More reasons for Chandler Moore’s abrupt departure from Maverick City Music are coming to light. Last week, Moore filed a lawsuit against his former manager Norman Gyamfi, accusing him of fraud, forgery and misappropriating millions in royalties.
According to the complaint, Moore alleges that Gyamfi “exploited his fiduciary relationship” with the singer and used “alter ego entities” — including TRIBL Publishing, TRIBL Records and Maverick City Music — to enrich himself at Moore’s expense. The suit claims Gyamfi forged Moore’s signature on contracts, diverted funds and transferred ownership of Moore’s songs without consent.
Moore, who had been a central figure in Maverick City Music since joining the Grammy-winning collective in 2018, says the alleged misconduct deprived him of “millions of dollars in royalties and other monies.”
From 2020 to 2023, Gyamfi managed both Moore’s personal and professional affairs, giving him access to “nearly all aspects” of Moore’s career and finances, according to the suit. While serving as his manager, Moore claims Gyamfi quietly obtained an ownership stake in Maverick City Music without his knowledge. Gyamfi then allegedly “secretly transferred” Moore’s own ownership and copyright interests in his music to the group.
Additionally, Gyamfi allegedly brokered a 2021 deal selling Moore’s master recordings to Orchard Enterprises, a Sony Music Entertainment subsidiary, without Moore’s knowledge or consent.
Once Gyamfi was no longer managing Moore, he went on to become the chief executive officer of Maverick City Music.
Moore alleges that Gyamfi then instructed Essential Music Publishing (Sony’s Christian music division) to redirect publishing revenue from Moore’s work to TRIBL and Maverick City instead of to him.
When Essential asked for documentation, Gyamfi allegedly produced a forged publishing agreement assigning 50% of Moore’s rights to Maverick City Music and granting the company “irrevocable power of attorney” to act on Moore’s behalf.
The suit further references a 2024 production deal between Moore and TRIBL in which Moore agreed to deliver an album, 40 tour dates and 12 new compositions in exchange for $1.75 million in advances and a 15% ownership stake in Maverick City Music. Moore says he upheld his end of the agreement but has yet to receive accurate royalty statements or full payment.
“Defendants’ unlawful, fraudulent and unconscionable business practices have tainted every agreement between plaintiffs and defendants,” the suit states.
Moore is seeking compensatory and punitive damages and has asked the court to void all allegedly fraudulent contracts. Representatives for both Moore and Gyamfi have not yet commented publicly.
The lawsuit adds to a turbulent year for Gyamfi, who faced significant backlash this summer after a controversial appearance on The Isaac Caree Show drew criticism for his negative comments about Gospel music and the Christian ministry industry.
Source: Relevant Magazine
