Dua Lipa, the acclaimed pop artist, has successfully settled a legal dispute involving copyright infringement and breach of contract pertaining to her chart-topping song, “Levitating.” The resolution was reached with producer Bosko Kante, who had initiated the lawsuit. This particular case centered on Kante's distinctive talk box contribution to the track, which he alleged was used beyond the scope of their original agreement, specifically in various remixes. The terms of the settlement have not been publicly disclosed, but representatives from both sides have indicated a mutually agreeable outcome, underscoring the significance of fair acknowledgment and remuneration for artists involved in collaborative musical projects. This marks a notable development, as it is the only one of several copyright challenges against “Levitating” to conclude in a settlement, with Lipa having successfully defended against other similar claims.
The legal proceedings initiated by Bosko Kante in 2023 highlighted a complex issue regarding intellectual property in the music industry. Kante, an innovator known for his unique talk box voice modulation techniques and the inventor of the ElectroSplit device, contended that his initial licensing agreement for his performance on “Levitating” only covered the original version of the song, released on March 26, 2020. His lawsuit argued that subsequent remixes, including a highly successful rendition featuring DaBaby, were released without proper authorization or extended compensation, thereby breaching their initial contract. Kante's career spans significant collaborations with prominent artists like Kanye West and Big Boi, alongside his work on the theme music for the iconic Nineties sketch comedy show, In Living Color, lending considerable weight to his claims of artistic contribution.
A statement from Na’il Benjamin, representing Bosko Kante, emphasized the broader implications of this resolution for the artistic community. Benjamin stated that the outcome serves as a beneficial precedent for all creators—producers, performers, and collaborators—whose work is released by major record labels. He stressed the intrinsic value of artists' contributions and the critical need for appropriate usage, credit, and compensation. This sentiment reflects a growing demand within the industry for clearer contractual agreements and fair treatment of all parties involved in music production. The confidential nature of the settlement means specific details, such as monetary damages or additional song credits, remain private.
The legal challenges surrounding “Levitating” extended beyond Kante's suit. Dua Lipa had previously faced two other copyright infringement allegations concerning the song. In March 2022, Florida reggae band Artikal Sound System claimed that “Levitating” appropriated the hook from their track, “Live Your Life.” This case was ultimately dismissed when the court determined that the band failed to provide sufficient evidence that Lipa and her team had access to or were aware of their song. Subsequently, songwriters L. Russell Brown and Sandy Linzer filed another lawsuit, asserting that “Levitating” plagiarized their 1979 disco hit, “Wiggle and Giggle All Night.” This claim was also dismissed, with the judge ruling that the similarities between the two songs were not substantial enough to warrant a trial. The settlement with Bosko Kante therefore represents a distinct conclusion in the series of legal battles surrounding the pop anthem.