Sway DaSafo, influential British rapper, dies at 44

British singer and rapper Sway DaSafo has passed away at the age of 44. According to reports, he died on September 17 at his private residence in Ghana. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

DaSafo, born Derek Andrew Safo in North London, was a highly influential figure in the British hip-hop and grime scenes. In 2005, he made history as the first independent artist to win Best Hip-Hop Artist at the MOBO Awards before signing with a record label. His debut album, ‘This Is My Demo’, received critical acclaim and a Mercury Prize nomination.

The artist had been battling Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, since his diagnosis in 2010. After years of chemotherapy and radiation, he had recently shared positive news with fans, stating in June that he had ‘won the battle’ and was recovering. His sudden passing has caused significant grief within the UK music community.