Pioneering British rapper Sway has died at the age of 44.
In 2005, Sway Dasafo – real name Derek Safo – won best hip-hop act at the Mobo Awards, which announced his death on Thursday (17 September).
A statement posted on Instagram read: “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 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,” it added.
Born in north London to Ghanaian parents, Sway learnt music production while he was at secondary school and went on to release music under his own record label, Dcypha Productions.
Released in 2006, his debut album This is My Demo received critical acclaim, sold over 50,000 copies within its first year and landed a place on the shortlist for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize – which was won that year by Arctic Monkeys’ debut album.
As well as releasing his own music, Sway collaborated with the likes of Riz Ahmed, appearing on his track “Shifty”, and Ed Sheeran, and also helped young stars including KSI develop their careers.
Paying an emotional tribute on Instagram, KSI wrote: “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.
“44 is too young to leave. 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.”
“You’re a king Sway,” he continued. “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. You will always be a legend.”
Tributes have also poured in from other figures in the entertainment industry and fans, with singer Lemar writing on Instagram “No words”, alongside a heart emoji.
“Rest in power, Derek,” DJ Semtex commented. “He took risks in his music and pushed the boundaries of what was possible at the time,” added a fan. “I appreciate all he gave to the world.”
