Sway (British musician)

His witty punch lines, storytelling ability and fast flow influenced by his favorite rap group [[Bone Thugs N Harmony]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gladwin|first1=Alex|title=Interview: Sway|url=http://www.planetnotion.com/2012/12/05/interview-sway|website=Planet Notion|accessdate=30 September 2016}}</ref> and local [[drum and bass]] MCs such as [[Skibadee]] and [[Shabba D]] had him constantly stand out as a unique hybrid.

His witty punch lines, storytelling ability and fast flow influenced by his favorite rap group [[Bone Thugs N Harmony]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gladwin|first1=Alex|title=Interview: Sway|url=http://www.planetnotion.com/2012/12/05/interview-sway|website=Planet Notion|accessdate=30 September 2016}}</ref> and local [[drum and bass]] MCs such as [[Skibadee]] and [[Shabba D]] had him constantly stand out as a unique hybrid.

===2000 – Phynix Crew===

At age 14, Sway joined up with two sixth form students Ace and Mirage GG (Now known as Archer) to form the Phynix Crew. The group would record countless demo's and entered Choice FM's Rapology competition in 1998.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sway Biography|url=https://www.britishhiphop.co.uk/features/articles/sway_biography.html|website=British Hip Hop|accessdate=30 September 2016}}</ref>

===2001 – One===

===2006-2007: ''This Is My Demo''===

Not wanting to be recognized as a 'the rapper', Sway would cover his face in pictures with a Union Jack bandana, this later became an iconic image in the world of UK urban Music

Between ages 16 & 19 Sway played an instrumental role in the merging of rappers from three different schools to form the eleven member local super group called "One". Despite being one of the youngest members of the crew he was appointed as the Rza or Megaman of the collective with Wu-Tang & So Solid being their key Influences. The collective who mainly resided in Tottenham, Wood Green & Hornsey would independently release a hand to hand sold album entitled "Onederful World" which landed them a finalist position in a MOBO unsung competition<ref>{{cite web|last1=Carmela|first1=Nina|title=Signifying UKHH|url=http://ukhh.com/features/oldinterviews/sway/index_09.html|website=UK Hip Hop|accessdate=30 September 2016|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005200211/http://ukhh.com/features/oldinterviews/sway/index_09.html|archivedate=5 October 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> that would be televised and judged by the likes of Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood.

It was at this point that Sway decided to start his own record label. He wanted a name that sounded like his own (Dasafo) but meant something more over a period of time. It was with that in mind that Dcypha Productions was born.

Shortly after founding Dcypha , Sway was joined by DJ Turkish and ‘Jr’ Appiah to run the company. He then began writing and producing his first official solo releases ‘This Is My Promo’ Volume 1 & Volume 2. The ‘This Is My Promo’ mix-tape releases sold faster than any of the Dcypha Productions team could've predicted and the demand for more copies through stores and on the streets became overwhelming.

Despite being known as a UK Hip Hop artist, Sway's versatile flow allowed him to be embraced by both the Ghanaian Hip-Life scene and the then newly born London Grime scene.

===2002 – "On My Own"===

He became the first unsigned rapper to win a MOBO Award prior to the release of an official album. And decided he would prefer to release his first album ‘This Is My Demo’ independently, giving his demo directly to the people rather than the record companies. Tracks such as ‘Flo Fashion’, ‘Up Your Speed’ and the Al Shux (Jay Z, Kendrick Lemar, Nas) produced UK top 40 ‘Little Derek’ became genre-defining moments of this era.

Sway continued to enter open mic competitions and landed a solo record on the first ever [[BBC 1Xtra]] playlist upon its launch in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kumi|first1=Alex|title=Mix-tapes tell the story of my life|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/sep/27/popandrock|website=The Guardian|accessdate=30 September 2016}}</ref>

In 2006 ‘This Is My Demo’, became one of the most critically acclaimed UK Rap albums of all time, and Sway then went on to be the first British rapper to win an American BET Hip Hop Award as well as landing a spot on the Mercury Music Prize Shortlist.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sway DaSafo Biography, Career and Awards|url=https://informationcradle.com/africa/sway-dasafo/|website=Informationcradle|accessdate=8 January 2019}}</ref>.

