A Haitian music legend Fabrice Rouzier, has dragged controversial Nigerian recording artiste, Damini Ogulu, who is better known as Burna Boy to a New York court over copyright infringement.
TheNewsGuru reports that the lawsuit accuses the Nigerian singer’s feature on the song ‘4 Kampe II’ by French-Haitian singer Joe Gilles, also known as Joe Dwet File of copying elements from his 2002 hit ‘Je Vais’, including the story, composition, sound recording and visual presentation.
According to Rouzier in the sue, 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 plantiff added that despite his letter, the Grammy winner, reused his 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”) for the remix.
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.
Rouzier described the conduct as “blatant,” stating that the lack of cooperation from both Gilles and Burna Boy compelled him to seek justice in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
He further prayed the court to award compensatory and punitive damages, reimburse attorney’s fees and legal costs, and issue an order prohibiting any further use of his persona, image, and likeness in connection with “4 Kampe” and “4 Kampe II.” Additionally, he wants the court to order the destruction of all copies of the disputed content.