Today, Freetown mourns the loss of a true son of the soil, Akmed Sidi Kamara, fondly known as Black Coffee, who tragically passed away on this day, 25 May 2025, succumbing to Mpox. His death, as heartbreaking and dismal as it is, serves as a stark reminder of the deadly presence of Mpox amongst us. It jolts us, impressing upon us its lethality, and demands that we take seriously how we address this disease in our daily conversations and actions.
Akmed was a vibrant, young, and well-meaning soul—a popular social media influencer, youth activist, humanitarian, and the CEO of Black Coffee House of Entertainment. His passing leaves a void that words can scarcely capture. Yet, in his short life, he showed us what it means to live with purpose, bravery, and compassion. He pierced our hearts with his empathy, rising as a light in the midst of our national darkness, choosing to be a beacon of hope for so many.
I knew Akmed from our childhood days in Murray Town, where our paths first crossed. He went on to attend Sierra Leone Grammar School and later studied engineering at Fourah Bay College (FBC). Even then, his passion for the plight of the youth was evident. In a society where many young men lack the courage to act or remain loyal to apathy, Akmed stood tall, sober, passionate, and committed to addressing the challenges facing his peers. He became a voice for the voiceless, walking fearlessly into ghettos, slums, and forgotten corners of our society, not to judge, but to uplift; not to exploit, but to empower.
Through his work, Akmed saw value where others saw despair. He believed in the potential of broken souls, offering them his time, compassion, energy, and platform. He gave them something even more precious, his unwavering belief in their worth. His impact was nothing short of magical, so divine and perfectly placed. His courage was peerless, his bravery beyond our finest words.
In his final days, as he battled Mpox, an ordeal he courageously shared with the public just a week ago, he continued to advocate for awareness and support, shining a light on a disease that demands our urgent attention.
Akmed’s life was a testament to what one determined individual can achieve. He lifted countless youths from the ashes of shattered dreams and the abyss of hopelessness, touching and blessing many lives through his sacrifices. Even those who never met him have been inspired by the testimonies of his latter years. As one admirer aptly noted, “I have followed a number of his interviews and admired his determination to get to the bottom of a person’s life to see what may have gone wrong. He served his day and generation well.” This is a true and concise account of Akmed’s journey—a journey that, though cut short, left an indelible mark on our nation.
We cannot all be Akmed, but he has shown us what good can come from a life lived with dedication and love. His story teaches us, informs us, and answers the question of how inspiring and remarkable we can be when we hold ourselves to a higher standard and contribute positively to our nation’s wellbeing. His wisdom, even in his youth, was far beyond his years. His actions, tireless, fearless, and driven by love, created ripples that will echo across generations.
As we bid farewell to this incredible soul, we pray that we do not lose more of our true soldiers, those who stand up to make a difference, to the cold hands of death. Akmed Sidi Kamara, you were a buddy, a leader, a movement. You lit up rooms, carried the burdens of others, and never grew weary of lifting those around you. Your legacy will live on in the lives you’ve saved, touched, and blessed. Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be deeply missed.
Frederick Bockarie is legal practitioner with the law firm of OJPlegal.