Controversy Erupts as Convicted Murderer Releases Music Under Rap Alias
Rapper TEN, recently featured on BBC, unmasked as Jake Fahri, the murderer of Jimmy Mizen
An unsettling revelation has come to light in the UK music scene as Jake Fahri, a convicted killer of schoolboy Jimmy Mizen, is unmasked as the drill rapper known as TEN.
Fahri, now 35, was jailed for life in 2009 for the 2008 murder of 16-year-old altar boy Jimmy Mizen but was released on licence in June 2023. The controversy stems from the recent promotion of Fahri’s music on popular platforms, including BBC Radio 1Xtra, without awareness of his criminal background.
Fahri, appearing in his music videos clad in a balaclava, raps about violence, including disturbing references seemingly connected to Mizen’s death.
One such song includes lyrics that describe violent acts reminiscent of the murder.
This content has found its way onto mainstream music platforms such as Spotify and YouTube, capturing significant attention.
The BBC has come under fire after The Sun reported that DJ Theo Johnson showcased TEN's music, noting his distinctive style.
Tory justice minister Robert Jenrick expressed outrage, demanding an apology from the BBC to the Mizen family, arguing that promoting such music was irresponsible and exploitative.
Shadow policing minister Matt Vickers shared sentiments of disappointment, urging the BBC to prioritize positive role models.
The broadcaster has responded by clarifying that while Fahri’s tracks were aired on BBC Radio 1Xtra, they were not officially endorsed or included in regular playlists, and the lyrics had not been vetted before dissemination.
The BBC assured that there are no plans to feature Fahri’s music further, emphasizing unawareness of his identity at the time of broadcasting.
The case of Jimmy Mizen, who tragically died when Fahri severed an artery in his neck through an act of violence at a bakery in Lee, South London, is a poignant reminder of the consequences of urban violence.
His mother, Margaret Mizen, who received an MBE in 2013 for her advocacy for peace and youth support, conveyed a sense of despair over the incident but reassured that Jimmy’s legacy remains intact.
Public discourse has heightened on social media and in governmental circles, with calls for stricter vetting procedures for artists rising to public prominence.
Shadow safeguarding minister Alicia Kearns criticized the BBC’s lack of thorough vetting, hinting at broader systemic issues within media promotions of potentially harmful content.
The unfolding situation also coincides with another recent violent tragedy, the stabbing death of 14-year-old drill rapper Kelyan Bokassa, known as Grippa, in Woolwich.
This has further fueled debate over the influence of drill music and its connections to real-life violence.
As investigations continue and public pressure mounts, the incident serves as a complex touchpoint in discussions about artistic freedom, criminal behavior, and the responsibilities of media platforms in curating content.
Fahri, now 35, was jailed for life in 2009 for the 2008 murder of 16-year-old altar boy Jimmy Mizen but was released on licence in June 2023. The controversy stems from the recent promotion of Fahri’s music on popular platforms, including BBC Radio 1Xtra, without awareness of his criminal background.
Fahri, appearing in his music videos clad in a balaclava, raps about violence, including disturbing references seemingly connected to Mizen’s death.
One such song includes lyrics that describe violent acts reminiscent of the murder.
This content has found its way onto mainstream music platforms such as Spotify and YouTube, capturing significant attention.
The BBC has come under fire after The Sun reported that DJ Theo Johnson showcased TEN's music, noting his distinctive style.
Tory justice minister Robert Jenrick expressed outrage, demanding an apology from the BBC to the Mizen family, arguing that promoting such music was irresponsible and exploitative.
Shadow policing minister Matt Vickers shared sentiments of disappointment, urging the BBC to prioritize positive role models.
The broadcaster has responded by clarifying that while Fahri’s tracks were aired on BBC Radio 1Xtra, they were not officially endorsed or included in regular playlists, and the lyrics had not been vetted before dissemination.
The BBC assured that there are no plans to feature Fahri’s music further, emphasizing unawareness of his identity at the time of broadcasting.
The case of Jimmy Mizen, who tragically died when Fahri severed an artery in his neck through an act of violence at a bakery in Lee, South London, is a poignant reminder of the consequences of urban violence.
His mother, Margaret Mizen, who received an MBE in 2013 for her advocacy for peace and youth support, conveyed a sense of despair over the incident but reassured that Jimmy’s legacy remains intact.
Public discourse has heightened on social media and in governmental circles, with calls for stricter vetting procedures for artists rising to public prominence.
Shadow safeguarding minister Alicia Kearns criticized the BBC’s lack of thorough vetting, hinting at broader systemic issues within media promotions of potentially harmful content.
The unfolding situation also coincides with another recent violent tragedy, the stabbing death of 14-year-old drill rapper Kelyan Bokassa, known as Grippa, in Woolwich.
This has further fueled debate over the influence of drill music and its connections to real-life violence.
As investigations continue and public pressure mounts, the incident serves as a complex touchpoint in discussions about artistic freedom, criminal behavior, and the responsibilities of media platforms in curating content.
