At just 19 years old, Zimbabwean‑British gospel rapper DC3 (Daniel Chenjerai) made history at the 2026 MOBO Awards, held on 26 March at Manchester’s Co‑op Live Arena. Winning two awards “Best Gospel Act and Best Newcomer”, he became one of the youngest artists ever to achieve such a feat, marking the arrival of a new wave of African talent on the global stage.
“DC3’s journey from freestyling in Zimbabwe to performing on one of the UK’s biggest music stages is a testament to his talent, faith, and determination. His gospel-rap tracks combine spiritual themes with contemporary beats, resonating with audiences across continents. At 19, he is already a symbol of Africa’s next generation of creative powerhouses.
While DC3 stole the spotlight with his youth and double win, the night also celebrated established African stars:
- Wizkid won Best African Music Act, cementing his status as a global Afrobeats icon. His collaborations and hit songs continue to showcase Africa’s musical influence worldwide.
- Ayra Starr took home Best International Act, proving that African artists are no longer confined to regional acclaim, they are shaping global music trends.
- Niko Omilana, the British‑Nigerian creator, won Best Media Personality, highlighting the continent’s growing footprint beyond music into media, culture, and entertainment.
2026 MOBO Awards highlight the continent’s spectrum of talent, from emerging prodigies to world-renowned icons.
