In a statement Wednesday, K’naan says Romney’s campaign did not seek approval to use the song and that he would not have granted permission if it had.
The Somali-born, Canadian-based rapper says he would happily grant President Barack Obama’s campaign the use of the song.
K’Naan says he wants to make sure Romney does not use his song again and is seeking legal action.
Romney spokesman Rick Gorka says the song was used through the campaign’s regular blanket license but, out of respect for K’Naan’s statement, won’t be used again.
“Wavin’ Flag” was an international hit for K’Naan in 2010, co-written and co-produced by Bruno Mars’ production team, The Smeezingtons.