Death Of Sridevi: Sway DaSafo passes away at 44: London rapper and UK hip-hop pioneer remembered by KSI, MOBO Awards and more | English Movie News

London rapper and UK hip-hop pioneer Sway DaSafo has died at the age of 44. Born Derek Safo, the MOBO-winning artist made a significant mark on the British rap scene, becoming the first unsigned artist to win the Best Hip-Hop Act award at the MOBO Awards in 2005. His death was confirmed by a close friend, with The Guardian reporting that he died at his home in Ghana. His cause of death has not been disclosed.

MOBO Awards pay tribute to Sway DaSafo

The MOBO Awards paid tribute to Sway, recalling his landmark 2005 victory. At the time, the rapper was still independent and had not released his debut album. He won Best Hip-Hop Act ahead of international stars including 50 Cent and The Game. The MOBO Awards said in a statement that Sway’s victory was a significant moment not only for the rapper but also for UK hip-hop, which was still fighting for recognition alongside American rap. The organisation also remembered Sway as an artist and champion of British music, while extending its condolences to his family, friends and everyone inspired by his work.His 2005 victory remains one of the defining moments of his early career and helped establish him as an important voice in British hip-hop.

Sway DaSafo died in Ghana, cause of death remains undisclosed

According to The Guardian, Sway died at his home in Ghana. His cause of death has not been made public. The rapper had previously spoken publicly about his battle with Hodgkin lymphoma. In 2010, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with the disease and subsequently underwent treatment. In a 2016 account of his diagnosis, Sway recalled discovering a lump on his neck that was initially thought to be an infection. He later underwent a biopsy and was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.“I found a lump on my neck and was initially told it could be an infection, so I was given some antibiotics. But the lump was getting bigger, not smaller, so I was told I would need to have a biopsy of the lump as a precaution,” he had said.Recalling the moment he received the diagnosis, he added, “When the doctor told me I had significant traces of Hodgkin lymphoma, I did not know what it meant; I had not heard of Hodgkin lymphoma before. I certainly didn’t think it was cancer. It was when he said the word ‘cancer’ that it really hit me.”

KSI remembers Sway as a father figure

Among those paying tribute to Sway was KSI, who shared a photograph of the two together and remembered the influence the rapper had on his career.“Ah man, this is a lot. Sway, Derek, thank you for everything you’ve done for me,” KSI wrote.He continued, “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.”Sway played an important role in nurturing emerging talent through his work as an artist and music executive, with KSI among those he supported during the early stages of his musical career.

Fellow artists and celebrities pay tribute

Tributes also came from several figures across the British entertainment and music industries.BBC personality Kash Ahmad described Sway as “a true legend and pioneer in the UK rap game”, while recalling their personal friendship and the fact that they had remained in touch.Sway’s Top Boy co-star Kadeem Ramsay wrote, “Rest Up Legend.”Kidulthood and Adulthood actor Adam Deacon also paid tribute, writing, “We never did get to have that linkup. But I know he’s looking down, giving me guidance in his own way.”Singer Lemar said he had “no words” after hearing the news, while broadcaster Clara Amfo wrote, “My goodness, RIP.”

Sway DaSafo’s rise in UK hip-hop

Sway emerged on the London hip-hop scene in the early 2000s and went on to become one of the prominent figures in British rap. His historic MOBO win in 2005 came before he had released a debut album, making the achievement particularly significant for an independent UK rapper. He followed it with This Is My Demo, which received critical acclaim and earned a Mercury Prize nomination. He subsequently released five studio albums and two EPs during his career.Sway also collaborated with artists including Riz Ahmed, Ed Sheeran, Kano and Akon, while his work through Dcypha Productions helped him support and develop emerging artists.Reflecting on his place within British music, Sway once explained that he had never felt completely at home in a single genre.“UK garage was big at this time but I just couldn’t do it because I never felt the vibe of the scene suited me. British hip-hop was just so dry and grey, hiplife was a no-no ‘cause I couldn’t rap in Twi, drum’n’bass just hurts my head sometimes and I can’t sing good so R&B was out the question! I never felt at home anywhere.”

Sway DaSafo’s family

Sway was married to Helen and was a father of four children. The couple’s children are Jalil, AJ, Inaya and Imara. The Guardian also confirmed that he is survived by his wife and four children. In a recent social media post, however, Sway had referred to himself as a single father