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Sinach sued for N5bn over copyright infringement of song ‘Way Maker’

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The federal high court in Lagos has adjourned the “copyright infringement” suit filed against gospel singer Sinach by music producer Michael Oluwole till January 2025.

Oluwole, also known as Maye, filed a N5 billion lawsuit against Sinach over her 2016 hit song ‘Way Maker’.

Maye, in suit number FHC/L/CS/402/2024, seeks a declaration from the court that he is an author and co-owner of the musical work.

He also demands general damages of N5 billion for alleged cumulative infringements of his rights.

The plaintiff is seeking, among other reliefs, an order requiring that, in the absence of a written agreement with the defendant, all fees generated from licenses or assignments of copyright in ‘Way Maker’ be equitably shared between them as co-owners.

“The plaintiff also requests the court to: Determine an equitable division of fees as either an equal share or another division the court deems appropriate,” the lawsuit reads.

“Compel the defendant to disclose all licenses and copyright assignments related to ‘Way Maker’, account for all accrued fees, and pay the plaintiff his due share.

“Declare that the defendant failed in her statutory obligation to conclude written agreements with the plaintiff for his contributions to the sound recording; Affirm that the plaintiff’s performer’s rights were infringed upon.

“Issue a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from further reproduction, distribution, or public performance of ‘Way Maker’ or any adaptations thereof.”

Oluwole, through Justin Ige, his legal representative, said he worked as a studio engineer on ‘Way Maker’, recording, mixing, and mastering the song.

He also claimed that he created and performed several instrumental accompaniments, including piano, strings, and synthesizers, without a transfer of his performer’s rights.

Oluwole alleged that Sinach released the song without his consent or compensation. He also claimed that she had obtained licenses for the song without sharing the proceeds, describing her actions as “oppressive”.

In response, Sinach, through her counsel Emeka Etiaba of Etiaba Chambers, denied the producer’s claims.

The singer maintained that she had achieved global recognition before ‘Way Maker’ and claimed sole authorship of the song. She said the song was composed, arranged, and performed with other artistes such as Nwabude Chude Arinze, before Oluwole’s involvement.

Sinach argued that the Oluwole’s role was limited to mixing the master recording, a “service for which he was paid $300”.

She denied any obligation to establish a written agreement with him and maintained that he is not entitled to performer’s rights, copyright, or publishing royalties.

The trial, which began on November 27, 2024, was adjourned until January 29 and 30, 2025. This was after the court had taken arguments from the prosecution. The adjournment is to enable the defense to present its case.

Born Osinachi Kalu, Sinachi is the first singer to top the Billboard Christian Songwriter chart for 12 weeks.

‘Way Maker’ received three nominations and won ‘Song of the Year’ at the 51st GMA Dove Awards, making Sinach the first Nigerian to win the award.

Entertainment

Speed Darlington petitions DIG over continued detention

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Nigerian singer, Darlington Achakpo, also known as Speed Darlington, has petitioned the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau in Abuja, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, asking him to comply with a court order on his continued detention.

In a letter addressed dated January 8, 2025, the singer’s counsel, Rosemary E. Hamza, from the Chambers of Deji Adeyanju & Partners, emphasised that the court order issued by Justice M.S. Liman on December 23, 2024, directed the police to charge Speed Darlington within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.

The letter copied to the Deputy Chief Registrar, Federal High Court in Abuja, is titled: ‘Re; Unlawful Detention Of Darlington Achakpo.’

The letter reads, “As you are no doubt aware, the Federal High Court, per Hon. Justice M.S. Liman, on the 23rd day of December 2024, directed the police authorities to charge our client to court within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.

“On January 6, 2025, the court reiterated the order and urged the police authorities to release him to the lead counsel, our own, Marshal Abubakar, who shall produce him in court for trial.

“Although our client was served with a bail term on January 6, 2025 (a copy is herein attached to this correspondence) requesting him to produce a Grade Level 16 civil servant, Marshal Abubakar, Esq and Mazi David Ihuoma, Esq were at the FIB on January 7, 2025, with a surety to fulfil the bail conditions you imposed.

“However, events and happenings on that day left much to be desired as several calls and messages sent to you by Abubakar Marshal, Esq and Deji Adeyanju, Esq were left unanswered and without response.”

“However, events and happenings on that day left much to be desired as several calls and messages sent to you by Abubakar Marshal, Esq and Deji Adeyanju, Esq were left unanswered and without response.”

The petition noted that Abubakar and Ihuoma will be coming to the FIB on January 9, 2024, with a surety to fulfil the bail conditions imposed.

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Ivie Okujaye narrates how government officials criticised her outfit during visitation

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Ivie Okujaye, the Nigerian actress, has expressed her frustration, claiming some government officials criticised her choice of outfit during a visit to their office.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Okujaye said the officials questioned her attire, suggesting it was inappropriate for a formal setting.

She said she wore a long dress paired with sneakers, which she believed was modest and appropriate.

The actress said despite her explanation, they insisted that her outfit was unsuitable, adding that she wouldn’t be allowed to dress that way if she were meeting the president.

“I went to a public office today, and the women there were like, “Actress, come here! Why are you dressed like that? Don’t you know you’re coming to a government office?” she said.

“And I was like, ‘Oh, I’m so sorry if this upsets the institution of this place, but I thought I looked decent. I’m wearing a dress that’s almost to my ankles and sneakers.’

“Then one woman said, ‘All this English that you’re speaking, if you were going to see the president, would you dress like this?’ And I said, ‘No.’ She said they would send me out of there. And then she asked, ‘Anyway, anything for us?’

“I was like, wait, how did we navigate the conversation to this point?

“But guys, do you think there’s anything indecent about wearing this to a regular government office, or am I tripping? I wore this on purpose, thinking it was the right thing to wear.”

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OAP Do2dtun calls out Soundcity FM for eight months of unpaid salaries

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Nigerian on-air media personality Oladotun Ojuolape Kayode, known as OAP Do2dtun, has taken to social media to call out a popular radio station for alleged eight months of unpaid salaries.

OAP Do2dtun took to his official Twitter page today, December 8th, 2024, to call out Souncity over the unpaid salaries. He accused the popular radio station of being very cruel and inhumane.

Speaking further, OAP Do2dtun said that it is not by force to open a radio station as he called on the popular radio station Soundcity to pay their staff the alleged eight months of unpaid salaries.

He wrote; “It’s not by force to open a radio station. Owing your staffs for 8 months is very cruel and inhumane. You don’t need a soothsayer to tell you this.

My friends and colleagues at Soundcity, how do you guys cope? No salary for 8 months ? Mehn that’s crazy!!!!.R”

See screenshot below;

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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