UK Rap Star Central Cee Converts to Islam: “I Just Took My Shahada, I’m Muslim Now!”

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global music scene, UK rap sensation Central Cee has officially announced his conversion to Islam. The 27-year-old artist, born Oakley Neil Caesar-Su, made the revelation during a recent livestream, reciting the Shahada—the Islamic declaration of faith—and declaring his new path in life. This personal milestone comes at a time when spiritual discussions are gaining traction among top musicians, including Nigeria’s own Burna Boy.

The announcement was simple yet profound. Surrounded by close friends, Central Cee shared, “I just changed my name and took my Shahada, I’m Muslim now.” He revealed his new name as Aqeel, meaning “intelligent” or “wise” in Arabic, emphasizing the sincerity of his decision. The livestream, which quickly went viral, has sparked widespread reactions online, with fans and fellow Muslims welcoming him to the faith.

Hailing from West London, Central Cee has risen to become a powerhouse in the UK drill and rap genres. His unique blend of street culture, American hip-hop influences, and relatable lyrics has earned him billions of streams worldwide. In 2024, he was crowned the most-streamed UK rapper, a title that underscores his dominance in the industry. His breakthrough came with the 2020 single “Day in the Life,” followed by the chart-topping mixtape “Wild West” in 2021, which peaked at No. 2 on the UK charts. The 2022 album “23” hit No. 1, while “Doja” set records as one of the fastest-streaming UK rap tracks. His collaboration with Dave on “Sprinter” held the top spot for ten weeks in 2023, and by 2025, he became the first UK rapper to debut in the Billboard 200 Top 10.

Beyond music, Central Cee’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through his clothing brand, Syna World, which has contributed to his estimated net worth of around $5 million. Earnings from streaming, tours, and endorsements have solidified his financial success, all while maintaining full creative control over his work—a rarity in the competitive music world.

On a personal note, Central Cee’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Raised primarily by his mother after his parents’ separation, he dropped out of school at 16 to pursue his passions. His relationship with social media influencer Madeline Argy garnered public attention but ended in mid-2024, after which he has kept his romantic life private, focusing on introspection and growth.

This conversion echoes a broader trend in the music industry where artists are opening up about their spiritual beliefs. Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, for instance, has shared his own evolving views on faith, influenced by personal experiences and cultural roots. Though from different backgrounds, both artists highlight how spirituality can intersect with artistry, inspiring fans across borders.

Nigerian fans, in particular, have taken to social media to celebrate the news. On X (formerly Twitter), users like @Cool_Ustaz and @Olamide0fficial shared clips and messages of support, with one post exclaiming, “ALLAHU AKBAR! Rapper Central Cee revealed tonight that he has REVERTED to Islam!” Another fan noted, “JUMMAH MUBARAK,” tying the announcement to the sacred Friday prayers.

As Central Cee—Aqeel now—steps into this new chapter, the world watches eagerly to see how his faith will shape his future music and life. Will we hear Islamic influences in his next tracks? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: this is a deeply personal transformation for one of rap’s brightest stars.