United Kingdom, Sept. 18 -- Rapper and actor Sway DaSafo has died aged 44.

The musician, whose real name was Derek Safo, became the first unsigned rapper to win a MOBO Award in 2005.

On Thursday (17.09.26), the official MOBO Awards account wrote: "We're deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sway.

"Sway will always hold a special place in MOBO history. In 2005, still independent and without a debut album released, he won Best Hip-Hop Act at the MOBO Awards, beating global heavyweights including 50 Cent and The Game.

"It was a huge moment. Not just for Sway, but for UK Hip Hop.

"At a time when British rappers were still fighting to be recognised alongside their US counterparts, his win made a real statement about the talent, creati...