Swedish rapper Gaboro, whose real name was Ninos Khouri, was tragically shot dead on December 19, 2024, in Norrköping, Sweden, as he fell victim to yet another incident of gang-related violence engulfing the country’s hip-hop scene. The 24-year-old artist was shot multiple times inside a parking garage, with disturbing footage of the apparent execution circulating widely on social media.
According to multiple outlets, the execution-style shooting was captured by the gunman, who appeared to film the act with a camera attached to their body. Eyewitness reports and video footage reveal Gaboro’s plea for his life as he was confronted by the attacker, captured saying, “I beg you,” right before being subjected to multiple gunshots. This harrowing sight painted the stark reality of the violence rampant within Sweden's somewhat insular yet fiercely competitive music industry.
Tributes from fellow artists flooded social media following the news of Gaboro's death, highlighting the impact of his music even amid such tragic circumstances. Swedish DJ Alan Max expressed his sorrow, stating, “Have no words,” alongside a heartfelt photo of the rapper. Fellow rapper Imenella echoed similar sentiments, posting, “Rest in peace.” Such reactions showcase the deep sense of loss felt across the musical community.
The police confirmed they responded to the shooting at around 8 PM on Thursday and found Gaboro critically injured. He was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after. The police classification of the incident as murder marks it as part of the larger narrative of increasing gang violence linked to figures within the hip-hop scene.
Swedish authorities have reported rising gang-related shootings, particularly among young artists who have ties to criminal activities. Just months before Gaboro’s death, another rapper, C.Gambino, was similarly gunned down, underlining the perils facing those within the industry. C.Gambino, awarded the title of Sweden's hip-hop artist of the year only weeks prior, was killed outside of Gothenburg, highlighting a disturbing trend where young talents become targets in acts of gang violence.
Indeed, statistics revealed by the police support claims of this rising violence, with police working intensely to tackle it. National Operations Department head Johan Olsson recently stated, “This is the first time we have seen the trend pointing clearly downwards over an extended period of time,” which offers some optimism. Nevertheless, the previous year recorded 53 people dying from shootings alone, with public executions becoming distressingly common.
Gaboro was known for his unique persona, often obscured behind ski masks and sunglasses during performances, making his identity somewhat of an enigma. His music, which gained millions of streams on platforms like Spotify, often delved deep within the struggles and realities of street life. This resonates with many fans, especially those on the fringes of society, underscoring the cultural footprint of his work.
He captured audiences with his diverse sound from his hit songs, such as “Harki,” released earlier this year, which exceeded 11 million streams. Gaboro's first significant song, “Browski,” debuted back in 2022, attracting millions of views and establishing him as one of the emergent stars within the Swedish music scene.
The tragic death of Gaboro raises serious questions about the safety of artists and the grooming gang culture spreading within Sweden’s borders, where social media often plays a dual role as both platform and battleground. Police have emphasized the need for vigilance as gangs have increasingly utilized these platforms to recruit younger members, pushing many youths toward violence.
Despite earlier indications of progress, with police stating they resolved 72% of deadly shootings last year, the ease with which gang members can infiltrate creative spaces and recruit youthful talent remains worrisome. The cultural impact of losing yet another promising artist is immeasurable, prompting calls for systemic change and urgent discussions about how to protect young talent.
The heartbreaking reality encapsulated by Gaboro’s demise speaks volumes about the toxic intersection of culture and crime within Sweden. His death adds to the growing list of artists lost amid gun violence, continuing the agonizing narrative of lives cut short by the violence they often rap about—an art form rooted deeply in the struggle against the very environments from which such talent often emerges.
