Central Cee is gaining popularity. He has experienced a remarkable rise in the 2020s, achieving a level of success that few UK rappers have reached. DJ Akademiks even stated in a June live stream that Cee ranked among the top five most relevant rap artists globally. However, he is not free from online ridicule. On August 13, Central Cee appeared in an Instagram video with Lil Durk, showcasing a striking new hairstyle: Bantu knots. Social media quickly criticized him for imitating the style often associated with Black artists. Bantu knots are a traditional African hairstyle that has existed for over a century, particularly popular among Black women, which led many to question Central Cee's choice. The majority of criticism stemmed from his identity as a seemingly white artist. One Twitter user remarked, “Y’all convinced Central Cee he was lightskin. Now he’s rocking bantu knots looking like an impressive fool.” Others felt the hairstyle simply didn’t suit him, with another user stating they weren’t upset with his choice but thought it looked ridiculous. It is important to note that Central Cee is actually of mixed heritage. In a 2023 Vogue interview, he shared, “My dad’s Guyanese and Chinese, and my mum’s English.” While he had been hesitant to discuss his background before, he opened up about his experiences growing up in a mixed family and how his mother’s struggles impacted him.
Some social media users did support Central Cee’s hairstyle choice, but they were outnumbered by the critics. The response has been overwhelmingly negative, making it uncertain whether he will keep the new look or change it. Continue reading for more social media reactions. Will Central Cee continue the Bantu era? Share your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for further updates on music and pop culture on 103.5 The Beat.