Grammy-winning Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy has found himself at the center of a legal firestorm as Haitian music veteran Fabrice Rouzier files a lawsuit in the United States, accusing him of copyright infringement.
The lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District of New York, alleges that Burna Boy and French-Haitian singer Joe Dwet File (real name Joe Gilles) unlawfully used elements of Rouzier’s 2002 hit “Je Vais” in their collaborative track “4 Kampe II”.
According to court documents, Joe Gilles initially released a song titled “4 Kampe” in late 2024, which allegedly lifted major components from Rouzier’s work without authorization. Despite receiving a cease-and-desist letter and reportedly acknowledging the infringement, Gilles went on to release a remix — “4 Kampe II” — featuring Burna Boy on March 28, 2025…….CONTINUE READING
Rouzier asserts that both Gilles and Burna Boy were fully aware of the violation but still proceeded with the release, leading to financial losses and damage to his reputation.
The lawsuit is demanding:
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Compensatory and punitive damages
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Reimbursement of legal and court costs
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An injunction to stop further distribution and use of the infringing material
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Destruction of all infringing versions of the song and associated media
Rouzier claims the defendants’ actions have caused him substantial harm, including loss of professional credibility and missed business opportunities.
This is not the first time a major Afrobeats artist has faced copyright allegations. Earlier in 2025, Davido was also hit with a similar lawsuit by four Nigerian artists in the U.S., highlighting an increasing number of legal challenges around intellectual property rights in African music’s global expansion.
Experts say these lawsuits could reshape how artists approach sampling, collaboration, and licensing in the booming Afrobeats scene.
While Burna Boy has not issued an official statement, fans and legal experts have taken to social media to express mixed reactions. Some argue that the collaboration may have been based on an oversight, while others say it reflects a growing disregard for copyright laws in the industry.
As the case unfolds in court, all eyes will be on how this affects not only Burna Boy’s reputation but also the broader Afrobeats industry, which continues to gain international attention. The outcome may serve as a precedent for future collaborations and copyright enforcement in global music.
