How Ghanaian entertainers paid tribute to Sway DaSafo

Tributes have poured in from musicians and entertainers within the Ghanaian creative industry following the death of British-Ghanaian rapper Sway DaSafo, who died at the age of 44.

Fellow musicians, actors, filmmakers, music executives and other stakeholders in the Ghanaian entertainment industry have taken to social media to mourn the rapper and celebrate his contribution to music.

News of Sway DaSafo’s death emerged on Thursday, September 17, 2026, after UK-based car customiser Kream shared an emotional tribute to the rapper on Instagram.

Kream described Sway as a personal friend and a pioneer of the UK rap scene, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues across the music industry.

While an official cause of death has not been widely publicised, reports indicate that Sway had been privately dealing with health issues.

He had previously shared his diagnosis and experience with Hodgkin lymphoma through Lymphoma Action.

Following news of his death, several Ghanaian musicians and creatives paid tribute to the rapper, recalling his influence, generosity, mentorship and the impact he made both in the United Kingdom and Ghana.

Rapper Edem described his relationship with Sway as one that went beyond music, recalling how the late rapper consistently checked on him during his visits to Ghana.

“R.I.P Big brother…It was more than Music…Every single Ghana visit we met. You checked on every move. We stayed in the phone for hours talking life family and industry. Thank you for your gift and thank you for being such an optimistic human. I am glad I came by the house..Rest in Power. Your kind is rare,” Edem wrote.

British-Ghanaian rapper Sway Dasafo dies at 44

Rapper Kojo Cue also shared a lengthy and deeply personal tribute on X, recounting how Sway became one of his musical heroes while he was growing up and the lasting influence his music had on him.

“When one of my heroes dies, I struggle to accept it. I think about my own mortality all the time, and the mortality of the people close to me too. But the heroes… the heroes always seem immortal. They seem immune to the laws of the universe. So how? How? I’m writing this as much for myself as I am for Sway... Thank you so much for your service. Wherever you are, sir, just know that little Derek did more than okay. He saved my life,” part of Kojo Cue's statement indicated.

Lyricist M.anifest also paid tribute to the late rapper, referencing one of Sway’s most recognisable songs and the character of “Little Derek.”

“Thank you Sway. Journey well thru the skies brother. Little Derek’s doing okay,” M.anifest wrote.

Filmmaker Ama K Abebrese, music executive Richie Mensah, Mista Meister, rapper Sarkodie, Flowking Stone, Fuse ODG and a host of other creatives in the Ghanaian entertainment industry have also paid tribute to Sway DaSafo.

Sway DaSafo’s musical legacy

Born Derek Andrew Safo in 1982 to Ghanaian parents in North London, Sway rose to prominence in the mid-2000s and became one of the notable figures in the growth of UK hip-hop.

He made history at the 2005 MOBO Awards when he won Best Hip-Hop Act as an unsigned artiste, beating international heavyweights including 50 Cent and The Game.

His breakthrough continued with the 2006 hit “Little Derek”, which showcased his witty lyricism and distinctive style.

He later earned a Mercury Prize nomination and went on to establish his own production company while continuing to champion independent music.

Sway also maintained strong connections to his Ghanaian heritage throughout his career.

His 2008 song “Black Stars” celebrated prominent Ghanaians in the diaspora, while his collaborations with Ghanaian artistes helped strengthen the musical link between the UK and Ghana.

One of his notable Ghanaian collaborations was “Lay Away” with Sarkodie and Jayso, a song featured on Sarkodie’s 2009 debut album, Makye.

From his pioneering role in UK hip-hop to his collaborations with Ghanaian musicians and his continued connection to the country, Sway left a musical legacy that crossed borders.

When one of my heroes dies, I struggle to accept it. I think about my own mortality all the time, and the mortality of the people close to me too. But the heroes… the heroes always seem immortal. They seem immune to the laws of the universe.

So how? How?

I’m writing this as… pic.twitter.com/WraTBxjjcq

— KANI (@KOJO_Cue) September 17, 2026

R.I.P Big brother… It was more than Music… Every single ghana visit we met You checked on every move We stayed in the phone for hours talking life family and industry

Thank you for your gift and thank you for being such an optimistic human

I am glad I came by the house..… pic.twitter.com/s1E68hCASt

— Edem Goget’em (@iamedem) September 17, 2026

Thank you Sway Journey well thru the skies brother 🕊️ Little Derek’s doing okay 🖤 pic.twitter.com/xKkG4HP8yQ

— M.anifest (@manifestive) September 17, 2026

RIP Brother 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/OgWU69r2fF

— Sarkodie (@sarkodie) September 17, 2026

Damn RIP Sway Da Safo. You walked for a lot of us to run.

— Meistermind (@mistameister) September 17, 2026

Little Derek did ok. Thank you for your service. Was happy I met you a couple years back! RIP ❤️ https://t.co/Km2crMA8kW

— Kigali Kay (@Kay__Ara) September 17, 2026

Damn man. I saw his birthday post just a week or two ago. One of the best to ever do it. Pray 4 Kaya has been the blueprint to many an album ending. Lay Away sparked endless debates in Internet cafe’s around the country. And when I first heard I declare war … I couldn’t listen… https://t.co/TVcNorkaII

— KANI (@KOJO_Cue) September 17, 2026

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AK/BAI

Source: www.ghanaweb.com
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