Legal disputes in Gospel music in 2024: an overview of major issues
There Gospel and evangelical music scene has experienced its share of legal controversies in 2024, highlighting the persistent challenges linked to copyright and royalties in industry. Here is a summary of the most striking cases of the year.
The Sinach affair: a Nigerian conflict around “Way Maker”
Nigerian gospel singer Sinachhis real name Osinachi Egbu, found herself at the heart of an intense legal battle. Producer Michael Oluwoleknown as Maye, brought legal action against the artist, demanding the condominium of his world tube “Way Maker”.
Oluwole asks for the astronomical sum of 5 billion naira (approximately $ 5.9 million) for its contribution to the mixing, mastering and instrumental arrangements of the song. This case highlights the crucial importance of written agreements In the music industry, particularly in Africa where informal practices remain common.
American Christian radios: a fight for the equity of royalties
In the United States, a dispute of a completely different nature has shook the Christian radio landscape. L'Alliance DeFending Freedom (ADF) and the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) filed a complaint against the Copyright Royalty Boarddenouncing a blatant discrimination against non -commercial religious stations.
These are forced to pay Royalties 18 times higher that their secular counterparts of the NPR network. This case highlights the persistent tensions between the religious and lay sectors in the field of musical rights.
Ghana: allegations of unconfirmed plagiarism
In Ghana, rumors of plagiarism circulated around the praise group Defe Team. An anonymous producer accuses them of having stolen the words of a Gospel hymn. Although the details remain blurred, this case recalls that the questions of intellectual property affect the entire African continent.
Trends and issues for the future
These disputes reflect recurring issues in the Gospel music industry:
- THE Lack of written contractsespecially in Africa
- THE financial treatment inequalities Between different types of actors
- The growing impact of digitization on copyright management
For the future, it is crucial that artists, producers and broadcasters in the Gospel sector become aware of the importance of rigorous copyright management. The implementation of clear contracts and the use of collective management companies Like CCLI, PRS or BMI could help prevent many conflicts.
In conclusion, the year 2024 highlighted the need for greater transparency and better regulation in the Gospel music industry. These legal affairs will no doubt serve as a lesson for the entire sector, encouraging increased professionalization of practices.
Kirk Franklin's scandal: performance deemed too suggestive in Jamaica
Sources:
- BBC Pidgin
- Punch Newspapers
- Hfpmusiccity
- ADF Legal
- Christianity TODAY
- Music Copyright Infinance Resource (GWU)
- Copyright Alliance
- US Copyright Office
