Sway DaSafo, an inspirational British rapper and producer of Ghanian descent, has sadly passed away at the age of 44.
Rising up in the early 2000s, the star — who often just went by the name Sway — became the first unsigned rapper to win at the Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards, where he was awarded the prize for Best Hip Hop in 2005.
As an actor, he briefly appeared in Top Boy as Ross Rosten, starring on the show’s first episode of season 1 in 2011.
He also had a minor role in the film The Grind, which also starred EastEnders’ Jamie Forman, Red Dwarf’s Danny John-Jules, and The Curse of Steptoe’s Zoe Tapper.
During his pioneering music career, which saw him release five studio albums and two EPs, he also collaborated with Ed Sheeran, appearing on the latter’s No 5 Collaborations Project at the start of Sheeran’s career.
He looked after other artists on his own label and was reportedly instrumental in developing the career of KSI, who went on to have huge success as a YouTuber and musician.
DaSafo’s death was announced by a friend on Instagram, who called him “a true legend and pioneer in the UK rap game”.
“Devastated to hear of the sad news today, the passing of a personal friend, a true legend and pioneer in the Uk rap game @swaydasafo,” the post reads.
“We’ve been staying in touch recently sharing our struggles with health issues and keeping each other’s spirits up, especially as fathers and staying strong for our kids. He leaves behind 2 sons and 2 beautiful little girls that I had the pleasure of talking to on FaceTime recently.
“Thoughts and prayers with him and his family.”
A report in the Guardian newspaper said he died at his home in Ghana. No cause of death has been announced.
The MOBO Awards paid tribute to the rapper’s legacy.
“Proud to have him as part of our history. Our love goes out to his family, loved ones and fans,” the statement read.
Top Boy star Kadeem Ramsay offered his condolences, writing: “Rest Up Legend”, while a fan also commented, saying they “grew up listening to his music”.
“Oh my god! I can’t believe this! We literally grew up listening to his music!” they wrote.
“‘Up Your Speed’, ‘Little Derek’, ‘Level Up’, ‘Silver & Gold’! I used to have his CD and all his songs on my Walkman! So sad to hear,” they continued, adding: “What a legend, true pioneer to the UK music industry! Rest in Peace Sway.”
Kidulthood and Adulthood actor Adam Deacon also posted a tribute to DaSafo.
“We never did get to have that linkup,” Deacon wrote in the caption. “But I know he’s looking down, giving me guidance in his own way.”
Joe Anderton is a freelance news writer at Digital Spy, having worked there since 2016. In his time, he’s covered a host of live events and interviewed celebrities big and small. A big fan of TV and movies both mainstream and obscure, Joe also enjoys video games and in particular PlayStation. Joe currently does not use Twitter, but he only ever used it to tell people to watch the film Help! I’m a Fish.
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Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
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