DigDat is in prison serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 24 years after being convicted of the attempted murder of a rival rapper in a drive-by shooting in Notting Hill, west London, in November 2023. The UK drill artist, whose real name is Nathan Tokosi, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on 27 January 2026.
Who Is DigDat?
DigDat, born Nathan Tokosi, is a UK drill rapper from Deptford, south-east London. He rose to prominence in the mid-2010s as part of the wave of UK drill music that emerged from London, gaining millions of streams and a significant following. His music frequently charted and he was considered one of the more commercially successful artists in the genre. Off stage, however, Tokosi was involved in the south London gang scene, and it was this world that ultimately led to his life sentence in January 2026.
The Notting Hill Shooting
In the early hours of 20 November 2023, at least six shots were fired from the rear passenger window of a stolen Audi on Clydesdale Road in Notting Hill, west London. The target was Daniel Offei-Ntow, a fellow rapper who performed under the name Lugavelz. Offei-Ntow was struck in the head, mouth, and body and survived, though he sustained life-altering injuries. CCTV footage played during the trial showed DigDat making multiple reconnaissance drives through the area in the days and hours before the attack, demonstrating significant premeditation. The car used in the shooting had been stolen specifically for the attack.
Trial, Conviction and Sentence
DigDat was tried at the Old Bailey (Central Criminal Court) in London. The prosecution presented CCTV evidence showing his movements in the stolen Audi, as well as other forensic and surveillance material linking him to the attack. He was found guilty of attempted murder and four firearms offences. On 27 January 2026, Judge Sarah Munro sentenced Nathan Tokosi to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 24 years before he can be considered for release by the Parole Board. He will not automatically be released at the 24-year mark — the Parole Board must be satisfied he no longer poses a danger to the public before he can be freed.
The Victim: Rapper Lugavelz
Daniel Offei-Ntow, known professionally as Lugavelz, was 27 years old at the time of the attack. He was shot multiple times at close range and suffered severe injuries. Despite this, he survived. The shooting is understood to have been motivated by longstanding tensions between rival groups operating within and around the south and west London music and gang scenes. The case highlighted the ongoing dangers faced by artists operating in the UK drill scene, where real-world feuds can escalate rapidly into violence.
What Was DigDat Charged With?
Nathan Tokosi was convicted of: attempted murder of Daniel Offei-Ntow; two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life; and two counts of possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life. Each offence carries serious maximum sentences under UK law, and the combination of charges, together with the premeditated and targeted nature of the attack, led to the imposition of a life sentence. Families of those affected by serious gun violence often find it helpful to understand how to support someone in custody or arrange prison visits.
What Does a Life Sentence Mean in the UK?
In England and Wales, a life sentence means the offender is subject to licence conditions for the rest of their natural life, even if eventually released. The minimum term — in DigDat’s case, 24 years — is the period he must serve before becoming eligible to apply to the Parole Board for release. The Parole Board can refuse release if it believes he still poses a risk. If released, he will remain on licence indefinitely and can be recalled to prison at any time. Given his sentence was handed down in January 2026 and he was held on remand before trial, the earliest he could be considered for parole is likely in the late 2040s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is DigDat in prison?
DigDat, whose real name is Nathan Tokosi, is in prison because he was convicted of the attempted murder of rival rapper Daniel Offei-Ntow, known as Lugavelz, and four firearms offences arising from a drive-by shooting in Notting Hill, London, on 20 November 2023. He was sentenced on 27 January 2026 to life with a minimum of 24 years.
How long is DigDat’s prison sentence?
DigDat received a life sentence with a minimum term of 24 years. This means he must serve at least 24 years before he can apply to the Parole Board for release. He will not be automatically freed at that point — the Parole Board must determine he no longer poses a risk to public safety.
Who did DigDat shoot?
DigDat was convicted of the attempted murder of Daniel Offei-Ntow, a rapper who performs under the name Lugavelz. Offei-Ntow was 27 at the time and was shot multiple times on Clydesdale Road in Notting Hill in the early hours of 20 November 2023, sustaining injuries to his head, mouth, and body. He survived the attack.
What is DigDat real name?
DigDat real name is Nathan Tokosi. He was born and raised in Deptford, south-east London, and became one of the prominent figures in the UK drill music scene before his arrest and conviction for attempted murder and firearms offences in connection with the November 2023 Notting Hill shooting.
Is DigDat still making music from prison?
There is no confirmed information as of April 2026 that DigDat is producing or releasing music from prison. Inmates in UK prisons do not have access to recording equipment or the internet, and any release of previously recorded material would be handled by his label or management rather than produced while he is incarcerated.