He then attended Westminster College to study sound engineering and then City & Islington College to study Music technology. In this time he had also become an honorary member of [[5th Element]], a hip hop/drum & bass collective put together by his cousin [[DJ Ink]]. Sway would take payment for his verses in exchange for the group manufacturing his own vinyl which he would then sell and distribute. In order to gain more contacts in the world of music he was introduced to the Sony Street Team by former fellow One member turned actor [[Alex Lanipekun]], where he had met [[DJ Semtex]] and Tumai "Turkish" Salih.

Sway would hand out flyers, hang up posters but was keen on personally delivering promotional CDs to record shops and DJs, as this way he could build relationships with all the key DJs with a view of knowing who to go to when he had completed his own music.

Not wanting to be recognized as a 'the rapper' Sway would cover his face in pictures with a Union Jack bandana, this later became an iconic image in the world of UK urban Music.

It was at this point that Sway decided that he wanted to start his own record label. He wanted a name that sounded like his own (Dasafo) but meant something more over a period of time. [[Dcypha Productions]] was born out of this thought.

===2003/2004 – Dcypha Productions, ''This Is My Promo''===

Shortly after founding Dcypha,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Grant|first1=Dionne|title=Sway: Little Derek's Doing OK|url=http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/sway-little-dereks-doing-ok|website=Voice Online}}</ref> Sway partnered up with his older cousin Junior Appiah to create Dcypha Studios based in Hornsey where Sway would begin the making of his first official solo releases, ''This Is My Promo Volume 1'' & ''Volume 2''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Collins|first1=Hattie|title=Sway Cargo, London|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/nov/25/popandrock3|website=The Guardian|accessdate=30 September 2016}}</ref>

The ''This Is My Promo'' mixtape releases sold faster than any of the Dcypha Productions team could've predicted and the demand for more copies through the stores and on the streets became overwhelming.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sway|url=http://www.thevoodoorooms.com/event_detail.php?&guest-name=Sway&date_id=358|website=Voodoo Rooms}}</ref>

Sway would often take to the streets with Pyrelli to sell the CDs with some people having no clue that they were buying from the artist himself. His previous road trips to UK cities such as [[Manchester]], [[Newcastle upon Tyne|Newcastle]] & [[Bristol]] as a member of the Defjam street team would inspire him to write a track entitled "[[Up Your Speed]]". He would also give CD's to his younger siblings to sell in their schools which included a then unknown UK rapper [[Chip (rapper)|Chipmunk]] who was a close friend to Sway's younger brother Bubz.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sway Live interview for the Point Blank Youth Foundation|url=http://plus.pointblankmusicschool.com/sway-live-interview-point-blank-youth-foundation/|website=Point Blank|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref>

Throughout the years Sway has continued to perform across Europe, North & South America, the Middle East and Africa alongside the likes of [[Dizzee Rascal]],<ref>{{cite web|last1=Clark|first1=Martin|title=Exclusivity deals and Beezy's My Construction Site are shaping dubstep and DMZ nights.|url=http://pitchfork.com/features/grime-dubstep/6543-grime-dubstep/|website=Pitchfork}}</ref> [[Example (musician)|Example]],<ref>{{cite web|last1=Coxhead|first1=Thomas|title=BALLER B - EXAMPLE UK TOUR 'PUNK CRUNK' WARM UP MIX|url=http://www.thehouseofcoxhead.com/home/2013/1/29/baller-b-example-uk-tour-punk-crunk-warm-up-mix.html|website=The House Of Coxhead}}</ref> [[The Streets]] <ref>{{cite web|last1=Henry|first1=Dom|title=Dom Henry saw The Streets play Rock City|url=http://www.leftlion.co.uk/articles.cfm/title/the-streets/id/1221|website=Left Lion|accessdate=30 September 2016}}</ref> and legendary Hip Hop group [[Public Enemy (band)|Public Enemy]] <ref>{{cite web|last1=Hall Davies|first1=Amanda|title=Public Enemy IndigO2, Greenwich|url=http://www.music-news.com/review/UK/6573/Live/Public-Enemy|website=Music News|accessdate=30 September 2016}}</ref> Sway was also the first UK rap act to perform at Austin Texas's world-famous [[SXSW]] festival in 2006 <ref>{{cite web|last1=Solarski|first1=Matthew|title=SXSW 2006|url=http://pitchfork.com/features/article/6282-sxsw-2006/|website=Pitchfork|accessdate=30 September 2016}}</ref>

