Sway DaSafo, MOBO Award-Winning Rapper and 'Top Boy' Actor, Dies at 44

Sway DaSafo, a MOBO Award-winning rapper and actor known for his role in the early series of "Top Boy," has died at the age of 44. His passing was confirmed on Thursday. The cause of his death has not yet been publicly disclosed.

DaSafo, whose real name was Derek Safo, achieved prominence in 2005 as the first unsigned rapper to win a MOBO Award, taking home the Best Hip-Hop Act prize. The MOBO Awards organization noted in a statement that his win was a significant moment for UK Hip Hop, asserting the talent and potential emerging from the United Kingdom.

"Sway will always hold a special place in MOBO history," the statement read. "It was a huge moment. Not just for Sway, but for UK Hip Hop. At a time when British rappers were still fighting to be recognised alongside their US counterparts, his win made a real statement about the talent, creativity and potential coming out of the UK."

Beyond his music career, DaSafo appeared as Ross Rosten in the initial seasons of the popular Netflix series "Top Boy." He also had cameos in the films "The Grind" and "The Chase."

Fellow artist and YouTuber KSI led tributes, sharing on Instagram how Sway had been a supportive mentor. "Ah man, this is a lot. Sway, Derek, thank you for everything you’ve done for me," KSI wrote. "You believed in me when many didn’t. You gave me a chance when many didn’t. Musically people laughed me off as a joke but you saw my potential and helped me grow as an artist."

KSI added, "You were like a father figure to me. Whenever I had problems or issues, I would go to your studio in London for advice and you always knew what to say. This one hurts a lot."

DJ and record producer Kream also shared his grief, calling DaSafo a "personal friend, a true legend and pioneer in the UK rap game." He mentioned recent conversations with Sway about health issues and the challenges of fatherhood. Kream stated that DaSafo leaves behind two sons and two daughters.

DaSafo had previously battled Hodgkin lymphoma, having been diagnosed in 2010. He spoke in 2016 about his surprise at the diagnosis at age 28, which was followed by successful chemotherapy and radiotherapy, leading him to remission by the end of 2010.

Sway's notable songs include his Top 10 hit "Level Up" and his breakout single "On My Own."