KSI, the social media influencer and Britain's Got Talent judge, has announced his departure from the YouTube collective Sidemen. The 32-year-old, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, had been part of the group since 2013, creating football, comedy and challenge videos.
In a YouTube post, KSI described the decision as the hardest video he has ever had to make. He said: 'I've gone back and forth on this decision for a very long time. Today, 31 May, will be my final Sidemen video.' He added that the group had been a huge part of his life for over 12 years and felt like a second family.
The Sidemen, which also includes Simon Minter, Josh Bradley, Vikram Barn, Tobi Brown, Ethan Payne and Harry Lewis, have 23 million YouTube subscribers. Their most popular video, a budget holiday challenge, has amassed over 100 million views. The collective has also launched a fried chicken chain, clothing, alcohol and cereal.
KSI reflected on their achievements: 'Together we've done things I never thought were possible. We've sold out arenas and stadiums, broken records, made Netflix shows.' He began his YouTube career in 2008 with Fifa videos and has since released two studio albums. Recently, he bought a minority stake in Dagenham & Redbridge football club and his team Prime FC won the Baller League UK season 3 championship.
