Rapper Sway gave musicians in Africa hope – Skales

Nigerian rapper/singer born Raoul John Njeng-Njeng (Skales) has praised British rapper of Ghanaian descent Sway Dasafo for paving the way for African musicians like himself.

Skales who looked up to Sway while growing his passion for music revealed watching “Sway on TV was a big deal for him personally.”

Having started writing songs in  2000 in Kaduna, Skales is well-known for songs including “Shake Body”, “Mukulu”, “Keresimesi”, “Komole”, “My Baby”, “Take Care of Me” and “Denge Pose”. He has recorded over 200 songs and collaborated with numerous artists, including Ghana rapper Sarkodie, eLDee, Jeremiah Gyang, Banky W. and Knighthouse.

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Skales’ latest album, Mr Love, released in 2018, also featured Tiwa Savage, Sarkodie, Afro B, Phyno, Cassper, Phyno, some of the best artists from the continents.  Watch Skales and Sway talk about their life, music and the way forward at the just ended Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES 2019) in Accra.

Who is SWAY?

Born Derek Andrew Safo in Hornsey, North London, Sway is a British-Ghanaian rapper who’s first big track ‘On My Own’ was released under the name Sway DaSafo. In 2005, Sway was named Best Hip-Hop Newcomer at the Mobo Awards, beating two US heavyweights – 50 Cent and The Game to take home the award, despite having not released an album.

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Sway’s debut album ‘This Is My Demo’ was released in 2006 and achieved critical acclaim, with one review hailing it as the “best British rap album in years”. Sway produced more than 50 per cent of the album himself.

He has featured in three British films. Sway’s film appearance came in 2012’s The Grind, which also starred street magician Dynamo. In 2007, Sway won Best International Act at the BET Awards. Not only did Sway win, it was also the first time that a UK artist had been nominated for the award.

He has indeed inspired African musicians. If he could do this all by himself, we can do it too, Skales said.

He has indeed inspired African musicians. If he could do this all by himself, we can do it too, Skales said.