British rapper Central Cee has publicly confirmed that he has embraced Islam and adopted a new name, sharing the personal update during a recent livestream.
The 27-year-old artist, born Oakley Neil Caesar-Su, made the announcement while speaking on a livestream hosted by online personality PlaqueBoyMax. During the broadcast, Central Cee calmly told viewers that he had recently taken the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith, officially marking his entry into Islam. He also revealed that he has changed his first name to Akil (also spelled Aqeel).
The moment was brief and understated. Those present on the livestream congratulated him quietly, and the rapper did not offer further explanation about the timing of his conversion or the personal journey behind it. He appeared to treat the announcement as a private milestone rather than a public statement or publicity moment.
View this post on Instagram
Following the livestream, members of the Muslim community reacted online by welcoming him warmly, with many praising the low-key and respectful way he chose to share the news.
Subtle Signs Before the Announcement
Prior to this confirmation, Central Cee had never spoken publicly about his religious beliefs. However, fans had speculated in recent years after he posted an Instagram caption written in Arabic in 2023. The phrase translated to “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil,” prompting questions about whether he had already embraced Islam privately at the time.
Until now, those assumptions went unaddressed.
Some listeners have also pointed to references in his lyrics as possible indicators of a personal shift. On his 2025 track “Booga,” Central Cee raps about repentance and prayer, touching on themes commonly associated with Islamic belief and self-reflection.
Background and Career Rise
Raised in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, Central Cee grew up with his mother and two younger brothers following his parents’ separation when he was seven. He comes from a mixed background, with an English mother and a father of Guyanese and Chinese heritage.
READ MORE: 8 Muslim Countries Condemn Israel’s Repeated Ceasefire Breaches in Gaza
He first gained early exposure in 2014 at age 16, before steadily building momentum in the UK rap scene. His major breakthrough came in 2020, and by the early 2020s he had established himself as one of the most influential figures in modern UK rap.
Known for blending drill foundations with melodic hooks and relatable storytelling, Central Cee went on to achieve historic streaming success. He became the first UK rapper to surpass one billion global streams, with chart-topping tracks such as Sprinter, Doja, and BAND4BAND. He has since collaborated with major international artists, including Drake, J. Cole, 21 Savage, and Ice Spice.
In 2024, he was widely reported to be the most-streamed UK rapper worldwide, with estimates placing his net worth between $6 million and $10 million.
Life Beyond Music
Despite his success, Central Cee has been open about the pressures of fame. In previous interviews, he has spoken about anxiety linked to constant travel, concerns for his family’s safety, and the mental strain of nonstop work.
He has also acknowledged that fame is temporary and has said he thinks carefully about the future. Rather than fearing an eventual slowdown, he has described it as something he wants to navigate thoughtfully and “gracefully” when the time comes.
Islam and Hip-Hop Culture
Islam is one of the world’s fastest-growing religions, with more than two billion followers globally. In the UK, Muslims make up roughly six per cent of the population. The Shahada — which Central Cee confirmed he has taken — is the core statement of Islamic belief and represents formal entry into the faith.
View this post on Instagram
The religion has long held a visible presence within hip-hop culture, with many artists either identifying as Muslim or openly referencing Islamic beliefs in their music. Over the decades, faith has continued to influence personal identity and creative expression within the genre.
For Central Cee, the announcement marks a significant personal chapter — one he chose to share quietly, on his own terms.
