Olajide Olatunji, known as KSI, is a multi-faceted English personality. He is famous as a social media influencer, professional boxer, and musician. His ventures extend to co-founding the Sidemen YouTube group, leading Misfits Boxing as CEO, and co-owning various businesses including Prime Hydration, XIX Vodka, Sidemen Clothing, Sides restaurants, and Best Breakfasts cereal.
June 1993: Birth of KSI
Olajide Olayinka Williams "JJ" Olatunji, better known as KSI, was born in June 1993.
June 1993: Birth of KSI
Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, known professionally as KSI, was born on June 1993 in London, England.
2008: KSI's First Foray into YouTube
KSI created his first YouTube account under the username "JideJunior" in 2008.
July 2009: KSI Creates His Current YouTube Channel
KSI registered his current YouTube account, KSI Olajide BT, on July 24, 2009, and began uploading FIFA gaming commentary videos.
2009: KSI Launches His Main YouTube Channel
In 2009, KSI launched his main YouTube channel, initially focusing on gaming commentary videos, particularly of the FIFA video game series.
2011: KSI Begins Producing Music
KSI started writing and producing comedy-rap songs for his YouTube channel.
2012: KSI's YouTube Channel Reaches One Million Subscribers
By 2012, KSI's YouTube channel had reached one million subscribers as he diversified his content to include vlogs and a wider variety of games.
2012: KSI Faces Backlash for Offensive Behavior and Allegations
KSI faced significant controversy in 2012 following allegations of sexual harassment and assault at a Eurogamer event. He was also criticized for his "rape-face" jokes. As a result, Microsoft cut ties with him, and he was banned from Eurogamer events. KSI later apologized for any offense caused.
October 2013: KSI Joins Maker Studios and The Sidemen
KSI signed with Maker Studios' sub-network, Polaris, and became a member of the British YouTube group, the Sidemen, in October 2013.
2013: KSI Continues to Face Backlash for Offensive Behavior
KSI continued to receive criticism in 2013 for his use of "rape-face" jokes.
2014: KSI Drops Out of Sixth Form to Pursue YouTube Career
In 2014, KSI decided to drop out of sixth form college to focus on his YouTube career, a decision initially met with disapproval from his parents, who later became supportive.
March 2015: KSI Releases Debut Single, "Lamborghini"
KSI released his debut single, "Lamborghini," featuring P Money, on March 23, 2015, which reached number 30 on the UK Singles Chart.
September 2015: KSI Releases Autobiography, "KSI: I Am a Bellend"
KSI's autobiography, "KSI: I Am a Bellend," was released in the UK on September 24, 2015.
October 2015: KSI's Book Tour for "KSI: I Am a Bellend"
KSI embarked on a book tour to promote his autobiography, "KSI: I Am a Bellend," which lasted until October 4, 2015. The book was also released in the US on September 29, 2015.
November 2015: KSI Releases "Keep Up" Single
KSI released "Keep Up," featuring Jme, as a single from his debut EP of the same name, which reached number 45 on the UK Singles Chart.
2015: KSI Participates in Charity Events
In 2015, KSI showed his philanthropic side by donating to a charity stream and participating in the Race Against Slime event to support those with disabilities.
2015: KSI and Deji Ranked Among UK's Top YouTube Influencers
KSI and his younger brother, Deji Olatunji (ComedyShortsGamer), were ranked first and second respectively as the "UK's Most Influential YouTube Creators" by Tubular Labs in 2015.
January 2016: KSI Releases Debut EP, "Keep Up"
KSI's debut EP, Keep Up, was released on January 8, 2016, through Island Records and debuted at number 13 on the UK Albums Chart and number one on the UK R&B Albums Chart.
April 2016: "Goes Off" Release
In April 2016, KSI kicked off his second EP, "Jump Around," with the release of "Goes Off," featuring Mista Silva.
July 2016: "Friends with Benefits" Release
July 2016 saw the release of "Friends with Benefits," the second single from KSI's "Jump Around" EP. The track, featuring MNDM, achieved notable success, reaching number 69 on the UK Singles Chart.
September 2016: "Laid in America" Release
September 2016 saw the release of "Laid in America," a comedy film starring KSI and Caspar Lee. The film received negative reviews.
