Central Cee

Early Life

Oakley Neil Caesar-Su, known professionally as Central Cee, was born on June 4, 1998, in Ladbroke Grove, London. He grew up in a multicultural environment, with an English mother and a father of Guyanese and Chinese descent. Central Cee's early life was marked by his parents' separation when he was seven, leading him to live with his mother and two younger brothers in Shepherd's Bush. He developed a passion for music at a young age, writing poetry and raps, and was influenced by American hip-hop and reggae during visits to his father. Despite facing challenges in school, he found his calling in music after visiting a studio at age 14.

Career

Central Cee's music career began in 2014 when he adopted the stage name and made his first public appearance on Charlie Sloth's Fire in the Streets. He gained traction with his early singles and performances, culminating in his breakthrough in 2020 with the drill singles "Day in the Life" and "Loading." His debut mixtape, "Wild West," released in 2021, debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart, followed by his second mixtape, "23," which topped the chart in 2022. Central Cee's style has evolved from British hip-hop to a melodic approach to UK drill, drawing inspiration from artists like Kendrick Lamar and Skepta.

Personal Life

Central Cee's personal life has also garnered attention; he dated TikTok creator Madeline Argy for over two years before their split in July 2024. In a significant personal development, he announced his conversion to Islam during a livestream in February 2026, adopting the name Akhil. Central Cee continues to be a prominent figure in the UK music scene, known for his vulnerability and authenticity in his music.