The Federal High Court will hear a N5 billion copyright infringement suit against international gospel artist Osinachi Joseph Egbu, popularly known as Sinach. Music producer Michael Oluwole, also known as Maye, filed the case.
The proceedings, set for Wednesday, November 27, 2024, involve suit number FHC/L/CS/402/2024. The plaintiff seeks a court declaration recognising him as the author and co-owner of the song Way Maker.
He also demands N5 billion in general damages for alleged cumulative infringements of his rights.
Plaintiff’s Claims and Demands
The plaintiff requests the court to:
1. Declare that, without a written agreement, all fees from licenses or copyright assignments for Way Maker should be equitably shared between them as co-owners.
2. Determine an equitable division of fees, either equally or as deemed appropriate by the court.
3. Compel Sinach to disclose all licenses and copyright assignments related to Way Maker, account for all accrued fees, and pay his rightful share.
4. Declare that Sinach failed in her statutory duty to formalise written agreements recognising his contributions to the recording.
5. Affirm that his performer’s rights were infringed upon.
6. Issue a perpetual injunction preventing further reproduction, distribution, or public performance of Way Maker or any adaptations.
Through his lawyer, Justin Ige of Creative Legal, the plaintiff states he worked as a studio engineer on Way Maker, recording, mixing, and mastering the song.
He asserts that he created and performed several instrumental parts, including piano, strings, and synthesisers. This is without transferring his performer’s rights.
He alleges that Sinach commercially released Way Maker in December 2015, using his instrumental contributions without compensation or a formal agreement.
He claims she licensed the song without sharing proceeds and describes her conduct as deliberate and oppressive.
Sinach’s Defence
Sinach, through her counsel Emeka Etiaba (SAN) of Etiaba Chambers, denies the plaintiff’s allegations. She argues that she gained global recognition before Way Maker and asserts sole authorship of the song.
Sinach claims she composed, arranged, and performed the song with other artists, including Nwabude Chude Arinze, before Maye’s involvement.
She maintains that Maye’s role was limited to mixing the master recording, a service for which he was paid. She denies any obligation to sign a written agreement and insists he has no claim to the performer’s copyright or publishing rights.
Impact of Way Maker
Way Maker has achieved international acclaim, becoming the first Nigerian gospel song to surpass 100 million views on YouTube in March 2019.
It has won multiple awards, including the GMA Dove Award for Song of the Year. The song has been translated into over 50 languages and covered by more than 60 Christian artists, including Michael W. Smith and Bethel Music.
In 2020, Way Maker was among the most-played songs in U.S. churches and served as an anthem during a Minneapolis protest march honouring George Floyd.
The court’s ruling could set a significant precedent for intellectual property disputes in Nigeria’s music industry.
The latest cinematic triumph by Funke Akindele, “Everybody Loves Jenifa,” has shattered box office records, surpassing the ₦1 billion mark in 12 days.
This unprecedented feat, achieved within two weeks, sets a new standard of success in Nollywood, a milestone many can only aspire to.
This achievement, however, is not a stroke of luck for the multi-talented actress, producer, and entrepreneur.
Akindele consistently dominates the Nigerian box office, as evidenced by her impressive track record.
Last year, her film “A Tribe Called Judah” made history as the first Nollywood film to cross the ₦1 billion threshold. Further, this solidified her reign as the undisputed queen of the big screen.
With “Everybody Loves Jenifa,” Funke Akindele unequivocally demonstrates that her success is not a fleeting phenomenon but a consistent pattern.
She has proven that she can replicate her triumphs repeatedly, shattering expectations and defying limitations.
The anticipation surrounding “Everybody Loves Jenifa” was palpable even before its official release. At an exhibitor soiree preceding the premiere, Akindele confidently made a bold proclamation, foreshadowing the film’s imminent success.
“I have faith that this film will make ₦5 billion,” she said.
While some may have initially dismissed her ambitions as overly ambitious, her resounding success has silenced all doubters.
