Court Dismisses ₦5bn Copyright Claim Against Sinach Over ‘Way Maker’
The Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed music producer Michael Oluwole’s claim that he co-authored and co-owned Sinach’s global gospel hit, “Way Maker.” He had sought a share of royalties and licensing income, as well as ₦5 billion in damages. The court held that Sinach wrote, composed and performed the song before Oluwole was engaged to mix and master it for its 2015 commercial release. It found that he was paid for his studio work under an oral agreement. Justice Lewis-Allagoa ruled that technical services such as recording, mixing and mastering do not automatically make a producer or engineer a joint author. A claimant must prove an original contribution to elements such as the lyrics, melody, harmony or arrangement. The court described the suit as unmeritorious and dismissed it in full.
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