Sway DaSafo dead at 44: MOBO Award-winning rapper & Top Boy star dies as KSI leads tributes

MOBO Award-winning rapper Sway DaSafo has died aged 44, with friends hailing the Top Boy star a “true legend” of UK hip-hop. The British musician passed away after battling lymphoma, with the news sparking an outpouring of touching tributes from fans and fellow stars. Rapper Sway poses backstage in the awards room having won the award for Best Hip Hop at the MOBO Awards 2005 Credit: Getty Sway in 2009 Credit: Getty The MOBO Awards confirmed his death in a statement, saying: “We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sway.” They added: “Sway will always hold a special place in MOBO history.” Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter Thank you! Tributes have since flooded in for the star, with friends and fans describing him as a legend and pioneer. KSI paid tribute to the rapper in an emotional Instagram post, thanking him for believing in his musical potential when others dismissed him. Sway performs on stage at Jazz Cafe during the Camden Crawl music festival on May 5, 2012 in London Credit: Getty Sway DaSafo performs during the Freesports Freeze festival at Battersea Power Station on October 25, 2008 Credit: Getty KSI published this image of him and Sway alongside his touching tribute to the rapper Credit: Instagram/KSI Sway attending the Beats by Dr. Dre Show Your Colour event at the Rose Club in London in 2012 Credit: Getty He wrote: “Ah man, this is a lot. Sway, Derek, thank you for everything you’ve done for me. “You believed in me when many didn’t. You gave me a chance when many didn’t.” He added: “You were one of a kind man. I wish you were still here. “I remember I used your songs in my top 5 goals of the week videos back in the day and then the fact that you reached out to me to not only to thank me but to also help me musically…” Most read in Showbiz The YouTuber-turned-boxer and musician continued: “Musically people laughed me off as a joke but you saw my potential and helped me grow as an artist.” Kreams, who said he had recently stayed in touch with Sway while they both faced health struggles, wrote on Instagram: “Devastated to hear of the sad news today, the passing of a personal friend, a true legend and pioneer in the UK rap game.” He added that Sway leaves behind two sons and two daughters, before sending his thoughts and prayers to the family. Top Boy star Kadeem Ramsay paid tribute, writing: “Rest Up Legend.” Sway had appeared in several episodes of the hit crime drama. Kidulthood and Adulthood actor Adam Deacon also wrote: “We never did get to have that linkup. But I know he’s looking down, giving me guidance in his own way.” The MOBO Awards said Sway had left “his mark as an artist and champion of British music”. It added: “Our love and deepest condolences go out to his family, loved ones, friends and everyone who grew up with and was inspired by his music. “Rest in peace, Sway.” Sway, whose real name was Derek Andrew Safo, made history in 2005 when he became the first unsigned artist to win a MOBO Award before releasing an album. He scooped Best Hip-Hop Act, beating global heavyweights including 50 Cent and The Game. His breakthrough victory marked a major moment for British rap, which was still fighting for recognition alongside its American counterparts. The star released his critically acclaimed debut album, This Is My Demo, which earned him a Mercury Prize nomination in 2006. He also founded production group Dcypha Productions, which was backed by Akon’s Konvict Music label. Sway later signed to the label himself, joining stars including T-Pain and Lady Gaga, and toured the world with Akon. Tracks including Little Derek, Silver & Gold and F Ur X helped cement his reputation as a pioneering force in UK rap. The rapper celebrated his 44th birthday on September 5, sharing a picture of himself standing alone on a balcony. He captioned the Instagram post: “Chapter 44 🎂.” Sway had been in Ghana, his parents’ home country, and had shared pictures from his time there with fans. In June, he posted: “Step by step I’m getting Back On My Feet!!!! To GOD Be The Glory.” He added: “Thank you to everyone that’s helping in my recovery, we’ve won the fight.” The rapper did not explain what he had been recovering from. But Sway had previously opened up about being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2010. Writing for Lymphoma Action in 2016, he described the diagnosis as feeling like he had been “dropped in the middle of the sea with no lifejacket”. He said he had chosen to keep his illness private while undergoing treatment, explaining that his career went quiet for several months. Sway was treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy before releasing Deliverance in 2015. The album included The Sea, a song inspired by his experience of battling the disease. He wrote: “Naturally, there is always part of me that is looking over my shoulder. But no matter what happens, we must keep swimming.” Comment now