Sarkodie Breaks Silence On Death Of 15-Year-Old Ghanaian Shot In New York

The death of 15-year-old Ghanaian teenager Javits Badu Nkansah Frimpong in New York has drawn an emotional reaction from award-winning rapper Sarkodie, who has extended his condolences to the bereaved family while raising concerns about violence and the values children are taught.

Sarkodie, whose real name is Michael Owusu Addo, reacted to the tragedy in an Instagram post on Saturday, October 31, expressing sympathy to Javits’ parents and praying for the teenager’s soul to rest in peace.

“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,” the rapper wrote.

Javits was reportedly shot by unidentified assailants at about 9:20 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, while travelling to school in the Bronx, New York. His death has left members of the Ghanaian community and others affected by the incident grieving.

Beyond his message of sympathy, Sarkodie used the post to reflect on differences in how violence is perceived in Ghana and some Western communities.

He acknowledged that Ghana and other African countries have their own difficulties but said he remained proud of the upbringing many children received, even in challenging neighbourhoods.

“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 stated.

The rapper further observed that murder cases in Ghana generally attract widespread public attention, with media coverage and expressions of shock whenever such incidents occur.

“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,” he added.

Sarkodie expressed worry that shootings and other deadly incidents appeared to have become increasingly familiar in some parts of the West, making people concerned about their safety.

He also called on parents and communities, particularly among Black families living abroad, to pay greater attention to children’s upbringing and the values they develop.

“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 wrote.

His reaction adds the voice of another prominent Ghanaian public figure to the grief surrounding Javits’ death.

Source: https://x.com/citi973/status/2116784742804647966?s=46

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