October 2016: "Jump Around" EP Release
KSI released his second EP, "Jump Around," in October 2016 through Island Records. The EP featured collaborations with Mista Silva, MNDM, and Stefflon Don on the track "Touch Down."
2016: KSI Makes Acting Debut in Laid in America
KSI appeared in the British comedy film Laid in America in 2016.
2016: "KSI Unleashed" Game Release
In 2016, KSI launched "KSI Unleashed," a mobile game that was later removed from app stores.
2016: KSI and the Sidemen Start Charity Football Events
Beginning in 2016, KSI joined the Sidemen in hosting charity football matches, raising a significant amount for various charities over the years.
June 2017: "Creature" and "Space" EP Release
June 2017 marked a significant period for KSI's music career. He independently released "Creature," a single that reached number 100 on the UK Singles Chart and served as the precursor to his third EP, "Space." KSI dropped "Space" on June 30th, 2017.
August 2017: KSI Publicly Announces Departure from the Sidemen and Sparks Drama
KSI announced his departure from the Sidemen on Twitter, citing conflicts with Ethan Payne, and released diss tracks targeting his former group members, sparking an online feud.
November 2017: KSI Addresses Sidemen Drama, Calling it "Not Entirely Real"
KSI admitted that his falling out with the Sidemen was not entirely genuine.
2017: "Touch Down" Featured in "Baywatch"
In 2017, KSI's song "Touch Down," a collaboration with Stefflon Don from his "Jump Around" EP, was featured on the soundtrack of the film "Baywatch."
2017: KSI & Joe Weller Feud Begins
Towards the end of 2017, the online world witnessed the beginnings of a rivalry between KSI and British YouTuber Joe Weller. Their disagreements, primarily airing on Twitter and through diss tracks, set the stage for a highly publicized feud.
February 2018: "Uncontrollable" Release & Boxing Debut
February 2018 saw KSI release "Uncontrollable," a track featuring Big Zuu. The song, played during his ring walk for his boxing match against Joe Weller, added another layer to the event and subsequently charted at number 89 on the UK Singles Chart.
February 2018: KSI vs. Logan Paul Boxing Match
Following his bout with Joe Weller, KSI took on another challenge in the boxing ring in February 2018, this time facing American YouTuber Logan Paul. The match, categorized as a white-collar amateur boxing match, ended in a majority draw, leaving fans eager for a rematch.
February 2018: KSI's First White-Collar Boxing Match
KSI participated in his first white-collar boxing match against Joe Weller in February 2018.
February 2018: KSI vs. Joe Weller Boxing Match
Tensions between KSI and fellow YouTuber Joe Weller culminated in an amateur boxing match in February 2018. The event, held at the Copper Box Arena in London, aimed to resolve their public feud. The match gained significant attention, with KSI emerging victorious and further solidifying his presence in the world of entertainment.
August 2018: "On Point" Release
KSI released "On Point" in August 2018, using it as his entrance music for his second boxing match.
2018: "KSI: Can't Lose" Documentary Release
In 2018, the documentary "KSI: Can't Lose" was released, offering a behind-the-scenes look at KSI's journey to becoming a YouTube boxing star.
2018: KSI: Can't Lose Documentary Released
KSI: Can't Lose, a documentary film following the build-up to KSI's first boxing match, was released in 2018.
April 2019: "New Age" Album Release
In April 2019, KSI and Randolph teamed up for the collaborative album "New Age." This project debuted at number 17 on the UK Albums Chart and secured the top spot on the UK R&B Albums Chart.
November 2019: Signing with RBC Records & BMG
KSI's career reached a new level in November 2019 when he signed with RBC Records and BMG. This partnership aimed to elevate his music globally, starting with his highly anticipated debut studio album.
November 2019: KSI vs. Logan Paul II: A Professional Bout
KSI had his second boxing match against American YouTuber Logan Paul in November 2019, this time as a professional bout, which he won via split decision.
November 2019: KSI vs Logan Paul Rematch
In November 2019, KSI and Logan Paul had their highly anticipated rematch at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. This time it was a professional fight, promoted by Eddie Hearn, and without headgear. KSI, trained by Viddal Riley and Jeff Mayweather, won by split decision.
2019: KSI Ranked Among Top UK Influencers by The Sunday Times
The Sunday Times ranked KSI second on its list of the top 100 UK influencers.
