KSI Announces Departure from Sidemen: A New Chapter Begins

KSI's Departure from Sidemen

KSI, a prominent figure on YouTube, has decided to part ways with the Sidemen, the collective he has been associated with since 2013. This unexpected announcement surprised both his fans and fellow members of the group. In a heartfelt video shared on YouTube, KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, revealed that this was one of the toughest videos he has ever created. He mentioned that he had been contemplating this decision for quite some time, ultimately concluding that it was the right move. 'Today, 31 May, will mark my last video with the Sidemen,' he stated.

The news was later confirmed by KSI's spokesperson, addressing concerns from fans who speculated whether this was a genuine announcement or merely a publicity stunt.

Reasons Behind His Decision

KSI clarified that his departure was not due to any conflicts within the group. He emphasized that there were no negative feelings between him and the other members, and the decision was solely his. He expressed that he felt overwhelmed and stretched too thin, stating that he had been pulled in numerous directions over the years. KSI acknowledged that the other Sidemen deserved someone who could fully commit to the group, a role he felt he could no longer fulfill.

Despite his exit, KSI fondly reminisced about the group's journey, recalling their early days of creating spontaneous videos and playing Grand Theft Auto, never imagining it would evolve into a phenomenon with millions of viewers worldwide. He took a moment to express gratitude to each of his fellow members: Simon Minter, Josh Bradley, Vikram Barn, Tobi Brown, Ethan Payne, and Harry Lewis.

Sidemen's Reaction

The Sidemen expressed their surprise at KSI's announcement. In a social media statement, they conveyed their sadness over his departure but wished him the best, assuring fans that they have exciting projects lined up.

A Significant Moment in YouTube History

The Sidemen have established themselves as one of the most successful collectives on YouTube, boasting over 140 million subscribers across their individual channels. Their main channel alone has attracted 23 million subscribers. KSI, being the most recognized member, had just appeared as a judge on the finale of ITV's Britain's Got Talent the day before his announcement.