RIP Derek ’Sway’ Desafo


We are deeply saddened to share the news that British rap pioneer Sway has passed away at the age of 44. Our love and thoughts are with Sway’s family and friends. 

Derek Andrew Safo, PKA Sway DeSafo was born and raised in North London by Ghanaian parents. Sway emerged on the music scene in the early ‘00s and became the first unsigned rapper to win a MOBO Award, prior to the release of an official album; winning the Best Hip Hop Award in 2005. His debut album ‘This is My Demo’ was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and Sway became the first UK rapper to win a BET Hip Hop Award. From the release of this album also came sell out tours in the USA, Europe and Africa, award show performances and collaborations with top artists across the globe.

In the run up to his second album Sway had become one of the UK’s most sought-after rappers. When “The Signature LP” dropped late 2008 the strong ties he had forged with artist Akon were made official with their collaborative single “Silver & Gold”. The video’s viewings topping 5 million on YouTube soon after its release. This album was even more ambitious than his debut, demonstrating his abilities as a producer, even drafting in a 22 piece orchestra, live musicians and guest appearances including Sting’s daughter Coco, fellow MOBO award winner 2face Idibia and Lemar.

In 2010, Sway released ‘Still Speedin’, landing him his first top 20 hit. His next single ‘Level Up’ became Sway’s highest-charting single to date, peaking at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart.

In 2013 Sway turned his attention to building a label and curating talent (Dcypha Productions), taking Tiggs Da Author under his wing, as well as YouTuber KSI, before releasing his third LP ‘Deliverance’ in 2014. The Dcypha roster continued to flourish and as a writer and producer, Sway amassed over a billion music streams worldwide across platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music and he continued to work with emerging as well as accomplished artists.

Sway was an amazing talent and a true pioneer in the industry. He will be greatly missed.





RIP Derek ’Sway’ Desafo


We are deeply saddened to share the news that British rap pioneer Sway has passed away at the age of 44. Our love and thoughts are with Sway’s family and friends. 

Derek Andrew Safo, PKA Sway DeSafo was born and raised in North London by Ghanaian parents. Sway emerged on the music scene in the early ‘00s and became the first unsigned rapper to win a MOBO Award, prior to the release of an official album; winning the Best Hip Hop Award in 2005. His debut album ‘This is My Demo’ was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and Sway became the first UK rapper to win a BET Hip Hop Award. From the release of this album also came sell out tours in the USA, Europe and Africa, award show performances and collaborations with top artists across the globe.

In the run up to his second album Sway had become one of the UK’s most sought-after rappers. When “The Signature LP” dropped late 2008 the strong ties he had forged with artist Akon were made official with their collaborative single “Silver & Gold”. The video’s viewings topping 5 million on YouTube soon after its release. This album was even more ambitious than his debut, demonstrating his abilities as a producer, even drafting in a 22 piece orchestra, live musicians and guest appearances including Sting’s daughter Coco, fellow MOBO award winner 2face Idibia and Lemar.

In 2010, Sway released ‘Still Speedin’, landing him his first top 20 hit. His next single ‘Level Up’ became Sway’s highest-charting single to date, peaking at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart.

In 2013 Sway turned his attention to building a label and curating talent (Dcypha Productions), taking Tiggs Da Author under his wing, as well as YouTuber KSI, before releasing his third LP ‘Deliverance’ in 2014. The Dcypha roster continued to flourish and as a writer and producer, Sway amassed over a billion music streams worldwide across platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music and he continued to work with emerging as well as accomplished artists.

Sway was an amazing talent and a true pioneer in the industry. He will be greatly missed.