Kevin Olusola

Pentatonix Beatboxer, Classical Fusion Artist & Expert on Creativity and Collaboration

  • Kevin Olusola is the beatboxer of the Grammy-winning Pentatonix, with over 20 million YouTube subscribers, 6 billion views, and multiple top-charting albums, including a #1 on the Billboard 200.
  • A pioneer of “celloboxing” — playing the cello and beatboxing at the same time — Kevin has won international competitions, gained recognition from media giants like CBS and Huffington Post, and was hand-picked by music legend Quincy Jones for the Montreux Jazz Festival.
  • A multi-instrumentalist prodigy who performed at Carnegie Hall as a soloist twice, Kevin has been recognized by renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma for his inventive “celloboxing” talents.
  • Kevin was named one of 100 “History Makers in the Making” by NBC.
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About Kevin Olusola

Kevin Olusola is a multi-talented artist best known as the beatboxer of the Grammy-winning a cappella sensation Pentatonix, boasting over 20 million YouTube subscribers and 6 billion views worldwide. A pioneering creator of “celloboxing” – the unique fusion of cello playing and beatboxing – Kevin transforms the boundaries of classical musicianship into a modern, dynamic experience that captivates audiences globally.

With roots bridging Nigerian and Grenadian heritage and a classical background from Yale University, Kevin combines diverse cultural perspectives with cutting-edge creativity. His innovation was recognized early by music legends including Yo-Yo Ma, Quincy Jones, and Pharrell Williams. Kevin’s viral celloboxing performance and Pentatonix’s multi-platinum success, multiple #1 Billboard albums, and three GRAMMY® Awards are testaments to his artistry and visionary entrepreneurship.

As a keynote speaker, Kevin addresses critical business challenges through themes such as innovation, creativity, teamwork, and cultural collaboration. He inspires organizations to embrace disruptive thinking by breaking down monumental goals into manageable steps with his “foundation + 1” methodology. Kevin demonstrates how cross-disciplinary inspiration fuels breakthrough ideas, encouraging brands to differentiate by looking beyond conventional horizons. Drawing on his global experiences, including his transformative time living in China, he champions soft diplomacy and authentic relationship-building as keys to successful leadership and innovation in today’s interconnected world.

Kevin combines musical performance with powerful storytelling to create highly engaging, bespoke presentations for Fortune 500 corporations like Nike, top universities such as Yale, and large-scale events globally. His talks help businesses unlock new growth by fostering creative mindsets, enhancing collaboration, and navigating change with confidence.

Talks

Lesson 1: "Foundation +1" - A formula for achieving audacious goals

In a captivating and rhythm-filled session, Kevin Olusola showcases the power of deconstructing grandiose endeavors into their essential components.

Introducing “celloboxing”, his one-of-a-kind fusion of playing the cello and beatboxing, Kevin demonstrates the power of innovation in real-time. Your audience will watch in awe as he introduces a foundation – a simple scale – and by iteratively adding just one new layer at a time, Kevin constructs a riveting, multifaceted performance.

This method, dubbed “foundation + 1”, is not only a testament to Kevin’s musical genius but also serves as a blueprint for organizations and individuals. When faced with monumental tasks or pioneering ideas, the formula offers a roadmap, breaking the immense into manageable increments. Audiences will grasp the magic and methodology behind turning the ordinary into the extraordinary – one step at a time.

Lesson 2: Emulate to Innovate - The Secret to Unlocking Unlimited Creative Ideas

Kevin reveals the roots of his distinct cello playing technique, drawing parallels to innovative thinking in the corporate world. Starting with his classical music upbringing, audiences will observe as Kevin demonstrates how a familiar pop song sounds when played with classical interpretations – complete with flowing transitions and intricate nuances. Taking it a step further, he then reinvents that same song by infusing attributes of an opera singer, weaving in elements like vibrato and intricate vocal runs.

The essence of his methodology is to draw inspiration from domains seemingly unrelated to one’s own.

This fresh approach, while musically exemplified, transcends to corporate strategies. Whether you’re looking to set your brand apart from competitors, or develop an fresh idea in a crowded market, Kevin drives home the idea that often, true differentiation lies in looking beyond the traditional horizons and borrowing elements from unexpected sources. Attendees are left with a clear message: To truly innovate, sometimes all it takes is the courage to draw connections between the unexpected.

Lesson 3: Disrupt Yourself - The Power of Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

Kevin discusses his transformative experiences during his living abroad time in China. In a land where the language and culture were initially foreign to him, Kevin unearthed profound lessons that have shaped his unique artistic vision and professional philosophy. He highlights the value of soft diplomacy – the art of rallying others behind your ideas through attraction rather than coercion — and how genuine human connections can transcend barriers. Through his explorations, Kevin also discovered how his creative endeavors fit into the vast mosaic of global culture, and it was amidst this rich tapestry that the groundbreaking concept of celloboxing was conceived.

For corporate audiences, Kevin’s experiences showcase the unparalleled growth that comes from embracing unfamiliar terrain, illustrating that disruptive innovation often springs from stepping out of your comfort zone. The lessons from his time abroad emphasize the importance of understanding diverse perspectives, fostering genuine relationships, and harnessing the potential of disruptive ideas.

Kevin’s narrative underscores a pivotal message for modern businesses: to build a truly disruptive company, you must first be willing to disrupt yourself.

Lesson 4: Own Your Instrument - Finding Harmony in Collaboration

As a member of the smash-hit a cappella group Pentatonix, Kevin Olusola has often emphasized the importance of collaboration and the transformative power of teamwork. Everyone has a role to play and each member of a team brings unique strengths and talents that contribute to the overall success of the group.

In this lively and interactive experience, Kevin demonstrates how to identify and harmonize the strengths of individuals for the benefit of the group as a whole. Drawing on his experiences in the music industry, where harmonizing diverse talents is paramount, Kevin leaves audiences with real-life anecdotes and practical strategies for individuals and teams striving to achieve a harmonious and synergistic working dynamic.

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Testimonials

Kevin's presentation was clear and engaging and his later discussions with students were highly interactive and informative.
Yale University
I had high hopes for Kevin's performance, but I didn't expect that my hopes would have been setting the bar too low. All in attendance were engaged throughout the performance and touched deeply. Kevin did more and stayed longer than he needed to, which was greatly appreciated. He is forever welcome and we would love to bring him back. We don't want him back just because of his accomplishments but because of who he is and how he influenced our campus.
Walla Walla University
Great night with Kevin. Amazing talent and humble. He was great with members and the conversation was insightful and entertaining. Glad everything worked out.
World 50
Kevin was the perfect addition to our event. Funny, intelligent, and incredibly talented. His performance captivated our audience but even more so, they were thrilled to hear Kevin talk through his unique story.
Fika Ventures
We had a wonderful day with Kevin. He is awesome and our audience loved him. Both performances were overflowing and well received!
Calvin College
His enthusiasm is infectious and the lessons he relays are invaluable for audiences looking to learn more about entertainment, business and life.
Forbes
Kevin was wonderful to work with and so talented. The guests really enjoyed the evening.
Chambers School