Olajide Olatunji, the social media sensation and Britain’s Got Talent judge known as KSI, has announced his departure from the popular YouTube collective Sidemen.
In an emotional YouTube video, KSI articulated the profound difficulty of his decision. "This is honestly the hardest video I’ve ever had to make in my life," he stated, revealing months of deliberation.
"I’ve gone back and forth on this decision for a very long time. I’ve spent months trying to figure out what the right thing to do is." He confirmed that his final Sidemen video was released on 31 May, adding, "Even saying those words out loud doesn’t feel real. The Sidemen have been such a huge part of my life for over 12-13 years."
He reflected on the group's journey, which began in 2013 with football, comedy, and challenge videos. "For almost half my life, this Sidemen has been my second family. We’ve grown up together. We’ve travelled the world together," he shared. "We built something that none of us ever thought was possible especially back then when we were making random videos together and playing GTA (Grand Theft Auto)."
The London-born star, who recently appeared on Britain’s Got Talent final, emphasised that his decision was not due to any internal conflict. "The truth is, nothing bad has happened. This decision is completely my own," he explained. He cited an overwhelming schedule and a struggle for personal balance as key factors.
"Over the last few years, I’ve felt myself being pulled in a lot of directions than ever before. Between everything else in my life, I feel like I’ve been running at full speed, at 100mph." He admitted to "trying to be everything for everyone" and consequently "started losing the balance in my own life," finding it "hard to find time for my family."
KSI expressed immense gratitude for the group's shared successes, including selling out arenas and stadiums, breaking records, and producing Netflix shows. "Together we’ve done things I never thought were possible," he said.
He also acknowledged the personal growth witnessed within the group, stating, "I’ve watched these boys grow into incredible men. I’ve watched them grow into fathers. I’ve watched them grow into husbands. And I’m so incredibly grateful to experience that journey alongside them."
He extended his thanks to the remaining members – Simon Minter, Josh Bradley, Vikram Barn, Tobi Brown, Ethan Payne, and Harry Lewis – asserting they "deserve somebody who can give 100 per cent."
He urged fans to continue their support: "I hope you’ll continue supporting the boys, because they deserve it. They’re still going to do amazing things, I know they’re still going to make incredible content, and I’ll definitely be watching alongside all of you."
Beyond their YouTube content, the Sidemen have diversified into various ventures, including a fried chicken chain, clothing lines, alcoholic beverages, and cereal. KSI, who began his YouTube career in 2008 with Fifa gaming videos before expanding into vlogs, comedy, and a music career with two studio albums, concluded by reiterating his need for personal focus. "But for now, I need to focus on myself, and I need to focus on fixing my work-life balance, just so I can finally focus on my health, and finally make time to see my family and make time to see my partner."
