Investigation into killer Jake Farhi over rap music claims

The Ministry of Justice has begun an investigation into Jake Farhi, a convicted murderer, after reports he recorded music referencing his 2008 killing of schoolboy Jimmy Mizen.

Jimmy, 16, bled to death at the Three Cooks Bakery in Lee, south London, on 10 May 2008, after Farhi threw a large glass dish that shattered and severed an artery in his neck.

In 2009, the then-19-year-old Farhi was jailed for life with a minimum term of 14 years for the murder. Now 35, he was released on licence in June 2023.

Reports in the Sun newspaper claim he is TEN, a drill rap artist whose music often features violent themes, and who conceals his identity with a balaclava in videos.

In one, available on platforms such as Spotify and YouTube, TEN appears to reference Jimmy’s death with the lyrics: “Stuck it on a man and watched him melt like Ben and Jerry’s. Sharpen up my blade I’ve got to keep those necessary. Stay alert and kept it ready, any corner could be deadly. Judge took a look at me, before the trial even started he already knows he’s gonna throw the book at me.”

In another track TEN raps: “See a man’s soul fly from his eyes and his breath gone… I wanted more, it made it less wrong. Seeing blood spilled same floor he was left on.”

A spokesperson for HM Prison and Probation Service told the BBC: “We are aware of this content and are investigating it as a priority. We take any material that could glorify violence or distress victims extremely seriously.”

Margaret Mizen, the mother of the murdered teenager, told the BBC the family had only just learned of the existence of the songs.

She said: “We’re a bit shocked, we’re just taking it in. How can someone be allowed to play this kind of music? The words are absolutely horrendous.”

When asked about Farhi and the music he is alleged to have produced, Mrs Mizen said: “I think he’s a coward. To be able to play his music with a balaclava on and not show his face says to me he’s a bit of a coward.

“I don’t want him to turn into some sort of celebrity just because he has been on the news,” she added.

Mrs Mizen said the family had not yet been contacted by the Ministry of Justice over the music.

Following Jimmy’s death, Mr and Mrs Mizen set up the Jimmy Mizen Foundation, which is involved in charity work including helping young people in London who are fleeing violence.

Mrs Mizen told the BBC that the charity’s mantra of forgiveness, peace and hope “wouldn’t change because of what’s going on now”.

She said: “We have to decide what sort of messages do we want. I think our children need to hear these messages of forgiveness, peace and hope, they don’t need to hear all these dreadful rap songs that are going on with horrible words.

“Our message will stay: forgiveness, peace and hope, that’s the message we give to young people in schools – that will continue.”

She said the memories of Jimmy, and her faith kept her going through the “tough times”.

“Jimmy was just a beautiful boy – he was known as the boy who sparkled. He was a shining star, loved by so many,” she said.

“Although it’s 16 and a half years we still miss him greatly.”

She said she continued to forgive Farhi, and wouldn’t be able to spread messages of forgiveness, peace and hope to young people without doing so.

Two songs by TEN have been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Introducing show, although not those with the apparent reference to murder.

Speaking about TEN’s music being played on 1Xtra, Mrs Mizen said: “I’m disappointed with the BBC for playing any of his music on the radio station and I’ll be wanting answers about that.”

A BBC spokesperson said: “This individual does not feature on any BBC playlists, we have never played – as we pointed out to the Sun – the lyrics they have printed.

“He’s had two other tracks played twice. 1Xtra has no further plans to play his music, we were not aware of his background and we in no way condone his actions.”

The Parole Board decided to release Farhi in May 2023.

At the time, Mrs Mizen and her husband Barry said: “We must hold on to hope and pray that the Parole Board has made the right decision and that Jake Farhi will no longer pose a threat to our communities. Only time will reveal the truth.”