Burna Boy Dragged to New York Court over Alleged Copyright Infringement

Nigerian Afrobeats star, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, is facing a lawsuit in a New York court alleging copyright infringement related to his recent collaboration with French-Haitian singer Joe Gilles, also known as Joe Dwet File.

The legal action, filed by Haitian music icon Fabrice Rouzier, centers on the song “4 Kampe II,” claiming it improperly utilizes elements of Rouzier’s 2002 track, “Je Vais.”

According to court filings obtained, Rouzier alleges that “4 Kampe II” significantly incorporates the story, musical composition, sound recording, and video material from “Je Vais” without authorization. The dispute initially arose with the release of the original “4 Kampe” by Gilles in Fall 2024, prompting a cease and desist letter from Rouzier after he identified similarities to his work.

Court documents state that Gilles reportedly admitted to the infringement, but proceeded to release a remix featuring Burna Boy, titled “4 Kampe II” on March 28, 2025. The lawsuit highlights specific lyrical parallels, including the shared phrase “Cherie, ou sou sa kampe” (“Darling, let’s do this in the standing position”) in both songs.

Rouzier claims that Burna Boy was aware of Gilles’ prior admission of wrongdoing yet still participated in the allegedly infringing track

. The lawsuit asserts that both artists have caused substantial damages to Rouzier, impacting his potential profits, opportunities, and professional reputation.

The musician is seeking both compensatory and exemplary damages, along with reimbursement for legal fees. He is also requesting a court order to prevent further use of his work and likeness in connection with “4 Kampe” and “4 Kampe II,” and demands the destruction of all existing copies of the associated videos.

This lawsuit comes on the heels of similar legal action against Burna Boy’s rival, Davido, who was recently sued by four Nigerian artists alleging song theft.

As of press time, neither Burna Boy nor representatives for Joe Gilles have issued a public statement regarding the allegations.

The case is being heard in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.