British rap star Sway dead at 44. ‘Little Derek’ hitmaker was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2010. Learn more about the cancer, which often affects young people

British rap icon Sway, who made history as the first unsigned artiste to bag an MOBO Award, has passed away at 44. After defeating well-known American celebrities 50 Cent and The Game to win the MOBO prize, he became well-known. He later starred in TV series like Top Boy and The Chase. The MOBO Awards, which posted a video of Sway winning best hip-hop act in 2005 on social media and referred to his victory as "a huge moment for UK hip hop," revealed his passing. He created MOBO history in 2005 when he defeated international heavyweights like 50 Cent and The Game to win Best Hip-Hop Act. This was a significant event for Sway and UK hip hop.

Born as Derek Safo, he later went by the name Sway Dasafo. He was born in Hornsey, which is in north London, to parents from Ghana. In addition to learning how to produce music, he also developed a versatile rap style that worked well for fast-paced grime and club songs, as well as more thoughtful hip-hop tracks.

He had such variety in his style that he didn’t fit into any single music scene: “UK garage was popular back then, but I just couldn’t do it because I never felt like it was the right fit for me,” he said.“British hip-hop felt too dull, hiplife wasn’t an option because I couldn’t rap in Twi; drum’n’bass gives me a headache, and I can’t sing well, so R&B wasn’t for me either.” I never felt at home anywhere.”


He began by being part of the groups Phynix Crew and One, then went on his own and released several mixtapes. The single "Up Your Speed" was a small hit, but the next song, "Little Derek," which was like a statement about his own success and how he ended up in a music store instead of a prison, made it into the UK Top 40 in 2006.

It became a key song on his first album, This Is My Demo, which received good reviews, including a four-star rating in the Guardian, and helped him win an MOBO award, where he beat out more famous artists like 50 Cent and The Game. The album was also up for the Mercury Prize but didn't win, losing to the Arctic Monkeys' first album.

Safo kept releasing music through his own label, Dcypha Productions, but also teamed up with Konvict Music, the label run by Senegalese-American pop star Akon. Akon was one of the special guests on Safo's next album, which came out in 2008 and was called The Signature LP.

He floated his own record label, Dcypha Productions, in 2013, which gave many new artists their breaks. One of the artists KSI later went on to have a great career as a YouTuber and musician.

What Caused His Untimely Death?

According to Sky News, so far, no official cause of his demise has been shared, but he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2010.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. This system is a part of our immune system that fights infection and includes organs, glands, tube-like vessels, the spleen, thymus, tonsils, adenoids, and bone marrow, as well as clusters of cells called lymph nodes.

Lymphoma comes in a variety of forms. Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are two common classifications for lymphoma. B lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that combat germs, are where Hodgkin lymphoma begins. Symptoms include:

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, and groin.
• Fever
• Consistent fatigue.
• Night sweats.
• Itchy skin.
• Weight loss.

Some Risk Factors Which May Increase Chance Of Being Diagnosed With Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

• Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients typically are aged between 20 and 30, well as those in their 30s and over 65.
• Have a family member (blood relative) who has been diagnosed with the disease.
• Some infections, such as HIV and the Epstein-Barr virus, may increase the possibility of diagnosis.
• If you have a weak immune system due to chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or sarcoidosis, you are more likely to get diagnosed.