Burna Boy Sued in New York Over Alleged Copyright Infringement of Haitian Song "Je Vais"

Burna Boy

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy is facing a copyright infringement lawsuit in a New York federal court filed by renowned Haitian musician Fabrice Rouzier, who alleges unauthorized use of his 2002 composition Je Vais in the song 4 Kampe II. The legal action, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, also names French-Haitian singer Joe Dwet File (legal name Joe Gilles) as a co-defendant.

According to court documents, the alleged infringement began in late 2024, when Joe Gilles released the original version of 4 Kampe, which Rouzier claims directly borrows from the melody, lyrics, and audiovisual elements of Je Vais. Rouzier asserts that he issued a cease-and-desist notice to Gilles after the song's release, and that Gilles acknowledged the use of the material.

Despite the warning, Gilles later released 4 Kampe II on March 28, 2025, a remix featuring Burna Boy, which Rouzier says contains further unauthorized elements from Je Vais, including the distinctive French lyric, “Chérie, ou sou sa kampe.” The complaint alleges that both artists were aware of the original infringement but proceeded with the release and promotion of the track.

Rouzier claims the unauthorized usage has caused significant financial harm, including lost revenue and licensing opportunities, and has damaged his professional reputation. He contends that Burna Boy, given his global prominence and industry experience, should have known the material was unlicensed and infringing.

The lawsuit seeks compensatory and exemplary damages, reimbursement of legal fees, and a permanent injunction against the continued distribution of 4 Kampe and 4 Kampe II. Rouzier is also asking the court to order the destruction of all infringing copies of the songs and videos that incorporate his original work.