British-Ghanaian rapper Sway DaSafo has died at the age of 44, just days after celebrating his birthday.
News of his death emerged Thursday, September 17, after UK car customization company Kream Developments shared a tribute on Instagram, calling him "a true legend and pioneer in the UK rap game." A close friend confirmed to The Guardian that Sway died at his home in Ghana. His cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Born Derek Andrew Safo in Hornsey, North London, to Ghanaian parents, Sway made history in 2005 as the first unsigned artist to win a MOBO Award, taking home Best Hip-Hop Act over signed international acts. His debut album, This Is My Demo, earned a Mercury Prize nomination, and he later founded Dcypha Productions and helped shape the early career of YouTuber-turned-musician KSI.
Sway had privately dealt with health challenges in recent years. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2010 and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In 2015, he released the album Deliverance, which included the song "The Sea," reflecting on his fight with the illness.
He leaves behind four children - two sons and two daughters. Tributes have poured in from across the UK and Ghanaian music communities, with the MOBO Awards among those honoring his legacy.
As fans and fellow artists remember his impact, many have kept his children and loved ones in their prayers during this difficult time.