May 2020: KSI Supports Food Bank Initiative
In May 2020, KSI actively participated in a food bank initiative to combat hunger, demonstrating his support for community needs.
May 2020: "Dissimulation" Album Release
May 2020 saw the release of "Dissimulation," marking KSI's debut studio album. This landmark project achieved significant success, reaching number two on the UK Albums Chart and charting in 15 other countries. "Dissimulation" earned the accolade of the UK's best-selling debut album by a British artist in 2020 and received gold certification from the BPI.
October 2020: "Really Love" Release
KSI dropped the first single, "Really Love," from his upcoming second album in October 2020. This track, featuring Craig David and Digital Farm Animals, soared to number three on the UK Singles Chart and earned gold certification from the BPI.
December 2020: KSI Supports Food for London Now Campaign
Continuing his efforts to address food insecurity, KSI prepared meals for the Evening Standard's Food for London Now campaign in December 2020.
2020: The Sunday Times Estimates KSI's Earnings
In 2020, The Sunday Times estimated KSI's earnings to be £12 million, highlighting his financial success in that year.
2020: KSI Releases Debut Album, Dissimulation
KSI released his debut studio album, Dissimulation, in 2020, which debuted at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart.
2020: The Times Names KSI Britain's Biggest Influencer
KSI was recognized as Britain's biggest influencer by The Times.
January 2021: "Don't Play" Release
January 2021 saw the release of KSI's second single from his forthcoming album. Titled "Don't Play," the track featured Anne-Marie and Digital Farm Animals. It debuted at number two on the UK Singles Chart, becoming his highest-charting single in the UK, and was certified platinum by the BPI.
February 2021: The Online Takeover Launch
February 2021 marked a pivotal moment for KSI as he expanded his influence within the music industry by launching his record label, "The Online Takeover." The label, created in partnership with his manager Mams Taylor, welcomed American-British singer Aiyana-Lee as its first signee. Aiyana-Lee had previously collaborated with KSI on the track "Killa Killa."
March 2021: Transphobic Incident and Apology
In March 2021, KSI faced backlash for using transphobic language in a Sidemen video. He later apologized.
March 2021: "Patience" Release
In March 2021, KSI released "Patience," the third single from his second album. Featuring Yungblud and Polo G, the track debuted at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and earned silver certification from the BPI.
March 2021: KSI Supports Comic Relief and COVID-19 Vaccine Efforts
March 2021 saw KSI contributing to Comic Relief and advocating for COVID-19 vaccination among Black British communities, showcasing his diverse philanthropic interests.
April 2021: "All Over the Place" Album Announcement
April 2021 brought exciting news for KSI's fans as he announced the release of his second album, "All Over the Place." The album, slated to drop on July 16th of that year, promised to be another landmark project.
June 2021: Misfits Boxing Launch
In June 2021, KSI launched Misfits Boxing, a promotional company created in partnership with Wasserman Boxing.
June 2021: "Holiday" Release
June 2021 saw KSI release "Holiday," the fourth single from the platinum edition of his album "All Over the Place." The track made a notable debut at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, marking KSI's then-highest-charting solo single.
June 2021: Filming Begins for KSI: In Real Life
Filming for KSI: In Real Life, an Amazon Prime Video documentary about KSI's life, began in June 2021.
August 2021: "Lose" Release & "All Over the Place" Deluxe Edition
In August 2021, KSI released "Lose," a collaborative track featuring American rapper Lil Wayne, as the lead single for the deluxe edition of his album "All Over the Place." This single not only peaked at number 18 on the UK Singles Chart but also achieved a significant milestone by debuting at number 86 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking KSI's first appearance on the renowned chart. The deluxe edition of "All Over the Place" was subsequently released on August 27th, further solidifying KSI's presence in the music scene.
2021: KSI Releases Sophomore Album, All Over the Place
KSI's second studio album, All Over the Place, was released in 2021 and debuted at number 1 on the UK Albums Chart.
2021: BRIT Award Nomination for "Lighter"
In 2021, KSI received recognition for his musical contributions with a BRIT Award nomination for "Best British Single" for "Lighter." The song, a collaboration with Nathan Dawe, became a chart-topper and one of the UK's top-selling tracks of 2020, reaching number three on the UK Singles Chart. It also received platinum certification from the BPI.
