Sinach Wins Ksh 475 Million ‘Way Maker’ Copyright Case as Producer’s Suit Thrown Out

A Federal High Court in Lagos has thrown out a ₦5 billion (KES 475 million) copyright infringement suit brought against award-winning gospel artiste Osinachi Egbu, popularly known as Sinach, over her globally celebrated hit track, Way Maker.

Delivering judgment, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa ruled that the plaintiff, music producer Michael Oluwole, also known as Maye, failed to provide sufficient evidence to support his claim of co-authorship or joint ownership of the song.

Since its release in 2015, Way Maker has become a worldwide phenomenon, covered by renowned international acts such as Michael W. Smith and Leeland. The song has been translated into numerous languages and has received multiple accolades, solidifying its place as one of Nigeria’s most successful gospel exports.

Mr. Oluwole had approached the court seeking a declaration that he be recognised as a co-writer and co-owner of the composition. He additionally demanded a portion of the royalties generated from licensing and commercial exploitation of the track, alongside KES 475 million in damages for what he described as a violation of his performer’s rights.

In his ruling, Justice Lewis-Allagoa determined that Mr. Oluwole was unable to demonstrate any meaningful creative input into the song’s composition. The court heard that Sinach had already written, arranged and performed the piece prior to engaging the producer, whose responsibilities were confined to mixing and mastering the commercially released version. The judge noted that the producer had already received payment for these technical services.

The court further clarified that authorship in copyright law is reserved for individuals who contribute original expressive components such as melody, lyrics, harmony, or arrangement to a musical piece. Technical contributors like producers and sound engineers, the judge emphasised, do not automatically qualify as authors unless they make a substantive creative contribution.

The lawsuit, filed in November 2024, drew considerable public interest given the song’s immense global success.