===2005 – ''This Is My Promo'' success===

Sway was now gaining attention from many major record companies, but having worked so closely with one as a street team member he felt deterred to lose the freedom he was experiencing as an independent artist.

He became the first unsigned rapper to win a [[MOBO]] Award beating US heavyweights [[50 Cent]] and [[The Game (rapper)|The Game]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kasriel|first1=Alex|title=Rapper Storms The Mobo Awards|url=http://www.enfieldindependent.co.uk/news/636370.Street_rapper_storms_MOBO_awards/|website=Enfield Independent|accessdate=30 September 2016}}</ref>

The ''This Is My Promo'' series collectively sold close to 20,000 copies. Sway decided he would prefer to release his first album ''[[This Is My Demo]]'' independently, giving his demos directly to the people. Tracks such as "[[Flo Fashion]]", "[[Up Your Speed]]" and the Al Shux produced UK Top 40 hit "[[Little Derek]]"<ref>{{cite web|title=Threee|url=http://www.threee.com/client/al-shux/|website=Threee|accessdate=30 September 2016}}</ref> became genre-defining moments of this era. Despite being known as a UK hip hop artist, Sway's versatile flow allowed him to be embraced by the newly born [[Grime (music genre)|grime]] scene collaborating with producers such as [[Terror Danjah]] and [[DJ Wonder]].<ref>{{cite web|title=UK Week on AllHipHop.com: Fast-Rapping Sway From Across the Way|url=http://allhiphop.com/2011/11/20/uk-week-on-allhiphop-com-fast-rapping-sway-from-across-the-way/|website=All Hip Hop|accessdate=30 September 2016}}</ref>

===2006 – ''This Is My Demo''===

Turkish would leave his job as a head of promotions manager at Def Jam UK to assist Sway in the making of his debut album, ''This Is My Demo''. Dcypha teamed up with local entrepreneurs Tayo aka "Puffy", Olu and Former [[XFM]] Radio [[DJ Dan Greenpeace]] to form Dcypha Alliance. 2006 saw the release of Sway's highly anticipated album ''This Is My Demo'' via Dcypha Alliance / All City Records, one of the most critically acclaimed UK rap albums of all time.

"'This Is My Demo' is not just the best British rap album in years, but simply the best rap album in years, full stop." - 5 out of 5, ''[[The Independent]]''<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gill|first1=Andy|title=New Releases|website=The Independent|page=19}}</ref>

"'This Is My Demo' is not just the best British rap album in years, but simply the best rap album in years, full stop." - 5 out of 5, ''[[The Independent]]''<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gill|first1=Andy|title=New Releases|website=The Independent|page=19}}</ref>

"A tour de force of hip-hop, grime and modern day music-hall, it looks at urban life both humorously and unflinchingly." - ''[[The Sunday Times]]''<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cairns|first1=Dan|title=Pop: New Kids in Town: Sway|url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/culture/article203427.ece|website=The Sunday Times|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref>

"A tour de force of hip-hop, grime and modern day music-hall, it looks at urban life both humorously and unflinchingly." - ''[[The Sunday Times]]''<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cairns|first1=Dan|title=Pop: New Kids in Town: Sway|url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/culture/article203427.ece|website=The Sunday Times|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref>

Despite a lack of mainstream radio support, ''This Is My Demo'' managed to sell over 50,000 copies within its first year of release and Sway went on to receive even more accolades including the [[Mercury Music Prize]] shortlist<ref>{{cite web|title=Mercury Music Prize: The nominees|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5190396.stm#10|website=BBC|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref> and being the first UK rapper to win a [[BET]] hip hop award hosted in Atlanta, USA.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sway|url=http://www.bet.com/topics/s/sway.html|website=BET|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref>

Despite a lack of mainstream radio support, ''This Is My Demo'' managed to sell over 50,000 copies within its first year of release and Sway went on to receive even more accolades including the [[Mercury Music Prize]] shortlist<ref>{{cite web|title=Mercury Music Prize: The nominees|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5190396.stm#10|website=BBC|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref> and being the first UK rapper to win a [[BET]] hip hop award hosted in Atlanta, USA.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sway|url=http://www.bet.com/topics/s/sway.html|website=BET|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref>.

