Abel, Rapper for Jesus

Abel Fokoe (18 years old) was born in Liberia, but during the civil war in 2006, was separated from his biological mother while fleeing to Ghana with his siblings. He now lives in Sweden with his father, who was working at that time in Jönköping as a doctor. Abel attends high school, and although English is his mother tongue, he is comfortable in Swedish too.

“Sometimes I feel bad at school,” says Abel, “as I haven’t seen my mother since the war, and really miss her. I return home to read the Bible and relax. I sometimes go to Martin* to talk and pray things through, or write songs to express my feelings and pain, and what God has done for me. It’s a good alternative to cursing,” he adds.

Abel started listening to hiphop and Christian rap when he arrived in Sweden, and decided to try his hand at writing his own songs. He is often invited to sing at churches or youth events by the OM team, and is able to explain his life story through songs he has written himself. “I like to go to church,” says Abel. “I’m a Christian and I love God. Even if I have other problems in my life, I love to be in the presence of God.” 

Although Abel was baptised as a child, he asked Martin to re-dedicate to God him two years ago. “After the service,” continues Abel, “I decided to write music as a means to tell the world of God’s love, because that is what He has told us to do. There are many Muslims where I live, and rap is a great way to communicate in a way they can understand.” 

Many people have commented on Abel’s talent, and say he should pursue a career in Christian music. Abel’s father wants him to live with his uncle in the States, but Abel is not sure whether he wants to make music his lifestyle. It is hard to live on! Abel still has a photo of his mother, and hopes to return to Liberia one day to find her.

 

*Abel met Martin, leader of OM Sweden, at Raslaff Församling Gemenskap in Jönköping, where the OM Sweden home office is based. About 350 teenagers from Sweden attended TeenStreet this year – a new record! This is Abel’s fourth time at TeenStreet. “TeenStreet is amazing!” says Abel. “It’s a specific place for Christian youth to come together and communicate Christ,to be Christian amongst Christians, to come close to God. All of us have something in common, despite our different cultures and languages. And the worship has been the best ever! When we sing, I feel like God is in the building. I feel connected.”

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