KSI

Olajide Olayinka Williams “JJ” Olatunji, professionally known as KSI, is an English influencer, musician, and professional boxer, born on June 19, 1993, in London. He is a co-founder of the YouTube group Sidemen, CEO of Misfits Boxing, and co-owner of businesses such as Prime Hydration and Lunchly. KSI gained significant attention through his YouTube channel, which he started in 2009. His content began with gaming commentary, particularly focused on the FIFA video game series, before expanding into vlogs, challenges, and comedy-style videos. His rise in the digital world led to him being ranked second on The Sunday Times list of most influential online creators in the UK in 2019, and in 2021, he was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe Entertainment list.

KSI’s music career began in 2011 when he started writing and producing comedy rap songs. His breakthrough single, “Lamborghini,” featuring grime artist P Money, was released in March 2015. The song charted in the UK, and KSI followed up with the release of his debut EP, Keep Up, in January 2016. This EP topped the UK R&B Albums Chart and gained him further recognition in the UK music scene. He continued to release music, and by 2017, he was independently releasing tracks like “Creature,” which charted on the UK Singles Chart, and his EP Space, which topped the UK R&B Albums Chart.

In 2019, KSI made a major leap in his music career by signing with RBC Records and BMG, which led to the release of his debut studio album, Dissimulation, in May 2020. The album debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart and was the best-selling debut album by a British artist that year. The album’s success was propelled by singles like “Down Like That,” featuring Rick Ross, Lil Baby, and S-X, which charted in the UK and was certified silver by the BPI. His second album, All Over the Place, was released in July 2021 and debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart. This album was a commercial success, with singles like “Don’t Play,” featuring Anne-Marie and Digital Farm Animals, and “Holiday” becoming UK top-charting hits. The album was later certified platinum by the BPI.

Beyond music, KSI has also established himself as a boxer. In February 2018, he fought Joe Weller in a white-collar boxing match, marking the beginning of his boxing career. His rivalry with fellow YouTuber Logan Paul led to two high-profile matches, including a professional bout in 2019, where KSI won via split decision. KSI continued to make waves in boxing with victories over rapper Swarmz and professional boxer Luis Alcaraz Pineda in August 2022. In 2023, KSI faced additional challenges in the ring, including losses to Tommy Fury and victories over FaZe Temperrr and Joe Fournier.

As of 2024, KSI has continued to build his brand across multiple industries. His YouTube channel has over 41 million subscribers, and his influence has spread across social media and business ventures. His recent singles, “Low” and “Thick of It,” released in October 2024, continue to showcase his versatility as an artist. KSI’s career is a unique blend of digital influence, music, and sports, solidifying his place as one of the most influential and multifaceted figures in the entertainment industry today.