MOBO Award-winning rapper Sway DaSafo, who made history with his 2005 win as an unsigned artist, has passed away.
Rapper and actor Sway DaSafo has died aged 44.
The musician, whose real name was Derek Safo, became the first unsigned rapper to win a MOBO Award in 2005.
On Thursday (17.09.26), the official MOBO Awards account wrote: “We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sway.
“Sway will always hold a special place in MOBO history. In 2005, still independent and without a debut album released, he won Best Hip-Hop Act at the MOBO Awards, beating global heavyweights including 50 Cent and The Game.
“It was a huge moment. Not just for Sway, but for UK Hip Hop.
“At a time when British rappers were still fighting to be recognised alongside their US counterparts, his win made a real statement about the talent, creativity and potential coming out of the UK.
“Sway went on to leave his mark as an artist and champion of British music, but we will always be proud that he was part of the MOBO story and of the history we shared together.
“Our love and deepest condolences go out to his family, loved ones, friends and everyone who grew up with and was inspired by his music. Rest in peace, Sway.”
It’s said he passed away at his home in Ghana, while no cause of death has been confirmed.
In 2010, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, but he underwent successful treatment and went into remission.
As well as landing a Top 10 spot with his single Level Up, his hits included breakout track On My Own.
He also appeared in the first two episodes of 2011’s Top Boy as Ross Rosten, and had minor cameos in The Grind and The Chase over the next two years.
YouTuber and rapper KSI has led the tributes to the late star.
He wrote on Instagram: “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.
“From smoke and mirrors to no sleep to Lamborghini you were there to help. It was so crazy because I was a fan of you.”
KSI added that “44 is too young to leave”, and hailed Sway as “one of a kind”.
He continued: “You still had so much to do. You were like a father figure to me. Whenever I had problems or issues, I would go to your studio in London for advice and you always knew what to say.
“This one hurts a lot. Just feel like this year is really testing me man. Life right now is just trying to make me break. But I know you’d say that I’m a fighter and that I’ll get through it, however it just gets harder and harder man.
“You’re a king Sway. I’ll never forget you. My heart breaks for all your children that will no longer have you there. And all your friends and family that will no longer get to see you anymore. It’s not fair. Life isn’t fair.”
DJ and producer Kream admitted he was “devastated” by the news”.
He wrote: “We’ve been staying in touch recently sharing our struggles with health issues and keeping each others spirits up, especially as Fathers and staying strong for our kids.
“He leaves behind 2 sons and 2 beautiful little girls that I had the pleasure of talking to on FaceTime recently. Thoughts and prayers with him and his family.”
Rapper and Top Boy actor Sway DaSafo dies aged 44 as KSI leads tributes
