Northants teen rapper DC3 celebrates double win at MOBO Awards
A teenage rapper from Northampton won two accolades at last night’s MOBO Awards, picking up both Best Newcomer and Best Gospel Act.
DC3 joined the likes of Olivia Dean, Jim Legxacy, Nova Twins and Slick Rick at the annual event which celebrated its 30th anniversary in Manchester.
The 19-year-old with Zimbabwean heritage uses his songs and performances to share his personal spiritual journey and inspire others - particularly young people - to embrace their faith and conquer life's hardships.
The coveted Best Newcomer award has long been one of the UK industry’s best early indicators of the next breakout stars.
DC3 released his latest single Valley last week which follows recent tracks Keep Moving, Holy Boppin and American Idolz.
Kanya King CBE, founder and CEO of the MOBO Group, said: “Thirty years ago, the MOBO Organisation was born out of a desire to create space where there was none - to recognise, celebrate and elevate Black music and culture.
“Tonight in Manchester, we’ve seen just how far that vision has come.
“From global icons to the next generation of trailblazers, this stage continues to be a home for excellence, creativity and truth.
“This isn’t just a celebration of the past - it’s a statement about the future. MOBO remains an important platform, and we are more committed than ever to opening doors, breaking barriers and championing the voices that shape culture around the world.”
Last night’s events were hosted by Eve and Eddie Kadi and took place at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena.
The star-studded ceremony brought together cultural forces from the world of music, sport and entertainment, including Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, Denise Lewis DBE, Tinie Tempah, Alesha Dixon, Stephen Graham and many more.
There were performances by Olivia Dean, FLO, Slick Rick and Estelle, Tiwa Savage, Aitch, Myles Smith, Shenseea and a Grime medley with Chip, D Double E, Nolay, Scorcher and Wiley, curated by DJ Target.
Olivia Dean scooped three major awards – Album of The Year, Song of The Year for ‘Man I Need’, and Best Female Act.
Lewisham-born rapper, singer and producer Jim Legxacy won Best Male Act.
His critically-acclaimed 2025 album black british music reshaped expectations of what UK music can sound like and positioned him at the helm of a movement - a new generation of storytellers and pioneers carving a path out of the comfort of the underground.
Other winners included RAYE, Central Cee, Ezra Collective, Chip, Nova Twins, Sherelle, Twin S, Wizkid, Ayra Starr, Vybz Kartel, Niko Ominala and P2J.
For more information about DC3, visit https://www.instagram.com/dc3media/