===2007 – Konvict Music===

Amongst his supporters were international superstars [[Akon]], [[Lupe Fiasco]] and [[Pharrell Williams]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Youngs|first1=Ian|title=US rap star Akon signs UK's Sway|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7635271.stm|website=BBC|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref> who had all displayed an interest in signing the UK rapper to their own label imprints.

After introducing the acts such as [[Mr Hudson]] to [[DJ Semtex]], which resulted in Hudson's major record deal at [[Mercury Records]], Sway was often reminded of his initial passion to become a producer and curator of talent but felt the need to gain more experience as an artist, particularly on an international scale, before pursuing his ambition.

After months of consideration, Sway decided that he would take [[Akon]] up on his offer and become part of the [[Konvict]] Music family. Also embodying the fusion of a West African meets Western approach to music whilst building an empire, Akon was a perfect example for Sway to study. Although Sway never officially signed to [[Konvict Muzik]] he was often invited to accompany Akon around the world where he networked and built strong relationships with people such as Dutch producer [[Giorgio Tuinfort]] who went on to become an international hit machine and remains one of Sway's greatest influences and mentors to date.

===2008 – ''The Signature LP''===

During the production of the album, Sway was affected by the deaths of close friends and family, to whom he dedicated the album to and mentioned in several tracks including "Pray 4 Kaya" which is dedicated Kaya Bousquet who died in early 2008.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Moriarty|first1=Richard|title=Tributes pour in to Kaya Bousquet who dies after horror M1 smash|url=http://www.thelondonpaper.com/cs/Satellite/london/news/article/1157150805393?packedargs=aid%3D1157150805393%26suffix%3DArticleController|website=The London Paper|accessdate=4 October 2016|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090109035122/http://www.thelondonpaper.com/cs/Satellite/london/news/article/1157150805393?packedargs=aid%3D1157150805393&suffix=ArticleController|archivedate=9 January 2009|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

''[[The Signature LP]]''<ref>{{cite web|last1=Young|first1=Tom|title=Sway The Signature LP Review|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/cdjw|website=BBC|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref> was released in 2008 through Dcypha Productions and, though it had well recognized features a higher production value as well club anthems such as "[[F UR X]]" and "[[Silver & Gold (song)|Silver & Gold]]", it always represented a darker chapter in Sway's life.

===2008-2009: Konvict Music & ''The Signature LP''===

On the upside being so closely affiliated to one of Africa's biggest musical exports meant Sway would frequently visit his homeland of Ghana, and embark on collaborations with then relatively unknown local artists such as [[Sarkodie (rapper)|Sarkodie]] who Sway quickly endorsed and introduced to the Konvict Music Movement.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Osumare|first1=Halifu|title=The Hiplife in Ghana: West African Indigenization of Hip Hop|date=2012|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|isbn=978-1-137-02164-9|page=63}}</ref>

Amongst his supporters were international superstars [[Akon]], [[Lupe Fiasco]] and [[Pharrell Williams]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Youngs|first1=Ian|title=US rap star Akon signs UK's Sway|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7635271.stm|website=BBC|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref> who had all displayed an interest in signing the UK rapper to their own label imprints.

After months of consideration Sway decided he would become part of Akon’s international Konvict Music family along side the likes of Lady Gaga and T-Pain.

===2009/2010 – The Delivery Mixtapes===

Akon also embodied the fusion of a West African meets Western approach to music whilst building an empire so he was the perfect case study for Sway. Sway was often invited to accompany Akon around the world where he networked and built strong relationships, most notably with Dutch super-producer [[Giorgio Tuinfort]] ([[Michael Jackson]], [[David Guetta]], [[Sia]]) who remains one of Sway's greatest influences and mentors to date.

