Court affirms Sinach sole author, copyright owner of song Way Maker

Court affirms Sinach sole author, copyright owner of song Way Maker

After almost two years of legal battle, the Federal High Court in Lagos has finally ruled in favour of gospel singer Sinach, affirming her as the sole author and copyright owner of her global hit song, Way Maker.

The lawsuit was filed by music producer Michael Oluwole (popularly known as Maye), who claimed that he was a co-author and co-owner of the song because he recorded, mixed, mastered the track and created some instrumental accompaniments. He asked the court to declare him a co-owner, order that royalties and licensing income be shared with him, and award him ₦5 billion in damages.

However, Justice Lewis Allagoa held that the producer failed to prove that he made any original creative contribution that would make him a joint author of the song. The court found that Sinach had already written, composed and even performed “Way Maker” before Maye was engaged to mix and master the recording for its commercial release in 2015.

It also accepted evidence that he was paid for those studio services under an oral agreement. The court explained that under Nigerian copyright law, authorship belongs to the person who creates the original expressive elements of a musical work, such as the lyrics, melody, harmony or arrangement.

A producer, sound engineer or session musician does not automatically become a co-author simply because they record, mix, master or provide technical support, unless they can prove they contributed original expressive content to the work. The judge described the suit as “gold digging and unmeritorious” before dismissing it in its entirety.

Finally the case has ended, congrats to Sinach.