Sinach sued N5 billion over ‘Way Maker’

Nigerian gospel singer Osinachi Egbu, popularly generally known as Sinach, is going through a ₦5 billion lawsuit over her internationally acclaimed track, ‘Manner Maker.’

The swimsuit, filed by music producer Michael Oluwole, generally known as Maye, alleges copyright infringement and seeks a declaration of co-ownership of the track.

In swimsuit quantity FHC/L/CS/402/2024, Maye claims he labored as a studio engineer on ‘Manner Maker,’ launched in December 2015.

The Guardian reviews that the producer, by way of his counsel, Justin Ige of Inventive Authorized, claimed that his contributions included recording, mixing, mastering the track and creating instrumental accompaniments reminiscent of piano, strings, and synthesisers.

Co-ownership

Maye argues that Sinach launched the track commercially with out formalising an settlement or compensating him, thus violating his performer’s rights. He calls for basic damages of N5 billion for alleged cumulative infringements of his rights.

By means of his counsel, Maye is looking for a number of reliefs mandating that within the absence of a written settlement between him and the defendant, all charges accruing from licenses or assignments of copyright in ‘Manner Maker’ must be divided equitably between them as co-owners.

Within the swimsuit, Maye describes Sinach’s alleged failure to share proceeds from the track’s licensing as “deliberate and oppressive.”

The plaintiff additionally requests the court docket to: “Decide an equitable division of charges as both an equal share or one other division the court docket deems applicable. Compel the defendant to reveal all licenses and copyright assignments associated to ‘Manner Maker’, account for all accrued charges, 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 had been infringed upon. Difficulty a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from additional replica, distribution, or public efficiency of ‘Manner Maker‘ or any diversifications thereof.”

Sinach’s Defence

Represented by Emeka Etiaba (SAN) of Etiaba Chambers, Sinach denied the allegations, sustaining that she is the only real creator of Manner Maker. The award-winning musician stated the track was composed, organized, and carried out in collaboration with different artists, together with Nwabude Chude Arinze, earlier than Maye’s involvement.

The defence contends that Maye’s function was restricted to mixing the grasp recording, a service for which he was paid ₦150,000 (roughly $300).

The singer’s authorized crew argues that this fee absolves her of any obligation to grant him copyright or performer’s rights.

Courtroom listening to

The Federal Excessive Courtroom in Lagos started listening to the case on Tuesday. Maye supplied testimony and affirmed his claims beneath cross-examination.

Sinach’s authorized crew strongly opposed the plaintiff’s assertions, questioning the legitimacy of his claims to co-authorship and possession.

The trial has been adjourned to 29 and 30 January 2025 to permit the defence to current its case.

‘Manner Maker’ isn’t the primary copyright dispute within the Nigerian music business. In 2016, Afrobeat singers Tuface and Blackface disagreed over the track “African Queen.” Blackface claimed the track was his, and Tuface sued him. They ultimately settled out of court docket, with Blackface agreeing to cease accusing Tuface of stealing the track and Tuface agreeing to pay Blackface royalties.

The same battle occurred between the Afrobeat duo Danfo Drivers and singer Tekno over the 2018 track “Jogodo.” Danfo Drivers claimed that Tekno had sampled their track “Kpolongo,” which they’d launched years earlier. Just like the earlier case, this was additionally resolved with an out-of-court settlement.

Manner Maker

“Manner Maker” turned a world anthem, transcending cultural and spiritual boundaries, and was launched on 30 December 2015.

The track has been carried out by notable Christian singers reminiscent of Michael W. Smith, Mandisa, and Leeland. In 2016, Sinach included the track in her stay album Waymaker – Dwell, which turned a business success and earned a gold certification from South Africa’s Recording Trade Affiliation.

In Might 2020, Sinach turned the primary African artist to prime the Billboard Christian Songwriters chart. By June 2020, the track was ranked #1 within the Christian Copyright Licensing Worldwide Prime 100 for its frequent use in church worship. “Manner Maker” gained Tune of the 12 months on the 2020 GMA Dove Awards, making Sinach the primary Nigerian to attain this. In 2021, it turned the primary African gospel track to win the BMI Tune of the 12 months award.

The music video, launched on 30 December 2015, exhibits Sinach singing outside and was directed by Ose Iria. By March 2019, it surpassed 100 million YouTube views, making Sinach the primary Nigerian gospel singer to succeed in this milestone.

In the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the track gained world consideration as individuals sang it in solidarity with healthcare staff. It was additionally sung at George Floyd protests within the US, symbolising hope and unity. The track has been lined by many artists, together with Michael Smith and Leeland, and translated into over 50 languages, making it a world anthem in church buildings worldwide.

Sinach holds a physics diploma from the College of Port Harcourt. The Ebonyi-born singer’s musical profession started at Christ Embassy Church in Lagos, the place Pastor Chris Oyakhilome mentored her.

Her well-known songs, reminiscent of “Manner Maker,” “I Know Who I Am,” and “The Identify of Jesus,” have impressed hundreds of thousands. She has launched 9 studio albums and gained quite a few awards, together with the GMA Dove Tune of the 12 months, making her the primary Nigerian to attain this. In 2023, she was honoured as a world ambassador by the Commonwealth of Dominica. Sinach is married to a pastor, Joseph Egbu, and so they have a daughter named Rhoda.