Award-winning Nigerian gospel singer Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu, popularly known as Sinach, has secured a major legal victory after the Federal High Court in Lagos ruled that she is the sole owner of her globally acclaimed worship anthem, Way Maker.
The judgment brings an end to a high-profile copyright dispute filed by music producer Michael Oluwole, also known as Maye, who sought N5 billion in damages and claimed co-ownership of one of the most successful gospel songs to emerge from Africa.
Justice Ambrose Lewis Allagoa dismissed the lawsuit in its entirety, describing it as “gold digging and unmeritorious.” The ruling reaffirmed that Sinach alone created the original musical work and remains the rightful copyright owner.
The decision has been widely welcomed across Nigeria’s gospel music community, with many describing it as an important victory for songwriters and creative rights.
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Court dismisses N5bn copyright claim
The case, filed as Suit No. FHC/L/CS/402/2024, alleged that Oluwole contributed significantly to the creation of Way Maker and therefore deserved recognition as a co-author and co-owner of the song.
He also requested a share of royalties generated from licensing agreements, copyright assignments, and other commercial uses of the globally successful worship anthem.
In addition, the producer accused Sinach of infringing on his performer’s rights and sought N5 billion in general damages.
However, after reviewing the evidence presented by both parties, the Federal High Court ruled that the claims lacked merit.
Justice Allagoa held that Oluwole failed to establish any legal basis proving that he co-authored the song.
Sinach created the song before producer became involved
A key factor in the court’s decision was evidence showing that Way Maker had already been written, arranged and publicly performed before the producer was brought into the project.
The judge noted that Sinach had performed the song, including during an earlier event in South Africa, before engaging Oluwole to professionally mix and master the recording ahead of its commercial release in 2015.
According to the judgment, the producer’s role was strictly technical.
The court found that there was an oral agreement under which Oluwole was paid for his professional services as a recording producer and sound engineer.
Because he had already received payment for those services, the court ruled that no further ownership rights existed.
Technical support does not create authorship
Justice Allagoa further clarified the legal definition of authorship under Nigerian copyright law.
He explained that copyright belongs to the individual who creates the original expressive elements of a musical work, including its lyrics, melody, harmony, composition and arrangement.
The judge emphasized that producers, recording engineers or session musicians do not automatically become co-authors merely because they provide technical assistance during production.
Unless they contribute original creative expression to the composition itself, they cannot claim ownership of the underlying musical work.
The court observed that even the plaintiff’s own testimony confirmed that Sinach presented him with an already existing song that he later helped prepare for commercial release.
That evidence significantly weakened the producer’s claim.
Sinach celebrates legal victory
Following the judgment, Sinach and her management companies, Slic Inspire Limited and Gosgem Records, expressed appreciation to their legal team led by Senior Advocate Emeka Etiaba for successfully defending the case.
Throughout the proceedings, Sinach maintained that she independently wrote Way Maker and had fully compensated the producer for his recording services.
She also argued that her ministry and music career had already gained international recognition before the song’s release and that several live performances had taken place before studio production even began.
The court ultimately agreed with her position.
Way Maker remains one of gospel music’s greatest songs
Released in 2015, Way Maker has become one of the most influential gospel songs in modern Christian worship.
Its powerful lyrics and uplifting message quickly resonated with churches across Nigeria before spreading internationally.
Fans can listen to the original version and explore more of Sinach’s music through her official YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@SINACH.
The song has since been translated into more than 50 languages, making it one of the most widely sung worship songs in the world.
International Christian artists including Michael W. Smith and Bethel Music have also recorded their own versions, helping introduce the song to millions of worshippers globally.
Global recognition and historic milestones
In March 2019, Way Maker became the first Nigerian gospel song to surpass 100 million YouTube views, setting a major milestone for African gospel music.
The song later received the prestigious GMA Dove Award for Song of the Year, one of the highest honours in Christian music.
During the global protests following the death of George Floyd in 2020, churches around the world frequently performed Way Maker, with its message of hope, healing and faith offering comfort to millions of people during a difficult period.
The song also became one of the most frequently sung worship anthems in churches throughout the United States and several other countries.
Important precedent for Nigerian creatives
Legal experts say the judgment reinforces the distinction between creative authorship and technical production.
The ruling serves as an important reminder that while producers play a valuable role in shaping the sound quality of recordings, ownership of a musical composition belongs to the songwriter unless otherwise agreed in writing.
For Nigerian musicians and producers alike, the case highlights the importance of clear contractual agreements before beginning collaborative projects.
As the dust settles on the legal battle, Way Maker continues to stand as one of Africa’s greatest musical exports and one of the most impactful gospel songs ever written.
With the court confirming Sinach’s sole ownership, the award-winning singer retains full rights over a song that has inspired millions of worshippers across continents and cemented her place among the most influential gospel artists in the world.
