Sway DaSafo, British rapper, dies at 44
British rapper Sway DaSafo, a pioneer in the UK hip-hop scene and the first unsigned artist to win a MOBO award, has died at age 44. His death was announced by the MOBO Awards, though an official cause has not been disclosed.
Why it matters
Sway DaSafo was a significant figure in British music history, known for helping elevate the profile of UK hip-hop on the global stage.
Hear this story British rapper Sway DaSafo has died at 44.
The news was announced in a Thursday, Sept. 17 Instagram post by the Music of Black Origin – or MOBO – Awards , which is an annual event celebrating Black music and culture where the artist, born Derek Safo, became the first unsigned act to win best hip-hop act in 2005.
"We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sway," the caption read, alongside a throwback video of the artist accepting the award. "Sway will always hold a special place in MOBO history. In 2005, still independent and without a debut album released, he won Best Hip-Hop Act at the MOBO Awards, beating global heavyweights including 50 Cent and The Game.
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