Maverick City Music Lawsuit, $800K Fraud Claims Rock Gospel Music’s Biggest Band
The contemporary gospel music world is reeling from explosive legal allegations as founding member Chandler Moore has filed a lawsuit against Maverick City Music and its CEO Norman Gyamfi, claiming over $800,000 in withheld royalties. This high-profile dispute has sent shockwaves through the Christian music community and raised critical questions about artist rights and financial transparency in the industry.
What Is the Maverick City Music Lawsuit About?
The civil lawsuit was filed in an Atlanta federal court in October 2025, marking a dramatic turn for one of gospel music’s most celebrated collectives. Moore accuses his former manager Norman Gyamfi of fraud, forgery, and misappropriating millions in royalties.
The lawsuit represents one of the most significant legal challenges in contemporary Christian music, involving allegations of financial misconduct at the highest levels of the Grammy-winning worship collective.
Key Allegations Against Norman Gyamfi and Maverick City Music
Royalty Withholding Claims
According to the lawsuit, Moore signed a final contract with Maverick City Music in 2024 and fulfilled his obligations by writing new music and completing a tour, but Gyamfi and his associates allegedly withheld more than $800,000 in royalties due under the agreement.
Historical Fraud Allegations
Moore further alleges that in 2022, Gyamfi had royalties owed to Moore funneled directly to Maverick City Music and that Gyamfi forged Moore’s signature on a contract to do so. These accusations suggest a pattern of financial misconduct spanning multiple years.
Scope of Financial Claims
Moore claims in the lawsuit that millions were stolen from him over the course of several years, indicating this dispute extends far beyond the most recent $800,000 figure.
Who Is Chandler Moore?
Chandler Moore is a founding member of Maverick City Music and one of the most recognizable voices in contemporary gospel music. His contributions to the collective helped establish Maverick City Music as a Grammy-winning force in the worship music industry.
The complaint accuses Gyamfi — who managed both Moore’s personal and professional affairs from 2020 to 2023 — of breach of fiduciary duty, forgery, fraud, and misappropriation of funds and intellectual property.
Who Is Norman Gyamfi?
Norman Gyamfi serves as the CEO of Maverick City Music and was Moore’s personal manager for three years. The complaint alleges that Gyamfi used companies linked to TRIBL and Maverick City Music to profit from unauthorized transactions.
Maverick City Music’s Response to the Lawsuit
The allegations haven’t gone unanswered. Maverick City Music co-founder Jonathan Jay has publicly defended Gyamfi, stating “the claims being made against me, against Norman and against our companies are categorically false”.
Jay emphasized, “I’ve spent my life building this and I won’t let a series of lies go unchecked,” adding “These aren’t misunderstandings”.
This strong denial sets the stage for what could become a protracted legal battle between the founding artist and the organization’s leadership.
Legal Claims in the Maverick City Music Lawsuit
The lawsuit includes multiple serious allegations:
Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Claims that Gyamfi violated his responsibility to act in Moore’s best interests while serving as his manager.
Forgery: Allegations that Moore’s signature was forged on contracts to redirect royalty payments.
Fraud: Claims of intentional deception regarding financial arrangements and royalty distributions.
Misappropriation of Funds: Accusations that money owed to Moore was diverted to other entities.
Misappropriation of Intellectual Property: Claims regarding unauthorized use or control of Moore’s creative works.
The suit seeks financial damages and asks the court to void Moore’s contracts with the group.
Impact on Maverick City Music’s Future
This lawsuit comes at a pivotal moment for Maverick City Music. Beyond Moore’s departure, the organization faces questions about its internal business practices and artist relationships.
Maverick City Music says it will continue its mission despite the recent departures, though the long-term impact on the collective’s reputation and artist roster remains to be seen.
Artist Departures and Industry Implications
Chandler Moore isn’t the only notable departure from Maverick City Music during this period. The timing of multiple artist exits has raised questions about internal dynamics within the organization.
These developments have sparked broader conversations within the gospel music industry about artist contracts, financial transparency, and the power dynamics between performers and management.
Understanding Music Industry Contractual Disputes
This case highlights several critical issues common in music industry disputes:
Royalty Collection and Distribution: The mechanisms by which artists receive payment for their work.
