British-Ghanaian rapper Sway DaSafo dies aged 44

The musician, born Derek Andrew Safo, died at his home in Ghana on, 17 September 2026, according to a close friend who confirmed his death to The Guardian. His passing was also announced by his friend Kream on Instagram and by the MOBO Awards. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

DaSafo died less than two weeks after his 44th birthday on 5 September.

The MOBO Awards paid tribute to the rapper, who made history in 2005 by becoming the first unsigned artist to win Best Hip Hop Act at the awards. “Proud to have him as part of our history. Our love goes out to his family, loved ones and fans,” the organisation said.

Tributes have since emerged from artists and music industry figures. Malawian rapper and producer Phyzix wrote: “Thank you for the music, the inspiration and the history, Sway. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone who loved him.”

British band UB40 also paid tribute to the rapper, describing him as “a generational talent, visionary, trailblazer and pioneer” and thanking him for his contribution to the group’s music.

DaSafo was born in London to Ghanaian parents and became one of the notable figures in the development of British hip-hop during the 2000s. His music incorporated elements of hip-hop, grime and other strands of UK urban music, while his Ghanaian heritage also informed his connection to African music.

He began making music after developing an interest in English literature, music production and public speaking. His early work included the This Is My Promo series, before he released his critically acclaimed debut album, This Is My Demo, in 2006. The album was subsequently shortlisted for the Mercury Prize.

In 2006, DaSafo founded Dcypha Productions, through which he worked with emerging and established artists. His career included collaborations with international acts including Mark Ronson, Childish Gambino, Lupe Fiasco and Akon, as well as Ghanaian artists such as Sarkodie and Edem. He also appeared on Lupe Fiasco’s 2011 album Lasers.

DaSafo signed with Akon’s Konvict Music in 2008, expanding his activities beyond the UK and strengthening his links between British and West African music. Through Dcypha Productions, he also supported emerging artists, including helping to develop the careers of younger acts.

His influence extended beyond recording and performing. He worked as a producer and executive and remained involved in developing new talent, while his music accumulated more than a billion streams across digital platforms, according to biographical information supplied about his career.

DaSafo also maintained strong links with the African music industry. In 2019, he spoke at the Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES) in Accra, Ghana, where he appeared alongside Nigerian artist and entrepreneur Banky W.

Following the conference, DaSafo spoke to Music In Africa about the growing international influence of Afrobeats and his belief that the genre’s global rise was inevitable.

“It’s inevitable,” he said. “The world moves in trends.”

He also pointed to the influence of dancehall and other Caribbean-derived sounds on music trends in the UK.

DaSafo had continued to work on new music and creative projects in the years leading up to his death. His planned Chapters album, originally scheduled for release in 2020, was intended to be accompanied by a book and short film.

His death has prompted tributes across the UK and African music communities, with artists and industry figures reflecting on his role in the development of British rap and his connections to Ghanaian and wider African music.