KSI is leaving YouTube collective Sidemen. The content creator, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, revealed the news in a video posted on YouTube, saying his final Sidemen video would be released on 31 May. A day after the announcement, the farewell video has generated 2.5 million views.
“This is honestly the hardest video I’ve ever had to make in my life,” he said. “I’ve gone back and forth on this decision for a very long time. I’ve spent months trying to figure out what the right thing to do is. But after a lot of thought, I’ve decided that I will no longer be doing Sidemen videos. Today, 31 May, will be my final Sidemen video.”
The Sidemen, which was formed in 2013, includes KSI alongside Simon Minter, Josh Bradley, Vikram Barn, Tobi Brown, Ethan Payne and Harry Lewis. The group has built one of the largest audiences on YouTube, with more than 23 million subscribers.
Reflecting on his time with the group, KSI described the Sidemen as his second family. “Together we’ve done things I never thought were possible. We’ve sold out arenas, we sold out stadiums. We’ve broken records. We’ve made Netflix shows, we’ve done a lot and we’ve shared so many good moments on YouTube and those moments will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
The announcement comes as KSI continues to expand his business and media interests. He recently acquired a minority stake in Dagenham & Redbridge F.C. and earlier this month saw his team Prime FC win the third season of the Baller League UK Season 3 championship. He has also started to carve out a career on mainstream TV shows like ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.
