Burna Boy May Be Forced to Pay Thousands of Dollars as He Faces Court in New York.

Burna Boy May Be Forced to Pay Thousands of Dollars as He Faces Court in New York.

The music world is no stranger to copyright controversies, and this time, Afrobeat sensation Burna Boy finds himself caught in the crossfire.

On April 22, 2025, Haitian music composer Fabrice Rouzier filed a lawsuit against Burna Boy and other defendants in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, alleging copyright infringement related to the remix “4 Kampe II.”

Rouzier claims that portions of his classic song “Je Vais” were used without authorization, first in the original “4 Kampe,” released by Joé Dwèt Filé, and later in the remix “4 Kampe II,” which features Burna Boy.

The lawsuit further alleges that excerpts from the “Je Vais” music video, including Rouzier’s image, were unlawfully incorporated into the “4 Kampe” music video.

The remix “4 Kampe II,” released on March 28, 2025, is said to closely imitate the narrative and lyrics of “Je Vais,” creating a derivative work without permission.

Despite requests from Rouzier and his publisher, B.E. Relations, for the defendants to cease usage and reveal revenues generated, these appeals have gone unanswered.

Normally, featuring an artist in a song wouldn’t make them liable for legal issues tied to the song—especially if they were unaware of any copyright concerns.

However, in this case, Fabrice Rouzier claims that Burna Boy was aware the song was allegedly based on his copyrighted work before agreeing to participate.

If that claim is proven true, it could create legal implications for Burna Boy and others involved in the remix.

The lawsuit also focuses on the alleged unauthorized use of parts of Rouzier’s song “Je Vais” and its video, which complicates the situation further.

Rouzier is seeking monetary damages, statutory damages, attorneys’ fees, and injunctive relief, demanding that all infringing copies be destroyed.

While Burna Boy and his team have yet to publicly address the allegations, this case, according to analysts, underscores the importance of respecting intellectual property rights in the creative industry.

Fans, creators, and legal experts are closely watching this high-profile lawsuit, especially given Rouzier’s reputation as a respected figure in Haitian music.

The next court appearance for Burna Boy’s copyright lawsuit has not been publicly announced.

It is worth noting that Haitian musician Fabrice Rouzier is not only seeking compensation for damages but is also demanding that all infringing copies of the song in which Burna Boy participated, as well as the video, be destroyed.

Music analysts suggest that Fabrice Rouzier, who is 58 years old, in comparison to Burna Boy, who is 33, may be sending strong warnings and demands—not only seeking compensation but also insisting on the destruction of infringing copies—which suggests he feels deeply wronged, disrespected, and determined to protect his intellectual property.

Yetunde B reports for Yeyetunde’s Blog. 

Images /Official Burnaby on IG.