Fiduciary Relationships: The special trust required when one person manages another’s financial and professional affairs.
Contract Enforcement: How agreements between artists and labels are monitored and enforced.
Intellectual Property Rights: Ownership and control of songs, recordings, and creative content.
Music industry professionals note that such disputes often arise from complex contractual arrangements and multiple revenue streams that can be difficult to track and audit.
What Happens Next in the Maverick City Music Lawsuit?
The allegations remain unproven in court, and the legal process will determine the validity of Moore’s claims. Both parties will need to present evidence supporting their positions.
The discovery phase of litigation could reveal internal communications, financial records, and contractual documents that provide clarity on the disputed transactions. Settlement negotiations may also occur outside of public view.
Lessons for Gospel Music Artists and Industry Professionals
This high-profile dispute offers several important takeaways:
Documentation Is Critical: Written agreements and financial records are essential for resolving disputes.
Independent Representation: Artists should consider separate legal and financial advisors from management.
Regular Audits: Periodic reviews of royalty statements can identify discrepancies early.
Clear Contractual Terms: Specific language about royalty calculations and payment schedules prevents confusion.
Transparency: Open communication about finances builds trust and prevents misunderstandings.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Maverick City Music Lawsuit
What is the Maverick City Music lawsuit about?
Chandler Moore filed a lawsuit against his former manager Norman Gyamfi, accusing him of fraud, forgery and misappropriating millions in royalties. The lawsuit centers on allegations of withheld payments and unauthorized financial transactions.
How much money is involved in the lawsuit?
Moore claims that Gyamfi and his associates withheld more than $800,000 in royalties due under a 2024 agreement, though Moore claims in the lawsuit that millions were stolen from him over the course of several years.
Who is Norman Gyamfi?
Norman Gyamfi is the CEO of Maverick City Music and served as Chandler Moore’s personal and professional manager from 2020 to 2023. He is the primary defendant in Moore’s lawsuit.
Has Maverick City Music responded to the allegations?
Yes. Co-founder Jonathan Jay stated “the claims being made against me, against Norman and against our companies are categorically false” and characterized the allegations as lies rather than misunderstandings.
What does this mean for Maverick City Music’s future?
Maverick City Music says it will continue its mission despite the recent departures. However, the lawsuit could impact the organization’s reputation, artist relationships, and business operations depending on the outcome.
Are the allegations proven?
No. The allegations remain unproven in court. Both sides will present their evidence during legal proceedings, and a judge or jury will ultimately determine the facts.
What legal claims are included in the lawsuit?
The complaint accuses Gyamfi of breach of fiduciary duty, forgery, fraud, and misappropriation of funds and intellectual property. These are serious allegations that carry both civil and potentially criminal implications.
When was the lawsuit filed?
The civil suit was filed in an Atlanta federal court in October 2025, shortly after Moore’s departure from Maverick City Music became public.
Conclusion: A Watershed Moment for Gospel Music
The Maverick City Music lawsuit represents more than a dispute between an artist and management—it’s a potential turning point for how the gospel music industry handles artist relationships, financial transparency, and contractual obligations.
As this case unfolds, it will likely influence how emerging Christian artists negotiate contracts and protect their financial interests. The outcome could establish important precedents for artist rights within faith-based music collectives.
For now, both legal teams are preparing their cases, and the gospel music community watches closely to see how this controversy resolves.
Important Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information presented is based on publicly available court filings, news reports, and official statements as of October 2025. Legal proceedings are ongoing, and details may change as the case develops.
All allegations mentioned remain unproven in court until a judge or jury renders a verdict. Readers should not draw conclusions about guilt or liability based on accusations alone.
If you are an artist facing similar contractual or financial disputes, consult with a qualified entertainment attorney who can review your specific situation and provide personalized legal guidance.
Additional Resources
For Artists Seeking Information:
- Entertainment Lawyers Association
- Music industry contract resources
- Artist rights organizations
For Understanding Music Industry Disputes:
- Billboard Pro’s legal coverage
- Music business educational resources
- Industry trade publications
Stay Informed: Monitor official court filings and verified news sources for updates on this developing legal matter. Be cautious of speculation and unverified claims circulating on social media.
This article will be updated as new verified information becomes available through official court proceedings and credible news sources.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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