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Sway Dasafo, the British rapper who became an inspiration to a generation of Black British artists, has passed away at the age of 44.
The heartbreaking announcement was made by the Mobo awards, with whom Sway won Best Hip-hop act in 2005, the first unsigned artist to do so.
"Proud to have him as part of our history. Our love goes out to his family, loved ones and fans," the statement read.
Sway Dasafo dies in Ghana
A close pal confirmed to the Guardian that Sway died at his home in Ghana. The cause of death has not been revealed yet.
However, it was previously reported that he had faced health concerns several years ago; Sway had been diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2010.
He underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy and, in 2015, released Deliverance which included song The Sea about his experience.
Sway Dasafo's remarkable career
Born Derek Safo, and later known as Sway Dasafo, he was born in Hornsey, north London, to Ghanaian parents.
He started out in the groups Phynix Crew and One, before going solo and releasing a series of mixtapes.
Safo continued to release via his own Dcypha Productions label but entered into a partnership with Konvict Music, the label from Senegalese-American pop star Akon, who was one of the guests on his 2008 The Signature LP.
He also collaborated with Riz Ahmed, appearing on the Riz MC track Shifty; Ed Sheeran, appearing on his No 5 Collaborations Project EP; was courted for tracks by the US rappers Lupe Fiasco and Chamillionaire; and worked with other British rappers including Tinchy Stryder, Akala, Mitchell Brothers and Donae'o.
Sway played a pivotal role in developing the carer of KSI, who went on to have huge success as a YouTuber and musician.
The rapper passed away days after celebrating his 44th birthday. Sway marked his special say on September 5, sharing photographs on his Instagram account.
He and his wife Helen tied the knot in 2013, and had four children: Jalil, AJ, Inaya and Imara. In a recent social media post Safo described himself as a single father.