A cursory glance at the list of Nollywood’s highest-grossing films reveals a recurring name: Funke Akindele. From “Omo Ghetto: The Saga” to “Battle on Buka Street” and now “Everybody Loves Jenifa,” she consistently reigns supreme at the box office.
This commercial success can be attributed to her unique ability to seamlessly blend humour, compelling drama, and relatable narratives into her films.
Furthermore, Akindele continually demonstrates her ability to evolve and adapt. Whether it’s through the enduring popularity of her iconic character Jenifa, her skilful assembly of all-star casts, or her innovative marketing strategies, she has mastered the art of staying relevant and captivating audiences across all age groups.
The “Jenifa” franchise transcends the realm of a mere movie series; it has become a cultural movement.
Jenifa, Akindele’s beloved character, first captivated the hearts of viewers in “Jenifa’s Diary,” a hit television series that delivered a potent blend of humour and life lessons.
With “Everybody Loves Jenifa,” Akindele has elevated her iconic character to new heights, crafting a narrative that is both side-splittingly funny and profoundly heartwarming.
Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, sparked a social media frenzy on Friday when he announced that his NGO’s account had been hacked, resulting in the theft of ₦180 million.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has stated that it does not know about the missing ₦180 million from his non-governmental organisation’s bank account, as reported on its website.
In an Instagram video, VeryDarkMan explained that the hackers had compromised the account and left only ₦20 million after making away with the substantial sum.
He detailed the incident, expressing his shock and disappointment at the breach.
I’ve not been myself these past few days.
Somebody hacked into the NGO website, and ₦180 million is missing. Thankfully, we’ve tracked the person, and one suspect has been arrested.
The account is now on PND (Post No Debit). There’s ₦20 million left, while ₦160 million was diverted. We’re heading to Jos to recover the money.
He stated that the incident had been reported to the police, who are actively working to recover the stolen funds.
However, when contacted on Saturday, FCT Police Command spokesperson Josephine Adeh clarified that the command does not know the case. Adeh firmly emphasised this point in her response.
The FCT Police Command is not aware of any case involving VDM’s missing funds and is not conducting any investigation into it.
The individual in question should be contacted to clarify where the matter was reported, as there is no record of such a case with the FCT Police Command.
Social media users have widely challenged VeryDarkMan’s account theft claims, expressing doubts about the reported ₦180 million loss.
The FCT Police Command’s statement denying knowledge of the incident has intensified public scrutiny of Otse’s allegations.
Online commentators have specifically questioned the origin and documentation of the funds. Also, they have questioned the technical details of the alleged cyber attack.
YBNL Music founder Olamide has approved the early contract termination of artist Asake, videowheelztv reports.
The contract dissolution grants Asake ownership of his master recordings from his tenure with the label. Both parties have established a 10-year royalty-sharing arrangement to continue the financial terms of their original agreement.
The separation took place in recent months, following Asake’s release of his album “Lungu Boy.”
Speaking on the separation, Olamide reportedly said:
I didn’t create YBNL because I wanted to make money. I created it because I wanted to see other young people grow, so if any artist under me wants to leave, they are free.
He added more specifically that,
Asake has done his part, and I’m proud of him.
Reports earlier this week revealed that Asake removed all YBNL-related content from his social media profiles and unfollowed his connections, including Olamide.
Sources indicate that Olamide extended a new contract offer to Asake following the expiration of his initial YBNL agreement.
Despite Olamide’s attempts to secure Asake’s continued partnership, the artist declined the offer, choosing to separate from the mentor who significantly contributed to his international success.
An insider disclosed that the situation reached its conclusion two weeks ago when Asake definitively ended negotiations, expressing his intention to operate independently.
The development marks a significant shift in their professional relationship, which began in 2022 when Asake first signed with YBNL.
During his tenure with the label, Asake achieved remarkable success, releasing multiple hit singles and notably selling out London’s O2 Arena on two occasions.