Sway dies aged 44 in Ghana, close friend tells The Guardian

The short version

• A close friend confirmed to The Guardian that rapper Sway, also known as Derek Safo, died at his home in Ghana aged 44.[The Guardian]
• The Mobo awards announced his death. He became the first unsigned artist to win its best hip-hop act award in 2005.[The Guardian]
• His debut album received a Mercury prize nomination, and Level Up reached No 8 in 2012. No cause of death has been announced.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• A close friend told The Guardian that Sway died at his home in Ghana; the newspaper reported his age as 44.[The Guardian]
• Sway became the first unsigned artist to win Mobo’s best hip-hop act award in 2005.[The Guardian]
• His debut album, This Is My Demo, was nominated for the Mercury prize.[The Guardian]
• Level Up, produced by Flux Pavilion, reached No 8 in 2012.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Sway, Mobo-winning British rapper, dies aged 44The Guardian - World