An A-level student has raised more than £25,000 for a homeless man after a video of his polite reaction to being heckled on the street went viral.
The man, identified as Akwasi, 29, was filmed reacting calmly to passers-by, who have not been identified, after they tried to make fun of him and said he was ‘Stormzy’ as he ‘begged’ outside London’s Liverpool Station before tossing him 5p.
The video, which was filmed by an unknown person, was shared on Twitter by London-based student Najma Abdilahi, who said she was impressed by how he had remained ‘very calm’ and ‘very polite’ in the face of ‘disrespect’.
The clip has since been viewed more than 2.3million times and the GoFundMe campaign launched by Najma has received more than £25,000 in donations in just 24 hours.
Stormzy’s manager has also been in touch with Najma, although she did not discuss the details of their exchange.
The man, identified as Akwasi, 29, was filmed calmly telling passers-by, who have not been identified, that he ‘is not Stormzy’ after they tried to taunt him outside Liverpool Station before tossing him 5p (left). Right, Akwasi in a video thanking well-wishers for their generous support
The video, which was filmed by an unknown person, was shared on Twitter by London-based student Najma Abdilahi, who said she was impressed by how he had remained ‘very calm’ and ‘very polite’ in the face of ‘disrespect’. Najma, pictured, launched a fundraising campaign
The homeless man who was compared to Stomrzy has since had more than £24,000 raised for him. Stormzy is pictured at KISS FM in December 2019. His manager has contacted Najma
In the original clip, which was first posted to TikTok, a man behind the camera tell Akwasi: ‘Brother, I listen to all your songs’.
Akwasi quickly clarifies he’s not Stormzy, ‘ ‘I just look like him, I’m from the same country, everyone calls me Stromzy, but I’m not, I swear on my mum’s life. I’m out here begging.’ The man filming then gives Akwasi 5p.
Writing on her GoFundMe, Najma explained she was moved by Akwasi’s polite and composed reaction to his treatment.
She wrote: ‘As some you may have seen the video of “Stormzy lookalike” as it has sparked some outrage.
‘I will be raising money to go and donate to him. This money will go towards finding him a stable place and will help him with any financial problems he may have. The man very humble and very polite to the disrespect that was shown to him.
‘May he be blessed with the money that he receives. He’s homeless so this money is going towards helping him get back on his feet and hopefully be the kickstart he needs for the future. He’s located at Liverpool Street Station. If you see him please be kind and generous.’
The clip has since been viewed more than 2.3million times and the GoFundMe campaign launched by Najma has received more than £25,000 in donations in just 24 hours, pictured
The fundraiser was shared on Twitter and received celebrity backing, with reality TV star Lateysha Grace and Love Island winner Amber Rose Gill throwing their support behind the cause.
FEMAIL has contacted Najma and GoFundMe for comment.
Najma later shared an update, saying: ‘I just wanna say thank you for all the help and support and all the positive messages.’
In a video posted by Najma after raising the money, Akwasi introduces himself and thanks people for their generous donations.
Najma, who set up the fundraiser, has since taken to Twitter to thank everyone for raising the money
‘I really appreciate all the help and support that I’m getting. Thanks a lot, I hope to see you guys soon, respect and god bless.’
As well as money, people offered Akwasi shelter, jobs and clothes.
Hundreds of people have thrown their support behind the campaign, and praised Najma for her efforts.
‘I’m a mental health support worker and I would gladly talk to him about what we can do to tackle his obstacles and try to find housing, apply for benefits, get him back on his feet etc. Please feel free to reach out to me!’ offered one.
The fundraiser has got celebrity backing, with reality TV star Lateysha Grace and Love Island winner Amber Rose Gill throwing their support behind the cause
‘I was gutted to see he was put on social media, was homeless, so lovely and polite but only got given 5p. I rarely carry cash, I get it but that broke me. Well done for doing this,’ said another.
‘You’re an absolute angel for this! May God bless you with so much purely for this act of kindness,’ commented a third.
‘The power of twitter from having 5p to almost 20k. Just shows we could do a lot together instead of bringing each other down,’ tweeted another.
‘Honestly amazing!! Well done my friend, you changed this man’s life in the matter of hours, we need more like you,’ one said.
Rapper Stormzy, 27 – real name, Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr – was born in London to a Ghanaian mother.
He has won multiple awards for his critically acclaimed albums Gang Signs and Prayer and Heavy is the Head.
Hundreds of people have thrown their support behind the campaign, and praised Najma for her efforts