Is hard work the key to success? He may have started as a YouTuber, but now KSI rules over a kingdom of enterprises and media ventures, as well as an audience of tens of millions. He claims that his empire is built on nothing but hard work and perseverance.
The YouTuber who failed his A levels
Is hard work the key to success? He may have started as a YouTuber, but now KSI rules over a kingdom of enterprises and media ventures, as well as an audience of tens of millions. He claims that his empire is built on nothing but hard work and perseverance.
Named for the cultural period at the end of the Middle Ages, "Renaissance man" refers to an individual whose knowledge and skills span a number of disciplines.
The Italian polymathSomeone with a wide range of knowledge and learning. Leon Battista Alberti said in the 15th Century that "a man can do all things if he will". Leonardo da Vinci, for many the archetypalA perfect example of something. Renaissance man, was described as having a "feverishly inventive personality".
YouTuber and energy drink magnateA wealthy and influential businessman or businesswoman. KSI might have fit in as a Renaissance man. But while Alberti, for example, was a mere author, artist, architect, priest, linguist, cryptographer and philosopher, KSI's career spans the roles of social media influencer, boxer, musician, CEO, co-founder, entrepreneur, restaurateur, clothier, gamer, actor and more.
KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, started his rich career at the age of 15. In 2009, he started uploading gaming videos to YouTube.
He dropped out of sixth form college to pursue a career making YouTube videos. Soon, his fame ballooned: as of today, he has over 40 million subscribers across all of his channels.
He may have started on YouTube. But within a few years, he had transitioned into music, with successful rap albums charting in the UK; boxing, with highly-publicised matches against controversial YouTuber Logan Paul; and entrepreneurship, with a number of lucrative brands selling clothing, food and energy drinks.
His Prime brand of sports drinks, founded with another well-known online personality, was a particular hit. But the drink has generated controversy, with experts expressing concern that the beverages, which have a high concentration of caffeine, are marketed at children and adolescents. They are banned in several countries.
The 31-year-old from Watford aims for greatness. "People look at Michael Jordan and Ronaldo and Lewis Hamilton," he said in one interview. "I want to be up there with them."
KSI has faced backlash from fans after using offensive language in his videos. But he has been praised for his willingness to apologise with sincerity.
Some have even described him as a good role model for young people. He condemns Andrew Tate, speaks out candidly against racism and prides himself on his philanthropyGiving away (lots of) money to help people. .
What is behind his success? KSI puts it all down to industryAn area of business. In this case, companies like restaurants or food factories are all part of the food industry. and determination, saying that "hard work and self-belief can get you anywhere in this life". But others have their doubts. His success, they say, is built on exploitation of his audience - of their attention, their money, and now even their health.
Is hard work the key to success?
Yes: KSI is a perfect example of building your own success. Whenever he has seen an opportunity to enter a new field or start a new project, he has done so. This has helped to keep him relevant as a public figure, always offering his fans more content and opportunities.
No: KSI's career is built on exploitation. Prime energy drinks are a perfect example. People buy them because he convinces his audience that they need them, but they have far above the recommended amount of caffeine, create a dependency, and are marketed to children.
Or... What we should understand is that KSI is not a person so much as a brand now. When we talk about his success in a number of different areas, we should keep in mind that there is a huge team behind each of these ventures - it is not all just him.
Keywords
Polymath - Someone with a wide range of knowledge and learning.
Archetypal - A perfect example of something.
Magnate - A wealthy and influential businessman or businesswoman.
Philanthropy - Giving away (lots of) money to help people.
Industry - An area of business. In this case, companies like restaurants or food factories are all part of the food industry.
The YouTuber who failed his A levels
Glossary
Polymath - Someone with a wide range of knowledge and learning.
Archetypal - A perfect example of something.
Magnate - A wealthy and influential businessman or businesswoman.
Philanthropy - Giving away (lots of) money to help people.
Industry - An area of business. In this case, companies like restaurants or food factories are all part of the food industry.