Zimbabwean-born rapper and rising music talent DC3 (Daniel Chikwanda) has been officially nominated for a prestigious MOBO Award in the Best Newcomer category for the 2026 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards, spotlighting him among the most exciting emerging artists in global Black music.
The 30th annual MOBO Awards, widely regarded as one of the most influential celebrations of Black music and culture, released its nomination list this week ahead of the ceremony set for 26 March 2026, at Co-op Live in Manchester, England.
🌟 Recognition on a Global Stage
DC3 appears among a strong field of ten nominees in the Best Newcomer category, which showcases fresh voices shaping the future of music across genres. Other nominees include breakthrough acts such as EsDeeKid, Finessekid, Jim Legxacy, kwn, Namesbliss, Nia Smith, Sekou, Skye Newman and YT.
This nomination marks a significant milestone in DC3’s international career, reflecting his growing influence in the UK and beyond. The artist — who has garnered attention for his genre-blending sound that fuses hip-hop with eclectic spiritual and lyrical themes — joins a list of MOBO nominees that also features major names such as Little Simz, Olivia Dean, Central Cee and Tyla in other top categories.
🌍 From Zimbabwe to the Global Spotlight
Originally hailing from Zimbabwe, DC3 has been building momentum internationally, performing on notable platforms such as COLORS Studio, where his track “Bake Off” reached audiences around the world. His music, influenced by his cultural and spiritual roots, has resonated widely across social media and streaming platforms.
MOBO’s Best Newcomer category has historically been a springboard for artists who go on to major success in the wider music industry, spotlighting voices that bring fresh energy and creativity to Hip-Hop, R&B, Grime and beyond.
🏆 Looking Ahead to March
With public voting open for selected categories and the full awards ceremony scheduled for late March, DC3’s fans and music supporters around the world now have a chance to rally behind him as he competes for this esteemed honor.
