Maverick City Co-Founder, Jonathan Jay, responds to lawsuit by former frontman, Chandler Moore- Here's What You Need to Know

Photo (left to right): Jonathan Jay, Chandler Moore

The Maverick City Drama

If you’ve been following the Christian music scene lately, you probably caught wind of the lawsuit filed by Chandler Moore against Maverick City Music and its corresponding entities.

What started as a behind-the-scenes dispute has now moved into the public eye with Maverick City co-founder, Jonathan Jay, responding to the lawsuit brought by former frontman, Chandler Moore.

Chandler Moore has been one of the most visible faces of Maverick City over the past several years. His voice, emotional delivery, and worship style helped make songs like "Wait on You" and "Jireh" instant classics. Over time, Moore's unique vocals became synonymous with Maverick City Music.

However, Moore's recent departure suggest that behind-the-scenes business may now have been as harmonious.

Chandler Moore versus Norman Gyamfi

Norman Gyamfi first entered into the collective consciousness of most Christian/gospel music fans during his sit-down interview on YouTube with Isaac Carree. During that interview, Gyamfi suggested that the gospel music was "stale" and outdated. His views drew the ire and frustration of many gospel music fans who found his comments arrogant and disrespectful of the importance and history of gospel music.

Previously, Gyamfi served as Chandler Moore’s manager before rising to become CEO of Maverick City Music.

In his lawsuit, Moore accuses Gyamfi of forging contracts, diverting royalties, and transferring copyrights without Chandler’s consent.

Thus, Gyamfi occupied the role of both management of an individual artist and executive leadership within the collective, thereby complicating his authoritative role.

Who is Jonathan Jay

Jonathan Jay co-founded the collective (alongside Tony Brown) in 2018 and has been instrumental in shaping its vision.

Jay is also tied to TRIBL Records, a sister label that works closely with Maverick City. Over the years, he’s served not only as a musical collaborator but also as a steward of the brand.

Before Maverick City came into existence, Jay was connected with worship circles like Housefires in Atlanta.

Chandler Moore’s Allegations

On October 1, 2025, Chandler Moore filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. His complaint names Norman Gyamfi, TRIBL entities, and Maverick City Music as defendants. The core allegations are staggering:

• That Gyamfi forged Moore’s signature on publishing contracts.

• That royalties—in some cases over $800,000 were withheld or misdirected.

• That his intellectual property (i.e., publishing rights, copyrights, master recordings) was transferred or claimed without his informed consent.

• That Gyamfi exploited the fiduciary trust between manager and artist, embedding himself into many aspects of Moore’s finances and claims of ownership.

  
  

Chandler Moore's Departure

On October 6, Moore publicly announced his exit from Maverick City, calling it “bittersweet,” and saying he wished to shift his focus to creating music more grounded in vulnerability and human connection.

Jonathan Jay’s Response

A few days later, Jonathan Jay took to Instagram with a lengthy post that pushed back against Moore's lawsuit and its allegations.

Jonathan Jay was vehement in his response. He suggested that Chandler Moore was trying to strong-arm his way out of business commitments he freely entered. Moreover, Jay vowed that Maverick City would not be derailed by what he calls a “false narrative.”

Jonathan Jay wrote, in part:

"Our business dealings with Chandler were forthright, generous and above reproach. We acted in good faith, gave more than what was required and consistently extended grace."

Jay also accuses Chandler Moore of a pattern of avoiding accountability and passing off unaddressed issues to others.

Jay’s tone was firm as he publicly defended the brand of Maverick City Music and those who’ve labored alongside him to build the company and the brand.

Meanwhile, Chandler Moore’s legal team (led by Sam Lipshie of Bradley Arant) has stated that they are committed to helping Chandler recover what is rightfully his, resolving outstanding legal matters, and allowing him to move forward freely with his career.

Why this Matters

The lawsuit filed by Moore reflects deeper questions about the state of Christian music and the intersection of creativity, business, and power.

In creative ministries, the underlying tension between mission and commerce can create friction as suggested by the recent legal filing and public vitriol.

While a collective like Maverick City thrives on shared purpose, interdependency and business can complicate relationships and mission.

It remains to be seen whether Chandler Moore’s claims can be proven via contracts, financial records, ownership documents. Moreover, it remains to be seen whether Maverick City Music can regain its shine after Norman Gymanfi's comments about gospel music, the recent departures of Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine, and now the public feud between Chandler Moore and Maverick's executive leadership.

---

Remembering gospel Singer, Vanessa Brown Knowles, who perished in a fatal car accident. Click below...