MOBO-winning rapper and Top Boy star Sway Dasafo dies at 44

British rapper Sway, who made history as the first unsigned artist to win a MOBO Award, has died aged 44.

He first gained public attention when he beat established US stars 50 Cent and The Game to the MOBO prize, going on to appear in TV shows including Top Boy and The Chase.

His death was announced by the MOBO Awards, who shared a video on social media of Sway accepting best hip-hop act in 2005, calling his win "a huge moment for UK hip hop"

They wrote: "We're deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sway. In 2005, he made MOBO history, beating global heavyweights including 50 Cent and The Game to win Best Hip-Hop Act - a huge moment for Sway and UK Hip Hop. Proud to have him as part of our history. Our love goes out to his family, loved ones and fans."

So far, no cause of death has officially been given, but he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2010.

Influencer KSI paid tribute, writing on social media: "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."

Crediting Sway as helping him grow as an artist, he added: "You were one of a kind man. I wish you were still here."

Top Boy star Kadeem Ramsay paid tribute, writing: "Rest Up Legend."

Singer Lemar wrote: "Your talent knew no bounds. Blessed to have shared the stage with you. Wish we'd have been able to have one more sit down. One more life discussion. But hey… we will one day. Until then. Rest in peace my friend. Love, love and more love."

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."

Collaborations with stars including Ed Sheeran and Riz Ahmed

Born Derek Safo, Sway was born in Hornsey, north London, to Ghanaian parents, later becoming known professionally as Sway Dasafo.

He broke the UK Top 40 in 2006 with songs from his debut album This Is My Demo, which was met with critical acclaim.

The album was also nominated for the Mercury Prize, but lost out to the Arctic Monkeys' debut.

He later signed with Akon's label, Konvict Music, alongside the likes of Lady Gaga and T-Pain, collaborating with stars including Ed Sheeran, Riz Ahmed, Tinchy Stryder and Kaiser Chiefs.

Read more:
British woman 'rescued' in Malawi
'Bail granted' to Briton held in India

In 2010, Sway was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma after discovering a lump on his neck.

He described his feelings on receiving the diagnosis as like being "dropped in the middle of the sea with no lifejacket, no boat - no equipment to help me." He wrote about his experience for charity Lymphoma Action, and later recorded a song about it called The Sea.

In 2011, he appeared in the first two episodes of Top Boy as the character Ross Rosten, and went on to take small roles in films The Grind and The Chase.

He created his own record label, Dcypha Productions, in 2013, nurturing new artists at the start of their careers.

Marrying his wife Helen in the same year, they had four children - Jalil, AJ, Inaya and Imara. In a recent social media post, sharing images of him with his children, he described himself as a single father.

His most recent album, Verses From The Vault 2, was released in 2018.

The rapper celebrated his 44th birthday earlier this month, sharing a picture of himself on Instagram standing alone in the sunshine, and captioned: "Chapter 44".

(c) Sky News 2026: MOBO-winning rapper and Top Boy star Sway Dasafo dies at 44