August 7, 2023
Content creation has become one of the most lucrative ventures in the past few decades. There are many inspiring stories of young people who have made a name and lots of money in the industry. Such is the story of influencer Olajide William Olatunji, alias KSI, a British Youtuber, rapper, boxer, and entrepreneur.
Rising from humble beginnings in the United Kingdom, influencer KSI has gone from being a college dropout to one of the most influential and successful internet personalities. With millions of followers across various social media platforms, his journey is an inspiring tale of tenacity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Where It All Began
influencer KSI started his first YouTube channel in 2008 and a second channel in 2009. This second channel has been the most successful.
He started creating content primarily centered around the FIFA video game series. His sharp wit, engaging personality, and comedic flair resonated with viewers, rapidly attracting a loyal fan base. As he honed his craft, the influencer diversified his content, experimenting with vlogs, challenges, and diss tracks, each new venture further fueling his growing popularity.
Despite his rising online fame, KSI faced the same challenges as many aspiring content creators—balancing his passion for YouTube and academics. With a steady income, KSI faced the difficult choice of pursuing a conventional path or following his passion.
However, he made a bold move to drop out of college and pursue YouTube full-time: a decision his parents disagreed with. Ever since, KSI has been producing videos consistently and connecting with his audience in an authentic and relatable manner.
The commitment paid off, and by 2013, he had attained one million subscribers on YouTube. He further fueled his growth through strategic collaborations with prominent YouTubers, such as Caspar Lee, Joe Sugg, and Sidemen.
As of August 2023, KSI’s main Youtube account has over 24.1 million subscribers and more than 41 million subscribers across his other Youtube channels.
Influencer KSI – the Music Industry
KSI has continued to evolve his content and expand his brand beyond YouTube. He ventured into music, releasing singles and EPs that garnered millions of streams and downloads. While initial reactions to his music were mixed, KSI’s resilience and willingness to learn from criticism allowed him to refine his skills, earning him respect in the music industry. Five of his singles have featured on the Top 5 UK Singles Chart. Moreover, he has also been featured in various documentaries and appeared in multiple films.
Influencer KSI – the Entrepreneur
In 2015, KSI launched his own merchandise line, offering fans a chance to connect with him beyond digital screens. The KSI brand took off, with fans proudly sporting his apparel and accessories worldwide.
He also established a talent management company, Proper Loud. Among his other ventures is Misfits Boxing, where he’s the CEO, Prime Hydration, Sides Restaurant, and XIX Vodka.
KSI the Boxer
One of the defining moments of KSI’s boxing career came in 2018 when he faced off against fellow YouTuber and boxer Joe Weller in a high-profile amateur boxing match. The event became one of the most-watched YouTube live streams ever, solidifying KSI’s status as a bonafide crossover star, transcending the digital realm to make waves in the mainstream. In this particular match, KSI won by way of technical knockout.
Inspired by his success in boxing, KSI made an audacious move in 2019. He challenged another popular YouTuber, Logan Paul, to a professional boxing match. The showdown happened in Los Angeles, drawing massive attention from fans and celebrities. The fight ended in a draw, setting the stage for a much-anticipated rematch in November 2019, which KSI won by a split decision.
Other popular KSI boxing matches include:
- The ” 2 fights1Night,” against Swarms and Alcaraz Pineda”: KSI won and retained the MF Cruiserweight title, respectively.
- Against Brazilian Youtuber FaZe Temperrr, which he also won
- Against Joe Fournier, which was ruled as a no contest
KSI is set to fight Tommy Fury on October 14 in Manchester.
Conclusion
Beyond the glitz and glamor, KSI’s journey from a college dropout to an internet sensation is a story of grit, determination, and innovation. He has shown that success in the digital age requires an unwavering commitment to one’s passions and a willingness to learn and evolve. KSI’s rise to fame has inspired countless aspiring content creators, proving that dreams can be turned into reality with perseverance and resilience, even in the most unconventional ways.
Read other inspiring stories from influencer Camila Coelho, influencer Alex Moe and Influencer Huda Kattan.
