Afrofusion star Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has been dragged to a New York court by Haitian music legend Fabrice Rouzier, who accused the singer of copyright infringement.
According to reports, the lawsuit centers on Burna Boy’s feature on the song ‘4 Kampe II’ by French-Haitian singer Joe Gilles, also known as Joe Dwet File.
Rouzier claims the track unlawfully copies elements from his 2002 hit ‘Je Vais’, including the story, composition, sound recording and visual presentation.
The plaintiff said the first infringement occurred in late 2024, when Gilles released ‘4 Kampe’, which allegedly sampled ‘Je Vais’ without permission.
Rouzier said he issued a cease and desist letter at the time, after which Gilles allegedly “admitted to the accusations of infringement.”
Despite the warning, Gilles released ‘4 Kampe II’ featuring Burna Boy on March 28.
The remix allegedly reused lyrics and melodies from ‘Je Vais’, including the French line “Cherie, ou sou sa kampe” (translated: “Darling, let’s do this in the standing position”).
Rouzier said both artistes knowingly ignored the infringement claims and went ahead to profit from the track.
“Despite Burna Boy’s full knowledge of Gilles’ own admission to stealing from Rouzier, the duo has continued to directly engage in conduct that has caused the plaintiff serious damages, including lost profits, lost opportunities, and loss of goodwill,” the court documents read.
Describing the conduct as “blatant,” Rouzier said the lack of cooperation from both Gilles and Burna Boy forced him to seek justice in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
He is asking the court to award compensatory and exemplary damages, reimburse attorney’s fees and legal costs and issue an order prohibiting further use of his persona, image and likeness in connection with ‘4 Kampe’ and ‘4 Kampe II’.
He also wants the court to order the destruction of all copies of the disputed content.
This lawsuit comes just two weeks after Burna Boy’s industry rival, Davido, was similarly sued by four Nigerian artistes in the United States for allegedly stealing their song ‘Work’.
