Olajide "KSI" Olatunji announced on May 31, 2026, that he is leaving the Sidemen YouTube collective [1].
The departure of one of the group's most prominent founders marks a significant shift for the digital collective. As a primary driver of the group's visibility and commercial success, Olatunji's exit may alter the content strategy and brand identity of the channel.
Olatunji has been a member of the Sidemen for 13 years [2]. He originally joined the collective in 2013 [2], helping to build the group into one of the most influential entities in the global creator economy. The announcement was shared via a video on the group's online platform and corroborated by several news outlets on Sunday [1], [3].
The Sidemen issued a statement following the announcement to address the transition [4]. While the group has navigated various internal conflicts and individual projects over the last decade, this formal exit represents a permanent change in the lineup. The collective has historically operated as a tight-knit group of creators who share revenue, and production resources—a model that Olatunji helped pioneer.
Details regarding the specific reasons for the departure were not provided in the initial announcement [1]. Olatunji has expanded his portfolio in recent years to include professional boxing and music, which have required increasing amounts of his time and focus. The group's remaining members now face the challenge of maintaining their audience engagement without one of their most recognizable personalities.
“KSI announced on May 31, 2026, that he is leaving the Sidemen YouTube collective”
The exit of KSI from the Sidemen signals a transition from the era of early YouTube 'collectives' toward individual brand diversification. Because the Sidemen's business model relies heavily on the chemistry and combined reach of its members, the loss of a founding pillar may force the remaining creators to pivot their content format to maintain their current viewership levels.
