The rapper, born Derek Andrew Safo in 1982 to Ghanaian parents in North London, reportedly died on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Although the official cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, people close to the musician have indicated that he had been dealing with health challenges privately.
Sway had previously spoken publicly about his battle with Hodgkin lymphoma, sharing his experience with the condition through Lymphoma Action.
He became a prominent name in the UK hip-hop scene during the mid-2000s and made history at the 2005 MOBO Awards after winning Best Hip-Hop Act as an unsigned artiste.
His victory was particularly notable because he beat internationally recognised rappers, including 50 Cent and The Game, to claim the award.
Sway further established himself with the release of his 2006 hit song, “Little Derek”, which earned attention for its clever lyrics and unique delivery.
His growing profile later earned him a Mercury Prize nomination. He also founded his own production company and remained committed to supporting independent artistes and music.
Beyond his achievements in the UK, Sway maintained a strong connection with Ghana and regularly incorporated his heritage into his music.
His 2008 track “Black Stars” paid tribute to notable Ghanaians living abroad, while his work with artistes from Ghana further strengthened his links to the country's music industry.
Among his collaborations was “Lay Away”, a song he recorded with Sarkodie and Jayso. The track appeared on Sarkodie's 2009 debut album, Makye.
Following news of his death, tributes have poured in from fans, musicians, colleagues and other figures within the music industry.
The MOBO Awards also honoured Sway, recognising the impact he made on UK music and his role in the development of the country's hip-hop scene.
Friends and associates have continued to remember the rapper for his independent mixtapes, production work and collaborations across international music markets.
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