Story perspectives

Sway DaSafo Dies at 44 in Ghana

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 10:40 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Sway DaSafo Dies

Rapper Sway DaSafo died at his home in Ghana on September 17, 2026, aged 44.
His family and officials did not disclose a cause of death.
He was the first unsigned artist to win a MOBO Award for Best Hip-Hop Act in 2005.
He was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2010 and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
He married Helen in 2013 and is survived by children Jalil, AJ, Inaya and Imara.

Summary

Kream Mourns Sway

Rapper Kream said he and rapper Sway recently discussed coping with health issues as fathers.
Rapper Kream FaceTimed rapper Sway’s two sons and two daughters weeks before the rapper’s death.
In his condolence post, rapper Kream called rapper Sway a true legend and pioneer in UK rap.
Rapper Giggs posted a heartfelt tribute praising rapper Sway’s impact on British hip-hop culture.

History

Historical Context

Kanya King and Andy Ruffell launched the MOBO Awards in November 1996 to showcase music of Black origin, with Baby D receiving the first Best Dance Act on Carlton Television. The ceremony’s early support for UK rap was evident when Sway DaSafo won Best Hip-Hop Act in 2005, a trend that persists into the 28th edition held on 26 March 2026 in Manchester.

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Sway DaSafo Dies

Rapper Sway DaSafo died at his home in Ghana on September 17, 2026, aged 44.
His family and officials did not disclose a cause of death.
He was the first unsigned artist to win a MOBO Award for Best Hip-Hop Act in 2005.
He was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2010 and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
He married Helen in 2013 and is survived by children Jalil, AJ, Inaya and Imara.

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