Sway DaSafo, the North London rapper who made history as the first unsigned artist to win a MOBO Award, has died aged 44. The news emerged on Thursday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across British music.
The announcement came via an emotional Instagram post from Kream Developments, which said: “Devastated to hear of the sad news today. The passing of a personal friend, a true legend and pioneer in the UK rap game.” The official MOBO Awards account also posted a tribute, sharing footage of Sway accepting his award in 2005.
A close friend of the rapper told The Guardian that he died at his home in Ghana. No cause of death has been officially disclosed.
The first unsigned MOBO winner
Born Derek Safo in Hornsey, north London, Sway emerged in the early 2000s with a style that sat between UK hip-hop and grime. In 2005, still independent and without a debut album to his name, he won Best Hip-Hop Act at the MOBO Awards, beating signed global heavyweights including 50 Cent and The Game.
The MOBO Awards said his win was “a huge moment. Not just for Sway, but for UK Hip Hop,” adding that at a time when British rappers were fighting to be recognised alongside their American counterparts, his victory “made a real statement about the talent, creativity and potential coming out of the UK”.
He released his debut album, This Is My Demo, independently in 2006. It was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and established him as one of the most distinctive voices of his generation.
Hits, collaborations and acting
Sway’s best-known tracks included breakout single “Little Derek”, which broke the UK Top 40 in 2006, “On My Own”, “Still Speedin'” and “Level Up”, which reached the UK Top 10. His collaborative catalogue stretched from The Streets, Madness and Kano to Akon, Lupe Fiasco and Pharrell Williams.
Through his Dcypha Productions label he helped develop younger artists, including South London’s Tiggs Da Author, and played a significant role in the early music career of YouTuber-turned-musician KSI. He also crossed into acting, appearing in the first two episodes of Channel 4’s Top Boy and in films including The Grind.
He had spoken openly about his health: he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2010, underwent successful treatment and went into remission.
Tributes from KSI, MOBO and beyond
KSI led the tributes, writing on social media: “Ah man, this is a lot. Sway, Derek, thank you for everything you’ve done for me. You believed in me when many didn’t. You gave me a chance when many didn’t. Musically people laughed me off as a joke but you saw my potential and helped me grow as an artist. You were one of a kind man. I wish you were still here.”
Top Boy star Kadeem Ramsay wrote “Rest Up Legend”, singer Lemar said “your talent knew no bounds”, and Kidulthood actor Adam Deacon also paid tribute. Chip and Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie were among the many others honouring his legacy.
Sway is reported to leave behind four children, two sons and two daughters. His death comes just days after he celebrated his 44th birthday on 5 September.
Reporting based on RA, USA Today and Gold Radio.