January 2022: Prime Hydration Launch
KSI and Logan Paul co-founded Prime Hydration, a beverage company specializing in sports drinks, drink mixes, and energy drinks, in January 2022.
May 2022: Collaboration with S-X & Yxng Dave Signing
May 2022 was a month of collaborations and expansions for KSI. It began with a feature on S-X's single "Locked Out." This collaboration led to S-X's first entry on the UK Official Charts, peaking at number 53. Continuing his entrepreneurial endeavors, KSI, alongside Proper Loud, signed Yxng Dave to The Online Takeover, marking the label's second artist. This strategic move showcased KSI's commitment to fostering emerging talent in the music industry.
July 2022: KSI vs Alex Wassabi Announcement and Cancellation
Originally, July 2022 marked the announcement of KSI's return to boxing against Alex Wassabi. The fight, set for August 27th, was to headline the first event under KSI's own promotional company, Misfits Boxing.
August 2022: KSI vs Swarmz
In August 2022, KSI faced Swarmz, a replacement for Alex Wassabi, at the MF & DAZN: X Series 001. This marked the first event for KSI's promotion, Misfits Boxing.
August 2022: KSI Fights Two Opponents in One Night
KSI fought and defeated rapper Swarmz and professional boxer Luis Alcaraz Pineda in the same night in August 2022.
October 2022: KSI: In Real Life Premieres on Amazon Prime Video
KSI: In Real Life, a documentary film following KSI's life from June 2021 to October 2022, premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2023.
October 2022: KSI Surpasses 10 Billion Views on YouTube
By October 2022, KSI had amassed over 41 million subscribers and over 10 billion views across his three YouTube channels.
2022: KSI's Charity Football Events Continue
KSI's commitment to charity continued as he participated in charity football events through 2022, demonstrating a sustained dedication to giving back.
January 2023: Misfits Boxing and DAZN partnership
In January 2023, Misfits Boxing secured a 5-year deal with DAZN, ensuring the distribution of their events, including two pay-per-view events annually.
January 2023: KSI vs FaZe Temperrr
Initially, KSI was scheduled to fight Dillon Danis in January 2023. However, due to Danis's withdrawal, KSI ended up defending his MF cruiserweight title against FaZe Temperrr at Wembley Arena, winning by first-round knockout.
January 2023: "Voices" Release
KSI welcomed the new year with the release of "Voices," a collaborative track featuring Oliver Tree, in January 2023.
April 2023: Racist slur Incident and Apology
In April 2023, KSI used a racial slur in a Sidemen video, leading to widespread criticism. He apologized and took a break from social media afterward.
April 2023: WrestleMania 39 Appearance
KSI appeared at WrestleMania 39 in April 2023, accompanying Logan Paul to the ring and getting involved in Paul's match against Seth Rollins.
September 2023: Forbes Ranks KSI as Second Top Creator of 2023
Forbes ranked KSI as the second highest-earning creator of 2023, with an estimated income of $24 million.
December 2023: KSI Faces IShowSpeed in Charity Boxing Match
In December 2023, KSI participated in a charity boxing match against IShowSpeed, turning their online rivalry into a positive event that benefited the Anthony Walker Foundation.
2023: KSI vs Tommy Fury
In 2023, KSI faced Tommy Fury in the MF & DAZN: X Series 10 – The Prime Card event. KSI lost the fight by a controversial majority decision, which was later changed to a unanimous decision. The event was one of the biggest boxing events of the year with 1,300,000 pay-per-view buys.
2023: KSI: In Real Life Documentary Released
KSI: In Real Life, a documentary film following KSI's life from June 2021 to October 2022, was released on Amazon Prime Video.
2023: KSI's Busy Year of Boxing
In 2023, KSI participated in three boxing matches: against FaZe Temperrr in January, Joe Fournier in May (which he won), and Tommy Fury in October (which he lost via unanimous decision).
2023: "KSI: In Real Life" Documentary Release
In 2023, Amazon Prime Video released "KSI: In Real Life," a documentary providing an in-depth look at KSI's life and career.
March 2024: SmackDown Appearance
In March 2024, KSI made another appearance for WWE on SmackDown alongside Logan Paul to celebrate Prime's partnership with WWE.