British Rap Pioneer Sway Dasafo Dies at 44 in Ghana

British-Ghanaian rapper Sway Dasafo, born Derek Andrew Safo, died at age 44 at his home in Ghana, the MOBO Awards confirmed on Thursday. The cause of death has not been announced.

He made history in 2005 as the first unsigned artist to win a MOBO Award for Best Hip Hop Act, defeating major US stars including 50 Cent and The Game. His debut album 'This Is My Demo' earned a Mercury Prize nomination the following year.

“You believed in me when many didn't. You gave me a chance when many didn't.”

Sway was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2010 but entered remission later that year after treatment. He recently celebrated his 44th birthday on September 5 with a social media post captioned 'Chapter 44'.

The rapper also acted as Ross Rosten in the early series of the hit show Top Boy. He founded Dcypha Productions and signed to Akon's Konvict Music label, collaborating with artists such as T-Pain.

Tributes poured in from across the music industry, including YouTuber and rapper KSI, who credited Sway with believing in him early in his career. Friend Kreams noted Sway leaves behind four children.