IT was the perfect hip hop rags-to-riches success story. Grime star Sway leapt from the underground to the mainstream by winning a Mobo for Best Hip Hop Act in 2005. The win was all the more astonishing because Sway snatched the award from under the nose

IT was the perfect hip hop rags-to-riches success story.

Grime star Sway leapt from the underground to the mainstream by winning a Mobo for Best Hip Hop Act in 2005.

The win was all the more astonishing because Sway snatched the award from under the nose of US heavyweight 50 Cent.

Now the Stepney Green-born grime act brings his acclaimed material to Bethnal Green Road's Rich Mix.

The 28-year-old, real name Derek Safo, will be performing at the arts centre from 8pm tomorrow (Friday) night.

Sway's journey to stardom began at the age of 16 when he won a place in the final of an open mic session at Dingwalls in Camden, north London.

He soon launched his solo career by releasing two independent mixtapes called This is My Promo Volumes 1 and 2.

The debut album, This is My Demo, was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize when released in 2006.

But the landmark LP, adored by critics, lost out due to the extraordinary success of the Arctic Monkeys.

Sway's first long-player was followed by last year's more commercial and radio-friendly follow-up The Signature.

Sway will be performing at Rich Mix in Bethnal Green Road at 8pm tomorrow (Friday July 10).

Tickets are �10 from www.richmix.org.uk or 020 7613 7498.