Haitian music legend Fabrice Rouzier has filed a lawsuit in a New York court against Nigerian singer Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, alleging that the artist unlawfully used elements of his 2002 track Je Vais. The legal action, reviewed by Peoples Gazette, accuses Burna Boy of stealing sound and video components from the original song.
The case centres on the recent release of 4 Kampe II, a track by French-Haitian musician Joe Gilles, also known as Joe Dwet File, featuring Burna Boy. Rouzier claims that the song draws heavily from Je Vais, incorporating its storyline, musical composition, sound recording, and video content without permission.
Court filings indicate that the initial copyright infringement occurred in late 2024, when Gilles released 4 Kampe, which Rouzier says was based on Je Vais. In response, Rouzier sent Gilles a cease and desist letter, asserting that Gilles later acknowledged the infringement.
Despite the warning, Gilles went on to release a remix titled 4 Kampe II with Burna Boy on March 28, 2025. According to Rouzier, this new version again copied Je Vais, including lyrics such as “Cherie, ou sou sa kampe,” which translates to “Darling, let’s do this in the standing position.”
The lawsuit asserts that Burna Boy was fully aware of Gilles’ admission yet still collaborated on the remix. Rouzier claims the duo’s continued use of his work has caused significant harm, including financial loss, missed business opportunities, and reputational damage.
Frustrated by what he describes as a “blatant lack of cooperation” from both Gilles and Burna Boy, Rouzier said he was left with no alternative but to seek legal redress. The case is being handled by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
Rouzier is demanding both compensatory and exemplary damages from the defendants. He is also requesting reimbursement for legal fees and related costs.
Additionally, the plaintiff wants the court to issue an injunction preventing Gilles, Burna Boy, and their associates from further using his image, likeness, and creative work in connection with 4 Kampe and 4 Kampe II. Rouzier is also asking for all existing copies of the videos to be destroyed.
This lawsuit against Burna Boy follows closely on the heels of a similar case involving Davido, Burna Boy’s long-time rival. Two weeks earlier, Davido was sued in the United States by four Nigerian artists who accused him of stealing their song Work.
