Akon Signs Sway

US rapper Akon has signed British hip-hop artist Sway to his record label.
Sway has been one of the biggest stars on the British hop-hop scene in recent years, and will release his music on Akon's Kon Live label in the US.
Akon has had a string of hits including the UK number one singles Lonely and Smack That, featuring Eminem.
The deal is the latest example of UK urban acts being recognised in the US. Estelle's career was revived when she was signed by soul star John Legend.
The UK release of Sway's new album Signature has now been put back to 6 October to include a last-minute collaboration with Akon on the track Silver & Gold.
In 2005, Sway beat US heavyweights 50 Cent and The Game to win the hip-hop award at the Mobos, and he was named best UK hip-hop act at the BET Awards in the US in 2006.
Sway's debut album This Is My Demo was also nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in the same year.