Rapper reflects on 'crazy' Mobo Award nominations

An emerging teenage rap artist said it was "crazy" to have gone "from nothing to something" following his nomination for two Mobo Awards.

Northampton's Daniel Chenjerai, known by the stage name DC3, is up for Best Newcomer and Best Gospel Act at the awards, which celebrate the best in black British music.

The 18-year-old joined stars including Olivia Dean, PinkPantheress and Central Cee in being nominated for the major categories for the awards, due to be held in Manchester on 26 March.

Chenjerai said being able to represent Northampton meant "everything to me", adding that his hometown "runs in my blood".

He said: "I saw them promoting that it [the Mobo Awards] will be in Manchester and I was just thinking 'imagine if I was there'.

"To see it happen is just crazy, man. To see so many people that I'm inspired by in one room on one night... to have the opportunity to experience that, it's crazy.

"To know I'll be recognised as some sort of talent in the UK is a win. I think then to actually win would be a bonus."

DC3 started writing music in 2016, before recording professionally for the first time in 2020.

His track I Know has been viewed 1.8m times on YouTube alone.

He highlighted his Christian faith as an inspiration for his musical style, but revealed he had also been inspired by more secular artists - a fact he previously concealed from family, including his father Pardon, who is a local pastor.

"I used to listen to Stormzy," he revealed. "I would get scared when I listened to him on my computer.

"I would like listen to his music and it had curse words in it... I had to remove it after in my [search] history. I didn't want to get caught!"

DC3, of Zimbabwean heritage, has achieved recognition from the music industry despite being yet to sign for a record label.

His mother, Annastacia Chenjerai, said her son had the ability to "elevate his music to the next level".

She said: "I know he can achieve much more because he works hard. God has put this blessing on him."

The artist's father, Pardon, added: "Your family gives you steady feet and give you confidence and assurance. In that area he [DC3] is covered."

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