By Milo Haskour —
Instead of gaming during the 2020 lockdown, Daniel Chenjerai produced rap and spiked in popularity.
Known on stage as DC3, the Northampton, U.K., local from Zimbabwean parents was recently nominated for two MOBO Awards — Best Newcomer and Best Gospel Act — in 2026.
In an interview with the BBC, Chenjerai said “Jesus Christ was his hero,” after which the BBC interviewer Geeta Guru-Murthy appeared to some to “hiss” generating online controversy. But she says on X she was simply breathing in for her next question.
Chenjerai, only 18, started rap music at 8 or 9 years old. As his father is a pastor, he grew up in the church where he was inspired by Gospel music. He blends Gospel, hip-hop and jazz to create a unique sound that is making waves in the Christian rap genre in the U.K.
DC3 — his initials plus a reference to the fact he is the youngest of three siblings — built a strong following on Instagram and TikTok during the Covid lockdown writing music and freestyling online. He has more than 1M followers on IG.
Viral success came with the single “I Know.” Other notable songs: “No Disrespect,” “DC3’s Prayer” and the upcoming track “Judge.”
Chenjerai is also pursuing his education while balancing both his career with his dedication and faith.
With his dad as a pastor, he grew up in Christianity but had to make his own decision of faith.
“When I was in my early teens, I reached a crossroads,” he tells. “I remember sitting in a sermon where someone said, ‘Just because you come from a church-going family or your parents are involved in the church, it doesn’t mean you automatically go to heaven.’ That really hit me.
“I’ve learned that just being around people who worship God isn’t enough — you have to have your own relationship with God,” he adds. “I always thought that because my dad is a pastor and my mum is involved in the church, I was kind of set. But that doesn’t mean anything.
“Now, I view my relationship with God the same way I do with my parents. I don’t just talk to my mum and dad in the morning and at night — I talk to them throughout the day,” he explains. “That’s how it should be with God.”
When asked by the BBC who his heroes were, he responded: “Santan Dave, Kendrick Lamar, most of all, Jesus Christ.”
Related content: Comedienne Jamie Lever became famous in India, Jesus knocked drugs out of Ben Fuller’s life like a ‘wrecking ball,’ Jamie Foxx reconciles after racism drove him from church. Sources: Dandaro Online, Premier Christianity.
