Popular Nigerian Singer Burna Boy To Face Lawsuit
Afrobeat singer, Burna Boy has been sued by popular Haitian musician Fabrice Rouzier over allegations of copyright infringement.
Rouzier filed a lawsuit at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, claiming that Burna Boy knowingly participated in the unauthorised use of his 2002 song Je Vais in the remix 4 Kampe II, released on March 28 and performed by French-Haitian artist Joe Dwet File, with Burna Boy as a featured act.
The legal dispute stems from the original track 4 Kampe, released in late 2024 by Joe Dwet File, which Rouzier alleges contained unauthorised samples from Je Vais.
Rouzier says he issued a cease and desist letter to Joe Dwet File following the initial release, and claims that the artist admitted to the infringement.
Despite this, a remix was later released with Burna Boy’s involvement, prompting Rouzier to escalate the matter legally.
According to the court documents, the remix allegedly reproduces elements from Je Vais, including its composition, sound recording, and visual presentation, with specific references to lyrics like the French line, “Cherie, ou sou sa kampe” (“Darling, let’s do this in the standing position”).
Rouzier accuses both artists of intentionally ignoring prior warnings and proceeding to profit from the track, which he says has caused him significant losses, including lost revenue and reputational harm.
He is requesting compensatory and exemplary damages, legal fees, and an injunction against any future use of his work or likeness in connection with the disputed tracks.
Additionally, he seeks a court order mandating the destruction of all existing copies of 4 Kampe and 4 Kampe II.
This development comes shortly after fellow Nigerian artist Davido was hit with a similar lawsuit in the United States, involving four Nigerian musicians who accused him of unlawfully appropriating their song Work.
