A lawsuit set to begin on November 27, 2024, could change the way producers are credited and compensated in the Nigerian music industry.
The case involves Michael Oluwole, a producer, and Sinach, a Nigerian gospel artist, over the rights to the hit song “Way Maker.”
Oluwole, who contributed to the song’s instrumental arrangement, claims that he has not received proper compensation or publishing rights for the record, despite his significant role in its success.
“We’re not saying he wrote any of the lyrics,” says Oluwole’s legal representative, Justin Ige. “But when you take out Sinach’s voice, everything you hear is Michael’s work.”
“Way Maker,” which was first released in 2016, exploded in popularity during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. The song became a global anthem, topping Christian airplay charts in the U.S., and was covered by artists like Michael W. Smith.
However, despite the song’s success, Oluwole claims he has not been fairly compensated for his role as the producer. Sinach, who is credited as the sole writer and artist behind the song, has argued that because she wrote the song before approaching Oluwole and paid him a flat fee of $300 for his initial contribution, no further compensation is due.
Ige, however, says that without a signed agreement, Oluwole is entitled to a share of the profits. “Under the law, in the absence of an agreement, the rights to the song remain with the composer,” Ige explains. “Michael helped create this song, and he deserves his fair share of its success.”
The case raises significant questions about music publishing rights in Nigeria, where the industry struggles with poor regulation of royalties and contracts. Many Nigerian artists and producers find themselves trapped in exploitative agreements due to unclear or absent contracts.
In this case, Oluwole’s lawsuit could set a crucial precedent for how producers are treated in the Nigerian music industry, which has often neglected their contributions.
“The fact that there’s no agreement works in Michael’s favor,” Ige notes. “He created and performed on this record, and he has a right as a major performer.”
Before the lawsuit, the relationship between Sinach and Oluwole had already been strained. In 2022, Sinach filed a defamation claim against Oluwole after he made public comments about their disagreement during an Instagram live interview with Nigerian broadcaster Daddy Freeze.
Now, with the lawsuit going to court, Oluwole is facing financial and psychological distress.
“When you’re denied what you deserve for your most successful work, it takes a toll on you,” Ige says. “It affects you both financially and mentally.”
Oluwole, who has always respected Sinach as an artist, says that being in a legal battle with her was never his intention. He feels hurt by the lack of recognition for his work on “Way Maker,” a song that has made millions worldwide.
According to Ige, if the court rules in Oluwole’s favor, it could mean proper compensation for his work and a fair share of the song’s earnings. “What Michael wants most is acknowledgment for his role and the revenue that comes with it,” Ige says. “And, on a personal level, he wants to feel that he fought for his rights and won.”
