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15 Jul 2021

YouTuber and musician KSI on streaming success and racist abuse of England footballers

He made his name as a YouTuber – gaming, then doing comedy and became the most famous member of The Sidemen, a bunch of friends having a laugh online and making millions.

Then he pivoted to music, got millions of streams, and then bizarrely to boxing, taking on and eventually beating another famous YouTuber in America.

Now KSI has released a new album of music, the latest chapter in an amazing journey that makes him one of the most popular stars amongst young people.

Today, a culture select committee report called for a “complete reset” in the economics of streaming to help emerging musicians.

We sat down with KSI in his studio for a wide-ranging chat about his success and his support for England footballer Bukayo Saka over racist abuse this week.