Named for the cultural period at the end of the Middle Ages, "RenaissanceThe "rebirth" of Western learning began in the late 15th century, as European scholars rediscovered ancient manuscripts and began to make developments in science and art. man" refers to an individual whose knowledge and skills span a number of disciplines.

YouTuber KSI might have fit in as a Renaissance man. But while the 15th Century Leon Battista Alberti, for example, was a mere author, artist, architect, priest, linguist, cryptographerSomeone who writes and cracks codes. 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 career at the age of 15. In 2009, he began 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 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 about their high concentration of caffeine. They are banned in several countries.

Despite this, some have described KSI as a good role model for young people. He condemns Andrew Tate, speaks out against racism and prides himself on his charity work.

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.

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.

Renaissance - The "rebirth" of Western learning began in the late 15th century, as European scholars rediscovered ancient manuscripts and began to make developments in science and art.

Cryptographer - Someone who writes and cracks codes.

Industry - An area of business. In this case, companies like restaurants or food factories are all part of the food industry.