In 2009, Sway released another two critically acclaimed mixtapes, ''The Delivery 1'' and ''The Delivery 2'' with a view to releasing his third studio album entitled ''Signed, Sealed & Delivered''; but during the making of this album, Sway's then minor health issues took a turn for the worst when he was diagnosed with early stages of [[Hodgkin's lymphoma]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Sway|url=http://www.lymphomas.org.uk/how-we-can-support-you/personal-experiences/sway|website=Lymphoma association|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref>

Sway’s second album ''[[The Signature LP]]''<ref>{{cite web|last1=Young|first1=Tom|title=Sway The Signature LP Review|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/cdjw|website=BBC|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref> was released in 2008 through Dcypha Productions. The album included production from Emile Haynie (Eminem, Kid Kudi, Bruno Mars), The Nextmen (Plan B, Public Enemy) as well as Giorgio Tuinfort<ref>{{cite web|title=Sway UK – Still Speedin' (Kano Remix) Lyrics|url=https://genius.com/Sway-uk-still-speedin-kano-remix-lyrics|website=Genius|accessdate=8 January 2019}}</ref>. This album was recognized for tracks such as "[[F UR X]]" which was a smash UK club record and the international door breaker "[[Silver & Gold (song)|Silver & Gold]]" featuring Akon.

Sway then took some time away from the music scene to privately heal and recover from prompt treatment of the condition. After 6 months of treatment, he came into remission and decided to continue on with his music career.

===2011/2012 – "Still Speedin’"/"Level Up"===

===2010-2012: 3 Beat Records, ''Still Speedin’'' & ''Level Up''===

After seeing his early production partner Al Shux win a Grammy for co-producing Jay-Z's hit song "[[Empire State of Mind]]",<ref>{{cite web|last1=Brown|first1=Helen|title=Jay Z producer: A Grammy state of mind|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/8319408/Jay-Z-producer-a-Grammy-state-of-mind.html|website=Telegraph|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref> Sway was reminded of his ability to attract some of the world's greatest talents. He went out to talent competitions where he first came across a unique ginger haired singer-songwriter who he would then invite to his home and record songs with; they became friends and shortly after this period that person became known as the world renowned [[Ed Sheeran]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Yanney|first1=Henry|title=Ed Sheeran – No. 5 Collaborations Project|url=http://soulculture.com/features/reviews/ed-sheeran-no-5-collaborations-project-ep-review/|website=Soul Culture}}</ref> He also reached out to producers online, one being a University student in his final year. Sway visited his student accommodation and worked on a few songs with him; he went on to become Flux Pavilion.

Sway often utilized his ability to attract some of the world’s greatest talents. He frequented talent competitions where he first came across a unique ginger haired singer/song writer who he would then invite to his home and record songs with, they became friends and shortly after this period that person became known as the world renowned [[Ed Sheeran]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Yanney|first1=Henry|title=Ed Sheeran – No. 5 Collaborations Project|url=http://soulculture.com/features/reviews/ed-sheeran-no-5-collaborations-project-ep-review/|website=Soul Culture}}</ref>

After overcoming some health issues <ref>{{cite web|title=Sway|url=http://www.lymphomas.org.uk/how-we-can-support-you/personal-experiences/sway|website=Lymphoma association|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref> Sway decided it was time to release new music, he signed a singles deal with [[3 Beat Records]] via [[Universal Music Group|Universal]] which saw Sway's first release on the label "[[Still Speedin']]" climb up the National official UK charts a land Sway his first top 20 hit<ref>{{cite web|title=Sway: Official Charts|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/34145/sway/|website=Official Charts|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref>. The song was well received and even received social media support from the likes of racing legends Nigel Mansell and Lewis Hamilton who were both mentioned in the song<ref>{{cite web|title=Still Speedin' Lyrics by Sway Dasafo|url=https://www.lyricsondemand.com/s/swaylyrics/stillspeedinlyrics.html|website=Lyrics On Demand|accessdate=8 January 2019}}</ref>  

After his experience with ill health, Sway decided to change the title of his next album to ''Deliverance''.

