What led Chandler Moore to sue Maverick City Music?

Just days before making headlines for his departure from the globally celebrated worship collective Maverick City Music, co-founder Chandler Moore filed a bombshell lawsuit that has sent shockwaves through the gospel music world. Filed in the Atlanta federal court on October 1, the civil fraud suit accuses the group’s CEO, Norman Gyamfi, of embezzling millions of dollars in royalties belonging to Moore.

According to Billboard, the suit—lodged barely five days before Moore publicly announced his exit from Maverick City Music—alleges that Gyamfi, once Moore’s trusted manager, orchestrated a series of deceptive financial dealings that deprived the singer of his rightful earnings. Gyamfi, who reportedly acquired a significant ownership stake in Maverick City Music before assuming the role of CEO in 2023, is accused of abusing his position to divert royalties and manipulate publishing agreements for personal gain.

Moore’s complaint paints a picture of betrayal within the circle of trust that once defined the Grammy-winning music collective. The lawsuit claims that Gyamfi forged Moore’s signature on a co-publishing agreement that redirected all of the artist’s songwriting royalties to Maverick City Music instead of him. The arrangement, allegedly involving Essential Music Publishing—Sony’s Christian music division—effectively shut Moore out of millions in earnings generated from his own creative work.

“Moore reposed great trust and confidence in and accepted Gyamfi’s guidance in his business and financial decisions,” the suit states. “Gyamfi, however, abused his power and the trust that Moore bestowed upon him.”

For fans of Maverick City Music, the revelations were startling. The collective—founded in 2019 with a mission to bridge cultures, styles, and backgrounds in Christian music—had become a global phenomenon, inspiring worshippers across denominations. Their soulful hits such as “Jireh,” “Talking to Jesus,” and “Wait on You” not only redefined modern gospel but also earned them critical acclaim and industry recognition, including five Grammy Awards.

Yet, behind the anthems of faith and unity, tensions were clearly brewing. On October 6, Moore announced through an emotional Instagram post that he was stepping away from Maverick City Music to focus on his solo career—a decision he described as “bittersweet” but necessary for his personal and spiritual growth.

“These last two years I’ve been locked in on what really matters…in my life and my career,” Moore wrote. “It’s been scary at times, but it’s also been full of fresh vision and real excitement about the future. With that, I’ve made the bittersweet decision to end my relationship with Maverick City Music.”

He added that his passion for music and ministry remains unchanged. “My dream hasn’t changed. I’m stepping into this next phase ready to share my story and make music that helps people feel a little more human, a little more understood, and a little less alone.”

Moore’s announcement came alongside that of fellow member Naomi Raine, another original voice of the collective, who also declared her departure. In her own heartfelt message, Raine expressed gratitude for her time with Maverick City Music while affirming her readiness for a new chapter. “Being a part of Mav truly changed my life,” she wrote. “What started as a group of folks singing in a shed has turned into something I could’ve never imagined! And now I believe God has given me the green light to step into what He’s calling me to do individually.”

For both Moore and Raine, the transition marks the end of an era and the beginning of an uncertain new phase. While their individual careers are likely to flourish, the lawsuit has cast a shadow over the group’s image as a model of faith-driven unity and transparency.

Since their debut in 2019 with “Maverick City, Vol. 1” and “Vol. 2,” the collective’s rise has been meteoric, redefining the soundscape of gospel music and earning millions of streams worldwide. Their 2021 collaborations with Elevation Worship, culminating in the chart-topping “Old Church Basement,” cemented their status as contemporary Christian music trailblazers.

But now, with legal battles unfolding and founding members walking away, Maverick City Music faces a crucial test of integrity and endurance. Whether the ministry can weather the storm and remain a beacon of creativity and faith—or become another cautionary tale of fame, money, and fractured trust—remains to be seen.

FAQ: Chandler Moore’s Lawsuit and Exit from Maverick City Music

1. Who is Chandler Moore?
Chandler Moore is a Grammy-winning gospel singer, songwriter, and co-founder of the popular Christian music collective Maverick City Music. He has been one of the group’s most recognized voices since its debut in 2019.

2. Why did Chandler Moore sue Maverick City Music?
Moore filed a civil fraud lawsuit in Atlanta federal court against Maverick City Music CEO Norman Gyamfi, accusing him of stealing millions of dollars in royalties. The lawsuit alleges that Gyamfi forged Moore’s signature on a co-publishing deal that redirected the artist’s songwriting royalties to the company instead of him.

3. Who is Norman Gyamfi?
Norman Gyamfi is the current CEO of Maverick City Music. He was previously Chandler Moore’s manager before purchasing a stake in the collective. Moore’s lawsuit accuses Gyamfi of abusing his position of trust and financial control.

4. How much money is involved in the lawsuit?
While the exact amount has not been disclosed publicly, court filings and Billboard reports suggest that the alleged fraud involved “millions of dollars” in royalties accumulated from Moore’s songwriting and publishing rights.

5. When did Chandler Moore file the lawsuit?
Moore filed the lawsuit on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 — just five days before announcing his exit from Maverick City Music to pursue a solo career.

6. Did Chandler Moore’s lawsuit cause him to leave the group?
While Moore hasn’t directly stated that the lawsuit was the reason for his departure, the timing strongly suggests a connection. His exit announcement came shortly after the legal filing, signaling deeper internal conflicts within the collective.

7. Who else left Maverick City Music?
Alongside Moore, singer Naomi Raine also announced her departure on October 6, 2025. Both artists emphasized that they would continue creating music independently while remaining committed to their faith and worship.

8. How did Chandler Moore explain his decision to leave?
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Moore said he wanted to focus on what truly matters in his life and career. He described his decision as “bittersweet,” expressing gratitude for Maverick City’s community while looking forward to sharing his personal story through solo projects.

9. How did Naomi Raine respond to her exit?
Raine also shared an emotional statement, thanking Maverick City for shaping her journey but explaining that she felt called by God to start a new chapter. She said it wasn’t an ending but a new beginning in her ministry and music.

10. What’s next for Maverick City Music?
Despite the controversy, Maverick City Music continues to operate with its remaining members. The group, known for hits like “Jireh” and “Wait on You,” is expected to move forward while addressing the legal and reputational fallout from the lawsuit.