KSI leads tributes to British rapper Sway after his death aged 44

KSI has led tributes to the British rapper Sway after his death at the age of 44.

The musician’s death was announced by the Mobo Awards. Sway won best hip hop artist at the awards in 2005, the first unsigned act to do so.

Fellow rapper and YouTuber KSI shared a photo of the two together and said Sway, born Derek Safo, was “like a father figure” to him.

He wrote: “Sway, Derek, thank you for everything you’ve done for me. You believed in me when many didn’t. You gave me a chance when many didn’t.

“Musically people laughed me off as a joke but you saw my potential and helped me grow as an artist.

“From smoke and mirrors to no sleep to Lamborghini you were there to help. It was so crazy because I was a fan of you.

“I remember I used your songs in my top 5 goals of the week videos back in the day and then the fact that you reached out to me to not only thank me but to also help me musically… You were one of a kind man.

“I wish you were still here. 44 is too young to leave. You still had so much to do.

“You were like a father figure to me. Whenever I had problems or issues, I would go to your studio in London for advice and you always knew what to say. This one hurts a lot.

“Just feel like this year is really testing me man. Life right now is just trying to make me break.

“But I know you’d say that I’m a fighter and that I’ll get through it, however it just gets harder and harder man. You’re a king Sway. I’ll never forget you.

“My heart breaks for all your children that will no longer have you there. And all your friends and family that will no longer get to see you any more.

“It’s not fair. Life isn’t fair. You will always be a legend. RIP Derek.”

The Mobo Awards posted a video on their Instagram of Sway winning his award and wrote: “We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sway. Sway will always hold a special place in Mobo history.”

They added: “Our love and deepest condolences go out to his family, loved ones, friends and everyone who grew up with and was inspired by his music.”

Alongside his music career, Sway also appeared as Ross Rosten in the crime drama series Top Boy.

Show star Kadeem Ramsay paid tribute, writing: “Rest Up Legend.”

Singer Lemar wrote: “Your talent knew no bounds. Blessed to have shared the stage with you. Wish we’d have been able to have one more sit down. One more life discussion. But hey… we will one day. Until then. Rest in peace my friend. Love, love and more love.”

Actor and Kidulthood star Adam Deacon wrote: “So so sad. Thoughts are with his family.”

Sway was born in Hornsey, North London to Ghanaian parents.

He began producing music in his teens and released his debut album, This Is My Demo, independently in 2006.

Sway later signed with Akon’s label, Konvict Music, alongside the likes of Lady Gaga and T-Pain. His most recent album, Verses From The Vault 2, was released in 2018.

He described himself as a “proud single father” to four children in an Instagram post in June and celebrated his 44th birthday earlier this month.

The rapper was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2010 and went into remission later that year.