British rapper Central Cee recently made a generous donation of £15,000 to the owners of Umana Yana, a Guyanese restaurant in Herne Hill. The restaurant has been struggling for the past decade due to massive telecoms boxes blocking its view from the street. Despite serving delicious rotis, Umana Yana has faced hardships as potential customers driving by couldn’t see the restaurant.
Central Cee learned about the restaurant’s struggles through social media and decided to pay them a visit. In a heartwarming video shot by VICE, the rapper is seen cooking Guyanese food with the owner, Debbie Monfries. Central Cee even donated £15,000 to help the restaurant. He allocated £10,000 for solar panels to reduce electricity bills and £5,000 for providing meals to those in need in the community.
The visit from Central Cee couldn’t have come at a better time for Umana Yana, especially after Southwark Council announced they would not be removing the telecom boxes. Debbie Monfries expressed her gratitude towards the rapper, stating that she never imagined the biggest rapper in the UK would visit her shop. She also mentioned how social media played a crucial role in bringing attention to their story and helping them survive.
In the video, Central Cee is seen cooking chana curry, chicken curry, and Guyanese paratha roti with Debbie. He listened to her advice on cooking healthier meals and shared a light-hearted moment with her in the kitchen. The rapper’s connection to the restaurant runs deeper than social media, as his father revealed that he used to visit Umana Yana.
Debbie Monfries was overwhelmed with gratitude upon receiving the donation from Central Cee. She described him as down-to-earth and friendly, thanking him from the bottom of her heart. The £15,000 donation will not only benefit the restaurant but also the local community, showcasing the positive impact of celebrities using their platform for good.
The story of Central Cee’s donation to Umana Yana highlights the power of social media in bringing attention to small businesses in need. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and generosity, especially during challenging times. The generosity shown by Central Cee towards Umana Yana is a shining example of how individuals can make a difference in the lives of others.