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Pioneering British Rapper Who Beat 50 Cent and the Game for Historic MOBO Award Dead at 44

Acclaimed Ghanaian-British rapper Sway DeSafo, known for his song “Be a Champion”, has passed away at the age of 44.

By Stephen Andrew Galiher

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British rapper Sway DaSafo has died. He was 44. The acclaimed lyricist—born Derek Safo—was beloved by many rap fans, and even once beat out 50 Cent and The Game for a historic MOBO award. Many would remember the rapper from his hit tune, “Be a Champion“.

News of DaSafo’s death broke on Sept. 17, 2026. The Music of Black Origin – or MOBO – Awards shared an Instagram post that announced he’d passed away. The MOBO Awards celebrate Black music and culture. Back in 2005, DaSafo became the first unsigned rapper to win the organization’s prize for best hip-hop act.

Acclaimed rapper Sway DaSafo has passed away

“We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sway,” MOBO’s........

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