International music artist, YouTube personality, and social media influencer KSI has signed a global recordings and publishing partnership with RBC Records/BMG.
KSI (which stands for Knowledge, Strength, Integrity) is the professional name of Olajide “JJ” Olatunji from London. KSI’s two YouTube channels have more than 28 million subscribers, accumulating a combined six billion-plus views.
KSI and music manager Mams Taylor, president of Premier League Entertainment, have partnered with BMG to further develop his music career in the US and internationally, as both an artist and songwriter. KSI is currently working on new singles, videos and an album. In addition to the upcoming new releases, BMG will be both administering and reissuing his catalogue recordings.
In 2015, KSI’s debut EP Keep Up debuted at No.1 on UK R&B Albums and No.13 on the albums chart. Earlier this year, KSI released the collaborative album New Age with Randolph, featuring guest appearances from British singer Talia Mar, grime MC Jme and rapper Quadeca. It made No.17 on the albums chart.
KSI has developed as an amateur boxer and will officially turn pro on November 9 in his first professionally licensed, headlining fight card at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The fight pits the reigning YouTube Boxing Championship titleholder in a widely publicised rematch against fellow YouTuber Logan Paul, following their first bout in 2018 that ended in majority draw.
KSI said: "I love that BMG stands for fairness and transparency. That's one of the things that appealed to me most about them. I am excited to take my music to the next level with them because they see my vision and believe in me."
Taylor said: “KSI has a uniquely incredible work ethic and underdog mentality. He manifests whatever he sets his mind to. As a human being he is consistently the nicest guy and for me it just makes the wins taste even sweeter when you work with someone you have love for. I also love how quickly BMG grasped that this guy is a winner. We are really happy to have them in our corner. They are open to out the box ideas and are both creative and innovative. I couldn't ask for a better home for KSI's music to flourish or a better team to support his growth as an artist.”
Brian Shafton, SVP recorded music, BMG, said: “KSI’s passion is music and as an artist he achieves everything he sets his mind to. He is a global artist with global appeal and together with BMG’s global network he’s now able to find new listeners and get his music heard by his millions of fans around the world.”
Thomas Scherer, EVP repertoire & marketing, BMG Los Angeles, said: “This is an exciting new innovative partnership that allows us to expand, diversify, and amplify KSI’s brand marketing and monetization across all platforms. Through our resources and infrastructure, we’re leveraging everything he has accomplished to elevate his career to a whole new level.”
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