Social media star and Britain’s Got Talent judge KSI has announced his departure from YouTube collective Sidemen.
The 32-year-old, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, has been making soccer, comedy and challenge videos with the group since 2013.
KSI said in a YouTube post: “Honestly, this is the hardest video I’ve ever had to make in my life.
“I’ve been going back and forth on this decision for a very long time. I’ve spent months trying to figure out what’s right.
“However, after careful consideration, I have decided not to do any more Sidemen videos. Today, May 31st, will be my last Sidemen video.”
“When I say those words out loud, they don’t feel real. The Sidemen have been a big part of my life for over 12 or 13 years.
“For almost half of my life, these sidemen have been my second family. We’ve grown up together and traveled the world together.
“We built things that no one would have ever thought possible, especially back when we were making random videos together and playing GTA (Grand Theft Auto).”
In a statement posted by Sidemen on social media, the group said it was “sad to share the news” of KSI’s departure.
“We have had a great time on this journey with him and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” they said.
“This was a surprise for us and we know it’s an adjustment for you too, but we have a lot of exciting plans that we can’t wait to share with you.”
Appearing on Saturday’s final of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, the London-born star recalled the group’s early days on YouTube, saying: “We had no idea that tens of millions of people would be watching us on this channel.”
“Together, we’ve accomplished things we never thought possible. We’ve sold out arenas, sold out stadiums. We’ve broken records. We’ve produced shows for Netflix, we’ve done a lot, we’ve shared a lot of good moments on YouTube. Those moments will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
“Through the highs and lows of life, we’ve been there for each other. I’ve watched these boys grow into amazing men. I’ve watched them grow into fathers. I’ve watched them grow into husbands. And I’m so grateful to have been able to experience that journey with them.”
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“The truth is, nothing bad has happened. This decision is completely my own. Over the past few years, I’ve felt myself being pulled in more directions than ever before. In between everything else in my life, I feel like I’m running at full speed 100 miles an hour.”
He said he had “tried to be everything to everyone,” adding that as a result he “started to lose balance in my life” and found it “difficult to find time for my family.”
KSI went on to thank the other members of the group, Simon Minter, Josh Bradley, Vikram Byrne, Tobi Brown, Ethan Payne and Harry Lewis, saying they “deserve someone who can give 100%”.
“I want you to continue to support them, because they deserve it. They’re going to continue to do great things, they’re going to continue to create great content, and I’m definitely going to be watching along with you all,” he said.
“But for now, I need to focus on myself and on getting my work-life balance in place so that I can finally focus on my health and finally make time to see my family and see my partner.”
In addition to creating YouTube videos, the group launched its own fried chicken chain, clothing, alcohol, and cereal.
KSI began his YouTube career in 2008, creating videos of himself playing the FIFA video game. He then moved on to creating vlogs and comedy clips before turning to music and releasing two studio albums.
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