Maverick City Music Faces Shake-Up as Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine Exit; Moore Sues CEO Alleging Fraud

Maverick City Music is entering a period of upheaval after two of its most prominent members, Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine, announced their departures—and Moore filed a lawsuit alleging fraud against the collective’s chief executive, Norman Gyamfi.

On Oct. 6, both Moore and Raine told fans they were moving on to new chapters. “These last two years I’ve been locked in on what really matters… in my life and in my career,” Moore wrote on Instagram, calling his decision “bittersweet.” Raine echoed the sentiment, saying she will “still [be] writing… singing… worshiping and leading others in worship—just on my own.”

Hours later, news emerged that Moore had sued Gyamfi, his former manager and now CEO of Maverick City Music. The complaint alleges Gyamfi defrauded Moore of millions of dollars in royalties and business proceeds by exploiting a fiduciary relationship and using affiliated companies—including TRIBL Publishing, TRIBL Records, and Maverick City Music—to improperly capture Moore’s rights and income.

According to the filing, Moore says Gyamfi managed him from 2020 to 2023 while quietly building an ownership stake in the collective and “secretly transferring” Moore’s copyright and ownership interests without consent. The suit further claims Gyamfi forged Moore’s signature on contracts, diverted funds, and in 2021 brokered a deal to sell Moore’s master recordings to Orchard Enterprises, a Sony Music subsidiary, without Moore’s approval.

After their management relationship ended, Gyamfi became CEO of Maverick City Music. Moore alleges Gyamfi then directed Essential Music Publishing (Sony’s Christian division) to route publishing revenue to TRIBL and Maverick City rather than to Moore, later producing a purportedly forged agreement assigning 50% of Moore’s rights to the collective and granting it “irrevocable power of attorney.”

The lawsuit also cites a 2024 production agreement with TRIBL under which Moore agreed to deliver an album, 40 tour dates, and 12 compositions in exchange for $1.75 million in advances and a 15% stake in Maverick City Music. Moore claims he met his obligations but has not received full, accurate royalty payments or accounting. The complaint characterizes the defendants’ conduct as “unlawful, fraudulent and unconscionable.”

Raine has not brought legal action. In her exit statement, she framed the move as a fresh start: “This isn’t really an ending, but a new beginning… I’m excited about the music, the ministry, and the purpose ahead.”

Representatives for Gyamfi, TRIBL, and Maverick City Music had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication. Lawsuits contain claims that must be tested in court; Gyamfi will have an opportunity to respond as the case proceeds.

The departures mark a significant turning point for the Grammy-winning collective, which helped reshape contemporary worship music with collaborative projects and crossover chart success. What comes next—for the brand, its leadership, and two of its most recognizable voices—will likely be decided both on stage and in court.