Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has expressed his grief following the killing of 15-year-old Ghanaian teenager Javits Frimpong in the Bronx, New York, while also reflecting on parenting values and youth upbringing.
In a lengthy post shared on social media, the award-winning musician praised the values instilled in many Ghanaian children despite the country’s economic and social challenges.
He argued that strong family and community structures often help shape responsible behaviour among young people.
READ ALSO:
“We might have our difficulties here in Africa, especially in Ghana, but one thing I will always pride myself on is how we were brought up as children, even in rough and tough neighbourhoods,” he wrote.
Sarkodie contrasted attitudes towards violent crime in Ghana with what he described as the more frequent occurrence of such incidents in parts of the West. According to him, murder remains a shocking event in Ghana and often attracts widespread public attention and discussion.
“Murder is a big deal out here. It’s almost alien to us because whenever something like that happens, it becomes major news. We announce and discuss almost every single case in the media, and as a people, we are always shocked and saddened by it. But it seems to have become an almost regular thing in some parts of the West, which makes it scary for my people to feel safe out there,” he stated.
The rapper also referenced reports that Javits had complained about persistent bullying before his death. He urged parents and guardians to place greater emphasis on instilling discipline, empathy, and positive values in children.
“I honestly don’t know what kind of upbringing shapes children to become so evil. I think some of my fellow Black brothers and sisters out there need to do better when it comes to raising their children and instilling the right values in them,” he added.
Sarkodie described the teenager’s death as heart breaking and extended his condolences to the bereaved family, especially Javits’ parents.
“It’s very unfortunate that we had to lose Javits this way. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Sending love, prayers and strength to the family, especially his mum and dad. My deepest condolences,” he wrote.
The rapper’s tribute came after news of Javits Frimpong’s death drew widespread attention.
According to reports from the New York Police Department, the teenager was fatally shot by three suspects aged between 16 and 18, who were reportedly dressed in black clothing and wearing blue surgical masks.
Following the shooting, Javits’ father, Thomas Frimpong, told the media that his son had moved from Ghana to the United States about a year ago to live with him. He dismissed any suggestion that Javits was involved in gang activity, describing him as a homebody who mostly stayed indoors.
He also revealed that school authorities had previously contacted him about an incident in which his son was allegedly being bullied by some of his classmates just days before his death.
The incident has sparked conversations within Ghanaian communities both at home and abroad about gun violence, bullying and the safety of immigrant families.