MOBO has paid tribute to British rapper Sway, who has died aged 44.
Born Derek Andrew Safo in London, he developed as an artist via pirate radio and received early support from BBC 1Xtra,
When he collected the Best Hip-Hop Act trophy at the 2005 ceremony, Sway was the first unsigned rapper to win a MOBO Award prior to releasing a full album.
He was nominated for the Mercury Prize the following year with debut album This Is My Demo.
Sway scored a run of chart entries including breakthrough Top 40 hit Little Derek in 2006.
“We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sway,” said a statement from MOBO. “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.”
The cause of Sway’s death has not been announced.
The BBC reported that Sway died at his home in Ghana. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2010 and went into remission later that year.
PHOTO: MOBO Awards 2005 (credit: John Rogers)
