London rapper Derek Andrew Safo, better known as Sway Dasafo, has died. The news of Sway's passing was announced by the social media handle of Music of Black Origin (MOBO) award - an annual award event for Black British musicians. Sway was 44.
"We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sway," a statement from MoBo awards 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 global heavyweights including 50 Cent and The Game.
"It was a huge moment. Not just for Sway, but for UK Hip Hop," it added. ""At a time when British rappers were still fighting to be recognized alongside their US counterparts, his win made a real statement about the talent, creativity and potential coming out of the UK."
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Sway Dasafo Cause Of Death: What We Know
A close friend of the rapper confirmed that he died at his home in Ghana. However, no cause of death has been mentioned, either by The Guardian or the MOBO Awards.
{{/usCountry}}A close friend of the rapper confirmed that he died at his home in Ghana. However, no cause of death has been mentioned, either by The Guardian or the MOBO Awards.
{{/usCountry}}The news has come as a shock to the hip hop community. Fans of Sway were shocked at the news as the rapper had celebrated his 44th birthday and the 20th anniversary of his debut album "This is My Demo" just 12 days ago.
Details regarding the circumstances of the 44-year-old's death are not known at this time. Of Ghanaian descent, he grew up in Hornsey, London and was a long-term resident of the city. It is unclear why he was visiting Ghana at the time of his death.
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DaSafo had begun his career with the groups Phynix Crew and One before venturing out solo. It was his solo career that brought the 44-year-old the most success. He released five solo albums and two EPs in his career. He is perhaps best known for the 2006 single 'Little Derek' which became the NO. 30 track on the U.K. Singles Chart that year.
He also had multiple collaborations to his name, including with artists like Ed Sheeren, Riz Ahmed and American rappers Lupe Fiasco and Chamillionaire, among others.
Sway Dasafo has been married to his wife Helen married since 2013. They have four children: Jalil, AJ, Inaya and Imara.
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