Nigerian gospel singer Osinachi Egbu, professionally known as Sinach, faces a copyright infringement lawsuit over her 2016 hit song “Way Maker,” with music producer Oluwole Michael (Maye) seeking N5 billion in damages.
The producer claims co-authorship and co-ownership rights to the song, citing his role as studio engineer in mixing, recording, and mastering the track. According to the lawsuit, Sinach released the song without Maye’s consent.
Sinach’s lawyer, Emeka Etiaba, rejected the allegations, asserting his client’s primary ownership of the song and maintaining that Maye’s contribution was limited to mixing the recording, for which he received compensation.
The High Court heard initial arguments Tuesday and scheduled defense presentations for January 29 and 30, 2025.
“Way Maker” established Sinach as the first African artist to top the Billboard Christian charts and earned Song of the Year at the 2020 Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards.