Sway’s vast array of collaborations go from recording and writing with acts such as [[Mark Ronson]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bychawski|first1=Adam|title=Kaiser Chiefs: 'Mark Ronson made Sway rap happen|url=http://www.nme.com/news/kaiser-chiefs/40233|website=NME|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref> and [[Childish Gambino]] to award winning verses for Ghanaian super stars Sarkodie & Edem.

He had always been reluctant to sign to a record label but while rebuilding his own Dcypha Productions label he realized he had never experienced what it was like to be a signed artist. He signed a publishing deal with Bucks Music/ co-signed by his mentor [[Giorgio Tuinfort]] via Piano Music/Talpa.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sway|url=http://www.bucksmusicgroup.com/artist/sway/|website=Bucks Music Group|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref> He also discovered and joined forces with a new production partner, Andrew Mutambira aka D-Phantom.

He was also the only other rapper to be featured on Lupe Fiasco's US Billboard number 1 album "[[Lasers (album)|Lasers]]"<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caulfield|first1=Keith|title=Lupe Fiasco's 'Lasers' Lands at No. 1 on Billboard 200|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/472523/lupe-fiascos-lasers-lands-at-no-1-on-billboard-200|website=Billboard|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref> released in 2011. Sway's next single "[[Level Up (Sway song)|Level Up]]", written with [[Flux Pavilion]] ([[Kanye West]], [[Jay Z]]) during his University student days, became Sway's highest charting single to date landing at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sway: Official Chart Position|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/level%20up/|website=Official Charts|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref>

His then manager Dan Greenpeace brokered a singles deal with [[3 beat productions]] via [[AATW/Universal]] which saw Sway's first release "Still Speedin'" on the label climb up the National UK charts a land Sway his first top 20 hit.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sway: Official Charts|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/34145/sway/|website=Official Charts|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref> Many people were unaware of the reason Sway had taken his previous hiatus from the music scene and didn't realize that "Still Speedin'" was actually a song about regaining momentum after his previous traumatic events. The song was well received and even received social media support from the likes of racing Legends Nigel Mansell and Lewis Hamilton.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Williams|first1=Hazelann|title=Sugar sweet on Sway|url=http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/sugar-sweet-sway|website=The Voice|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref>

===2013-2016: Dcypha Productions and Island Records===

His vast array of collaborations went from acts such as [[Kaiser Chiefs]], [[Nicky Romero]] and [[Madness (band)|Madness]], to award-winning verses with Ghanaian superstar Edem as well as being the only other rap feature on Lupe Fiasco's US ''Billboard'' number 1 album ''Lasers''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caulfield|first1=Keith|title=Lupe Fiasco's 'Lasers' Lands at No. 1 on Billboard 200|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/472523/lupe-fiascos-lasers-lands-at-no-1-on-billboard-200|website=Billboard|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Bychawski|first1=Adam|title=Kaiser Chiefs: 'Mark Ronson made Sway rap happen|url=http://www.nme.com/news/kaiser-chiefs/40233|website=NME|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref>

In 2013, Sway decided he wanted to return to his original plan of building a label and curating talent. Through his search he came across south London rapper/singer [[Tiggs Da Author]], who he took under his wing and signed to his revived Dcypha Productions label<ref>{{cite web|title=Tiggs Da Author|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/tiggs-da-author-mn0003100059/biography|website=AllMusic|accessdate=8 January 2019}}</ref> as well as signing YouTube star [[KSIOlajidebt|KSI]]<ref>{{cite web|title=GYO Gyimah shoots music for Sway's signed artiste - KSI|url=https://www.ghanamusic.com/news/top-stories/2017/06/29/gyo-gyimah-shoots-music-sways-signed-artiste-ksi/|website=Ghana Music|accessdate=8 January 2019}}</ref>.

