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SKILLS: Sway

SWAY COULD be considered a veteran of UK rap as we now know it, which sounds a little odd when you consider that he’s not even 30 yet.

Emerging from the underground grime scene in 2006, when he was already a YouTube star, the lyricist born Derek Safo, has gone from rapping freestyles on the road and DIY music videos, to scooping a MOBO award and topping playlists on BBC Radio stations.

In addition to reppin’ the British music scene, Sway is equally proud of championing his African heritage. Born to Ghanaian parents, the MC who is signed to US star Akon’s label Konvict Muzik, says he’s thrilled to see the evolution of Afrobeat music in the UK.

“I work with loads of African artists and I’m very proud to see Afrobeat take over here,” says the 29-year-old.

“African people are now making commercially viable music all over the world. {Afrobeat] is becoming the new dancehall.

Sway explains that his music and African background are two things that can’t be separated, especially as he sees himself as a British Ghanaian who doesn’t just pay lip service to his heritage.

“I travel to Ghana very often so I feel like I have a direct link to my roots. My Ghanaian heritage is a core part of what makes me who I am, and I’m not ashamed to say it. It completes the package with Sway.”

In 2007, the London-born rapper became the only UK act signed to Akon’s Konvict Muzik record label. He’s since toured with the Locked Up hitmaker, whilst releasing tracks with the Kaiser Chiefs, Madness and Chamillionaire.

But Sway insists that rubbing shoulders with international superstars has not changed him – although he admits he has had some extraordinary experiences.

“Sometimes it gets a bit surreal. When I was on tour with Akon, there was a moment when the whole tour bus was shushed because he was talking to Michael Jackson on the phone.

“I was sitting next to him and he was chatting to Michael like it was normal!

“But Akon is a great person. He’s like an uncle; he believes in me and has a lot of time for me.”

‘Grounded’ is a perfect word to describe the Saturday Night Hustle lyricist, who reveals he’d rather drink Pepsi than champagne.

“I don’t move with celebrities or go to celebrity parties. I do not live in a bubble and I’m always humbled by the fact that people know who I am.”

The skilled MC is hoping to bring to life the expression ‘third time’s a charm’ with the release of his upcoming third album. After years of practise, Sway believes the album, which features artists including Akon and Ed Sheeran, is his best.

“This album displays defiance and victory. I’ve had a lot of positive and negative things happen to me and now, I feel like I’ve been set free in my life. It took me a period of time to find out who I really am and this album really defines Sway.

“I have records that are hits and ones that aren’t, but I’ve been very consistent with my music and always had moderate budgets. Over the years, the level of my affiliations rose and so did the expectations, and when that happens, even a moderate success can seem like a failure.”

Listing the highlight of his career as self-releasing his first album, This Is My Demo, the BET (Black Entertainment Television) award winner has come to learn that sometimes being supported by a major corporation can make a vital difference.

“I’m very proud of my first album, it sounded great and I had more ownership of it, but it didn’t have the major machine that would drive it into the top 20.”

Nevertheless, Sway can be sure that he has secured his place in the modern day UK urban music scene, having broken down barriers for British MCs that followed his path. But in his typically humble fashion, he doesn’t seek glory for his contribution to the British rap scene.

“I captured an era at a time when UK hip-hop was breaking through and yeah, it was difficult.

“But the guy who invented the wheel has nothing to do with the Porsche, so you have to keep reinventing yourself. I know I was one of the first, that’s all cool but that happened already. I’m all about moving on.”

Still Speedin’ is out on December 4 on 3beat Records