Central Cee, whose real name is Oakley Caesar-Su, is a British music artist who has been dominating the UK music scene with his catchy songs, versatile styles, and star-studded collaborations. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative artists in the UK drill genre, which blends elements of hip hop, grime, and trap. Central Cee has also proven himself as a savvy businessperson, a record-breaking achiever, and a visionary leader in the music industry12
Origins and Early Career
Central Cee was born on June 4, 1998, in Ladbroke Grove, London, to an Irish mother and a father of Chinese and Guyanese origin3 He grew up in a musical family, with his grandmother being a professional opera singer. He developed a passion for singing and rapping from a young age, and started performing at local events and fairs. He also learned to play the guitar, clarinet, drums, and keyboard12
At the age of 14, Central Cee started making music in his bedroom, using a laptop and various software. He uploaded his songs to the internet, and attracted the attention of a music manager, who helped him sign a recording contract with West Side Creative Agency in 2019. He became the first artist to sign with the label, which is home to other prominent artists such as J Hus, Dave, and Stormzy12
In 2019, Central Cee released his debut single, “Level”, which showcased his unique blend of UK drill, R&B, and soul. The song received positive feedback from critics and fans alike, and earned him a nomination for Best New Artist at the African Music Awards in 2020. He also released two more singles, “Revenge” and “My Place”, which further established him as a rising star in the UK drill scene12
Breakthrough and Global Success
In 2020, Central Cee competed on the twenty-first season of NBC’s The Voice, where Blake Shelton was his coach. He made his way to the top 20 before being eliminated. His covers of “Everything I Wanted” and “Woman” on the show were later released as singles via West Side Creative Agency2
Central Cee signed to 5K Records and Sony in 2022. In December of that year, Central Cee released “Loading”, a song inspired by his life experiences, struggles, and aspirations. The song debuted at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 1 on the UK Drill Chart, and received wide attention across social media. The song also became the number-one song of 2022 globally according to Billboard. The song also received a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 202312
Central Cee performed as an opening act at Drake’s 2023 Certified Lover Boy Tour. He also collaborated with other prominent artists, such as Ed Sheeran, Beyoncé, and Post Malone, and appeared on the cover of various magazines, such as Rolling Stone, Vogue, and Variety. He also received several awards and nominations, such as the BET Award for Best International Act, the MTV Europe Music Award for Best UK & Ireland Act, and the Brit Award for British Breakthrough Act12
Future Plans and Vision
Central Cee has stated that he wants to continue to push the boundaries of music and create a new sound that transcends genres and cultures. He has also expressed his desire to inspire and empower the youth of the UK and the world, and to use his platform to raise awareness on social issues and causes. He has also launched his own clothing line, Loading, which reflects his fashion sense and personality12
Central Cee is undoubtedly one of the most talented and visionary artists of his generation, and he has proven that he has what it takes to conquer the world with his music and message. He is a true UK drill sensation and leader in the music industry, and he is set to become a legend in the history of music.