KSI leaves Sidemen YouTube group after 13 years for personal wellbeing

KSI has left the Sidemen after 13 years. This is the first major change for the group since they started.
By Newsroom | Entertainment, Social Media |

Olajide "KSI" Olatunji has announced his departure from the Sidemen, the prominent YouTube collective he co-founded over 13 years ago. The decision, confirmed by his spokesperson, signals a significant shift for both the individual creator and the group.

Olatunji stated the move stems from a need to prioritize his "personal wellbeing" and address difficulties in balancing his extensive commitments with time for himself and his family. He described the exit as "painful" but necessary, emphasizing that "nothing bad has happened" and the decision is entirely his own.

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While Olatunji's departure marks the group's most significant personnel change, the remaining Sidemen indicated that "it doesn’t change anything for the rest of us" and they intend to continue producing content and staging events. The news initially met with some skepticism from fans who suspected a publicity stunt, but subsequent tributes suggest a broader understanding of his reasons.

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Olatunji, known globally for his multi-faceted career, has expanded his reach beyond YouTube. His ventures include music, a retired boxing career, and a recent investment in Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club. His increased public profile, notably with his role as a judge on Britain's Got Talent, appears to coincide with this personal re-evaluation.

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The Sidemen, formed in 2013, have achieved considerable success, evolving from individual YouTubers into a powerful media entity. Their collective journey has encompassed sold-out arena shows, Netflix productions, and highly publicized charity football matches. Olatunji reflected on this shared history, noting the personal growth of the group members, from their early days to now becoming husbands and fathers.

Notably, some Sidemen members reportedly expressed surprise at Olatunji's announcement, learning of his decision through his public statement. Despite the unexpected nature of the exit for some, the group extended well wishes for his future endeavors. Olatunji's decision to step back comes after a period of intense activity, including his retirement from professional boxing earlier this year.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did KSI leave the Sidemen YouTube group?
Olajide Olatunji, known as KSI, announced his departure from the Sidemen after 13 years to focus on his personal wellbeing and balance his many commitments. He stated that nothing bad happened and the decision was his own.
Q: What does this mean for the other Sidemen?
The remaining Sidemen members have stated that KSI's departure does not change anything for them and they plan to continue making content and holding events as usual.
Q: How did other Sidemen members react to KSI's departure?
Some Sidemen members were reportedly surprised by KSI's announcement, having learned of his decision through his public statement. The group still wished him well for his future.
Q: What has KSI been doing besides the Sidemen recently?
KSI has been busy with his music, a retired boxing career, investing in Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club, and recently became a judge on Britain's Got Talent. He retired from professional boxing earlier this year.