British rapper Sway DaSafo, who has played a huge role in the development of UK hip-hop and was a mentor to KSI, has passed away at the age of 44.
According to reports, Sway, whose real name was Derek Safo, passed away at his home in Ghana. As tributes started pouring in from fans, fellow musicians and the MOBO Awards, who recognised his contribution to British music, his death was confirmed. The cause of his death has not been made public.
KSI, who was close to Sway, paid an emotional tribute in the social media. Sway believed in him when nobody else did and he was a “father figure,” he said, and the loss had hit him hard.
Sway’s impact on British hip-hop
Sway was born in Hornsey, North London, to Ghanaian parents and had a style that would fluctuate between hip-hop, grime and club music. Throughout the 2000s he gained fame in the British rap scene, known for his storytelling, wordplay and independent style of music.
One of the highlights of his career was when he won Best Hip-Hop Act at the 2005 MOBO Awards before he was signed and before he had released his first album. He was the first unsigned artist to win the award, ahead of big US artists such as 50 Cent and The Game.
In 2006, he released his first album, This Is My Demo, which was well received by critics. The album was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and songs such as “Little Derek” and “Still Speedin’” helped propel him to become one of the more unique voices in British rap.
Sway has also worked with various artists in his career such as Ed Sheeran, Riz Ahmed, Kano and Akon. In addition to his performance duties, he was also a producer and label executive with Dcypha Productions, nurturing younger talent.
His impact went beyond music. Sway has also been seen in British crime drama Top Boy where he played the role of Ross Rosten and also appeared in movies such as The Grind and The Chase.
Tributes follow the rapper’s death
The MOBO Awards stated that Sway would always remain a special moment in their history, recalling his triumph in 2005 as a significant moment in UK hip-hop. Messages from the British entertainment industry and artists also were included to remember his influence and support for younger artists.
KSI’s tribute focused on the personal aspects of their relationship. He said that he believed that Sway had taken his early music aspirations seriously and had given him opportunities when others doubted him.
Sway was a rapper who fused British and Ghanaian influences, and carved out an independent trajectory for himself during much of his career. His music, work with emerging artists and place in MOBO history have all continued to influence the way his contribution to British hip-hop is remembered.