Sway's next single "Level Up", written with Flux Pavilion during his University student days, became Sway's highest charting single to date landing at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sway: Official Chart Position|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/level%20up/|website=Official Charts|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref>

He featured both new artists on the "[[Wake Up (Sway EP)|Wake Up EP]]"’ his final release on 3beat records<ref>{{cite web|title=Sway Official Chart Positions|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/no%20sleep|website=Official Charts|accessdate=5 October 2016}}</ref>. The title track of the EP was produced by former Radio 1 DJ [[Zane Lowe]] and the track ‘Back Someday’ featured vocals from [[Ed Sheeran]].

In 2014 the Dcypha team oversaw the signing of Tiggs Da Author to [[Sony RCA]] and subsequently in July 2015, Dcypha Productions became an imprint of [[Island Records]]/[[Universal Music Group]] <ref>{{cite web|title=Island Records UK signs Arjun via Dcypha Productions Imprint|url=http://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/island-records-uk-signs-arjun-via-dcypha-productions-imprint/|website=Music Business Worldwide|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref> . KSI became the first artist to be up-streamed.

In the same year Sway released a long awaited third album entitled "Deliverance", which he describes as “an affirmation of my intentions”. The album was released with no lead singles or videos, as Sway wanted it to serve its true purpose as “a project to be discovered”<ref>{{cite web|last1=Nelson|first1=Trevor|title=Trevor Nelson|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b054q4nl|website=BBC 1xtra|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref>.

===2013 – ''Wake Up EP''===

The album would mark the first time that Sway would discuss his musical journey and previous health issues publicly, in hope that it will encourage and inspire people who face similar adversities. He also talks about becoming a father to his first child, Jalil.

With this new found momentum, Sway decided he wanted to return to his original plan of building a label and curating new talent. Through his search he came across south London rapper/ singer [[Tigger Da Author]], who he took under his wing and signed to his revived Dcypha Productions label. With the assistance of his original team, he also signed YouTube star [[KSIOlajidebt|KSI]].

He featured both new artists as well as production by Dcypha's ''[[They Call Me Raptor]]'' on what was to be his final release on 3beat Records.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sway Official Chart Positions|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/no%20sleep|website=Official Charts|accessdate=5 October 2016}}</ref> The title track of the EP was produced by former Radio 1 DJ [[Zane Lowe]] and the track "Back Someday" featured vocals from [[Ed Sheeran]].

The Dcypha roster continued to flourish and went on to sign acts such as singer/songwriter [[Sam Garrett]], Battle rap champion [[Lunar C]] and British & Asian R&B star [[Arjun (singer)|Arjun]]<ref>{{cite web||title=British Tamil Artist Arjun Signs Record Deal With The Same Label That Represents Drake|url=https://tamilculture.com/british-tamil-artist-arjun-signs-record-deal-label-represents-drake/|website=Tamil Culture|accessdate=8 January 2019}}</ref>.

===2014 – Dcypha Productions, Tiggs Da Author & KSI===

As a writer and producer Sway amassed over a billion music streams world wide across platforms such as Youtube, Spotify, Apple Music and he continues to work with emerging talent as well as accomplished creatives to push musical boundaries forward.

Sway, Turkish, Junior & Muriel spent over a year and a half developing both acts and in late 2014, the team oversaw the signing of Tigger (now [[Tiggs Da Author]]) to [[Sony RCA]], a deal in which Dcypha is represented and Sway remains executive producer of his album, due in 2017.

===2017-2018: New Reign Productions===

Despite initial skepticism of YouTube sensation [[KSI (entertainer)|KSI]] transitioning into music, Dcpyha decided to independently release his first single, "[[Lamborghini (song)|Lamborghini]]" produced by [[DJ Turkish]], co-written by Sway and featuring [[P-Money]].<ref>{{cite web|title=KSI - Lambourghini|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=708mjaHTwKc|website=YouTube|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref>

Dcypha Productions parted ways with Island Records in 2017 and Sway decided to focus on building [[New Reign Productions]] whilst maintaining his role as executive producer for [[KSI (entertainer)|KSI]] & Tiggs Da Author.

