British rapper Sway Dasafo, born Derek Safo, has died at 44, according to the MOBO Awards and a close friend.
Safo, who was born to Ghanaian parents in Hornsey, North London, reportedly died at his home in Ghana. His cause of death has not been announced.
The MOBO Awards confirmed the news while paying tribute to an artist whose career helped shape British hip-hop during a pivotal era.
Safo made history at the 2005 MOBO Awards when he won Best Hip-Hop Act, becoming the first unsigned artist to take home the honor.
“Proud to have him as part of our history,” the organization said while extending its condolences to his family, loved ones and fans.
Sway built his reputation as both a rapper and producer, moving between grime, club-oriented records and more introspective hip-hop.
He was also outspoken about his complicated relationship with some of Britain’s established music scenes.
Safo once recalled that UK garage was dominating the culture but said he struggled to connect with its sound.
“I never felt the vibe of the scene suited me,” he said.
He similarly described British hip-hop at the time as “dry and grey,” while acknowledging another challenge with hiplife: he could not rap in Twi.
His career began with Phynix Crew and One before he eventually established himself as a solo artist.
In 2006, “Little Derek” reached the UK Top 40 and became a centerpiece of his debut album, This Is My Demo. The project earned critical acclaim and a Mercury Prize nomination.
Safo later continued releasing music through his Dcypha Productions label and partnered with Akon’s Konvict Music for The Signature LP in 2008.
His commercial run continued with “Still Speedin’,” which reached the UK Top 20 in 2011, followed by “Level Up,” which climbed to No. 8 the following year.
Beyond his own records, Sway worked with artists including Ed Sheeran, Riz Ahmed, Kano, Lupe Fiasco and Chamillionaire, while also collaborating with Kaiser Chiefs outside hip-hop.
Through Dcypha Productions, he helped develop emerging talent, including KSI.
Safo married Helen in 2013, and they had four children: Jalil, AJ, Inaya and Imara. In a recent social media post, he described himself as a single father.
His death closes the chapter on a career that stretched from London’s underground scene to MOBO history and the UK charts.
