Haitian musician and producer Fabrice Rouzier recently filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York, accusing Nigerian artist Burna Boy, Franco-Haitian singer Joé Dwèt Filé and Haitian actor Tonton Bicha of unauthorized use of his work “Je Vais”, recorded in 2002. The complaint concerns the song “4 Kampé II”, released in March 2025, which is said to be an unauthorized cover of “Je Vais”.
Rouzier claims that the musical structure, lyrics and narrative thread of his song have been taken over without his consent. He also points out that the first version of “4 Kampé”, published in 2024 by Joé Dwèt Filé, had already been the subject of a formal notice. Despite this, a new remixed version in collaboration with Burna Boy was published on March 28, 2025.
To date, neither Burna Boy, Joé Dwèt Filé, Tonton Bicha nor their representatives have reacted publicly to these accusations. The case is still pending before the American courts.
His action could well pave the way for much-needed reflection on the balance of power in the music world, on the rights of Caribbean and African artists, and on the way in which works cross borders without always bringing with them recognition of their roots.
Beyond its personal and financial implications, this trial could become a symbol of cultural justice, calling for greater transparency, dialogue and respect between the musical spheres of the North and South.
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