He later oversaw the signing of Tiggs to the newly formed Alacran music label and established KSI as an independent music artist by facilitating his most recent releases ''Space'' EP and as the singles ''Creature'', ''Uncontrollable'' & ''On Point''

Strategically deviating from [[KSI (entertainer)|KSI]]'s YouTube gaming fanbase (where he has amassed over 20 million subscribers, making him the 2nd most popular Youtuber in Europe, behind [[PewDiePie]], who as of the end of 2016 has gained 50+ million subscribers),<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lowbridge|first1=Caroline|title=The YouTube stars with fans around the world|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-34504053|website=BBC|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref> the single was released without a video and still managed to shoot up the iTunes charts racking up impressive Spotify numbers as well as peaking at #30 in the UK official charts. After its official release and chart entry, Dcypha released the video, which sits on 50 million views to date. This sent shock waves through the music industry and it wasn't long before the labels came calling.

New Reign Productions houses a stable of music producers, graphic designers, directors, song writers and other creative minds. As a group they are set to release an array of singles in the near future.

===2015 – ''Deliverance'' & Island Records/Universal Music Group===

Subsequently, in July 2015, Dcypha Productions became an imprint of [[Island Records]]/[[Universal Music Group]] <ref>{{cite web|title=Island Records UK signs Arjun via Dcypha Productions Imprint|url=http://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/island-records-uk-signs-arjun-via-dcypha-productions-imprint/|website=Music Business Worldwide|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref> and [[KSI (entertainer)|KSI]] became the first artist to be up streamed.

In the same year, Sway decided himself to release the long-awaited album ''Deliverance'', which he describes as an "affirmation of my intentions". The album was released with no lead singles or videos as Sway wanted it to serve as its true purpose as "a project to be discovered over time".

2017 also saw the birth of Sway’s second child Ammar-Joseph. The birth of his sons inspired him to put together two new albums ''Songs From The Stash'' & ''Stories From The Safe'' dedicated to them that will be released on both their birthdays in 2019. It has also been rumored that he is recording an album for his twin daughters (Born 23rd December 2018) Queen-Inaya & Queen-Imara entitled ''Messages From The Mind''

"For me this album is about telling a story, about introducing new people, going from tragedies to triumphs and allowing myself to learn from mistakes and utilize my experiences to empower others, it's a project I hope will connect with the right people eventually..." - Sway<ref>{{cite web|last1=Nelson|first1=Trevor|title=Trevor Nelson|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b054q4nl|website=BBC 1xtra|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref>

===2018-Present: Sway Dasafo, ''Next Chapter'' album & New Reign empire===

The album would mark the first time that Sway discusses his musical journey and previous health issues publicly in the hope that it will encourage and inspire people who face similar adversities. He also talks about becoming a father to his newly born first child Jalil.

Whilst working on a new album entitled ‘Next Chapter’ Sway decided to revert back to releasing under his full original artist name ‘Sway Dasafo’. Now armed with an arsenal of new music, Sway walks into 2019 with a plethora of collaborative projects (Brillionaires, 5ive 9ine) and new music ventures to look forward to.

In the same year, Sway curated a 4-member production team known as New Reign. The group consisted of Sway, Zagor, Charlie Cook and Black Butter/Sony signee D-Phantom.

Sway’s ‘Next Chapter’ album will be accompanied with a book and short film and is his self-proclaimed best music to date.

=== Dcypha 10 & New Reign===

2016 saw the Dcypha roster grow and also celebrate 10 years since the release of Sway's ''This Is My Demo'' album. Sway went on to sign Sam Garrett, who he had discovered years prior and featured on ''Deliverance'', battle rap champion [[Lunar C]], who he had collaborated with in 2013 on his "Supercharge" remix and [[Arjun (singer)|Arjun]] who he had worked with a year prior on an Arjun release entitled "Frozen".

[[New Reign]] continues to produce for the likes of [[Fuse ODG]], Arjun, [[KSI (entertainer)|KSI]], Lunar C and are also set to release their debut album ''Immaculate Conception'' in 2017. Whilst overseeing the development of Dcypha, Sway is also set to release a solo album in the near future entitled ''Preface''.

==Discography==

==Discography==