KSI Exits The Sidemen After 13-Year Run: What’s Next?

KSI, a globally recognized YouTube sensation, has announced his departure from the online group The Sidemen.

In a recent YouTube upload titled ‘I’m leaving the Sidemen’ shared with his 18.4 million followers, KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, expressed that he has been “stretched thin” over the past years and made it clear that the departure was solely his decision.

Speculation about the authenticity of the video swirled initially, but it has since been confirmed as legitimate. The other members of The Sidemen also released a statement expressing their sadness and surprise at his decision, promising fans that exciting new content is on the way.

KSI assured that there are no hard feelings between him and the remaining members, expressing gratitude towards them. Over recent years, his career has expanded from YouTube to include roles such as a judge on ITV’s ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, entrepreneurship, participating in high-profile boxing matches, and investing in the Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club.

KSI is undoubtedly the most famous member of The Sidemen, which is considered one of YouTube’s most prominent groups with a combined following of 140 million subscribers and a history spanning over a decade.

Lately, The Sidemen have been blending more with mainstream television. KSI’s role on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ has broadened his appeal, and The Sidemen’s ventures into reality TV with two seasons of their ‘Inside’ series on Netflix, alongside an American version, have been well-received. Furthermore, the upcoming ‘Sidemen Presents: SideMenu’, a culinary competition show, is set to premiere in a staggered release on both Prime Video and YouTube, although KSI will not be involved in this project.