prior performance in South Africa) before the Plaintiff was engaged to mix and master the already existing work for commercial album release in 2015. The Plaintiff was paid for those technical services under an oral agreement.
The court emphasized that authorship under copyright law vests in the natural person who creates the original expressive content (melody, harmony, lyrics or arrangement). A producer, engineer or session contributor does not become an author merely by providing technical or instrumental support unless they create original expressive content.
The Plaintiff’s own evidence and admissions under examination confirmed that the Defendant brought an existing song which he then developed into a recorded musical work for a fee.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa described the Plaintiff’s case as “gold-digging and unmeritorious” and dismissed the entire suit.
Represented by Emeka Etiaba (SAN), (with Omolola Aderolu and O.G. Ofomata). Sinach denies the co-ownership claims, asserting sole authorship and stating the producer was fully compensated for technical mixing.
She argued that she achieved global recognition before ‘Way Maker’ and asserts sole authorship of the song, which she says was composed, arranged, and performed in collaboration with other artists before the plaintiff’s involvement.