United Kingdom 
Steph Shilton interviewed on BBC Radio Wales about the Six To Ten project
4 years ago
Sway Dasafo is a British rapper and producer who has established himself as a versatile artist and music executive, collaborating with international stars and developing emerging talent.
Sway established his own label early in his career, Dcypha Productions, through which he released various street mixtapes and official solo albums such as 'This Is My Demo'. Dcypha Productions later became an imprint of Island/Universal.
Sway's Dcypha Productions became an imprint of Island Records/Universal Music Group, where artists like KSI and Tiggs Da Author were signed.
Sway became part of Akon's international Konvict Music family, alongside artists like Lady Gaga and T-Pain. Sway often accompanied Akon around the world, building relationships and networking.
Sway signed a singles deal with 3 Beat Records via Universal, which led to his first release on the label, 'Still Speedin', becoming a UK top 20 hit.
Sway has seen success in sync placements, including for Netflix's 'Iron Fist'.
Sway has seen success in sync placements, including for the Ubisoft video game 'Farcry Bowmore'.
Sway has seen success in sync placements, including for Sky One's series 'Bulletproof'.
After Dcypha Productions parted ways with Island Records, Sway decided to focus on building New Reign Productions, a production team including writers, producers, graphic designers, and directors.
Derek Andrew Safo, known professionally as Sway or Sway DaSafo, was born on September 5, 1982, in Hornsey, North London, to Ghanaian parents. He attended Campsbourne Junior School and Highgate Wood Secondary School, where he began learning music production. Influenced by groups like Bone Thugs N Harmony and drum and bass MCs, Sway developed a unique style characterized by witty punch lines, storytelling, and fast flow.
Sway founded his own record label, Dcypha Productions, early in his career, releasing his first official solo works, ‘This Is My Promo’ volumes 1 and 2. His debut album, ‘This Is My Demo,’ released independently, garnered critical acclaim and sold over 50,000 copies in its first year. The album featured the UK top 40 single ‘Little Derek,’ earned him a MOBO Award as an unsigned artist, and a BET Hip Hop Award, making him the first UK rapper to achieve this. Later, he signed with Akon’s Konvict Music, joining artists like Lady Gaga, and released his second album, ‘The Signature LP,’ in 2008. This album included collaborations with producers like Emile Haynie and featured the track ‘Silver & Gold’ with Akon.
Throughout his career, Sway has been instrumental in discovering and developing new talent. He notably connected with Ed Sheeran early in Sheeran’s career, and later signed YouTube star KSI and Tiggs Da Author to his Dcypha Productions label. Dcypha Productions eventually became an imprint of Island Records/Universal Music Group. Sway has also diversified his creative output, launching New Reign Productions in 2017 to produce music, films, and other creative projects. He has released several albums and EPs, including ‘Deliverance’ (2015), which discussed his personal journey and health issues, and ‘Songs From The Stash’ (2019) and ‘Stories From The Safe’ (2021), dedicated to his children. His work as a writer and producer has resulted in over a billion music streams worldwide.
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