British-Ghanaian rapper Derek Andrew Safo, better known as Sway, has died at 44.
The MOBO Awards announced the rapper cum actor’s death on Thursday on social media with a video of Sway accepting best hip-hop act in 2005, calling his win “a huge moment for UK hip hop”.
“We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sway. In 2005, he made MOBO history, beating global heavyweights including 50 Cent and The Game to win Best Hip-Hop Act – a huge moment for Sway and UK Hip Hop. Proud to have him in our history. Our love goes out to his family, loved ones and fans,” they wrote.
The musician, who was in Ghana at the time of his death, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2010, which went into remission later that year.
Sway made history as the first unsigned artist to win the MOBO Award for Best Hip-Hop Act. He beat American rappers like 50 Cent and The Game to win.
His first album, ‘This Is My Demo’, came out independently in 2006 and earned a Mercury Prize nomination.
Sway also released several hit singles, such as ‘Little Derek’, ‘Still Speedin’’, and ‘Level Up’. ‘Level Up’ reached the UK Top 10 in 2012.
Sway was born in London to Ghanaian parents and grew up in north London. He started his music career on pirate radio before becoming more widely known.
He later worked with artists like Akon, Ed Sheeran, and Riz Ahmed.
Outside of music, Sway appeared in the British crime drama ‘Top Boy’ and mentored younger artists. Through his Dcypha Productions label, he supported new talent, including KSI.
After Sway’s death, KSI was one of many who paid tribute, calling him a father figure who believed in his potential.