Derek Andrew Safo – or Sway – is signed to Akon’s label, Konvict Muzik, for a very simple reason: he’s reinventing British rap, as an artist and a producer, and he means business.
Sway was born in our very own London, and has been producing tracks for the city’s acts since he was a kid. Whether as founder of underground production company Dcypha, or under the solo banner he’s been flying since 2003, he has been at the forefront of British hip hop and grime, winning a MOBO in 2005. His most recent Mixtape features almost exclusively UK artists and makes a virtue of Sway’s British background – less common in hip hop than you might think. You can see the hometown boy at the Crawl – we grilled him beforehand for your edification.
Crawl virgin or serial crawler?
Serial crawler
Do you have any special plans for your set at the Crawl?
Yes, I’m gonna perform a track from my new album called Reign Dance! I don’t even know the lyrics of head I have to learn them just for this event.
In the film of 2012, who would you be played by?
Myself, I’ve done some acting recently with my role in Top Boy and I think nobody can play me better than me.
What words do you most associate with Camden?
Melting Pot
Describe your music without referring to a genre or another artist.Aspirational, Inspiring, Empowering, Fun, Honest and Sway
What do you like and hate most about the festival season?
Hate most that sometimes there’s so much to choose from, you kinda always feel like you missing out. Love that there’s so much going on and the atmosphere of the festival and getting to perform to crowds as it’s what I love doing.
What is your ‘on the road’ breakfast of choice?
Eggs Benedict with Salmon
Anything specific you want to plug?
My new single Level Up is out on the 8th April you can pre order you copy here http://t.co/CeXoNmY3
Sway will be appearing on Saturday 5th at CC2012. Check out his profile page for more info
