British rapper Sway DaSafo dies at 44

British rapper Sway DaSafo has died at 44.

The news was announced in a Thursday, Sept. 17 Instagram post by the Music of Black Origin – or MOBO – Awards, which is an annual event celebrating Black music and culture where the artist, born Derek Safo, became the first unsigned act to win best hip-hop act in 2005.

"We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sway," the caption read, alongside a throwback video of the artist accepting the award. "Sway will always hold a special place in MOBO history. In 2005, still independent and without a debut album released, he won Best Hip-Hop Act at the MOBO Awards, beating global heavyweights including 50 Cent and The Game.

"It was a huge moment. Not just for Sway, but for UK Hip Hop," the post continued. "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."

It further highlighted DaSafo's legacy "as an artist and champion of British music," as well as his role in the MOBO organization as a whole.

The tribute concluded: "Our love and…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/entertainment/