Kevin Olusola
Pentatonix Beatboxer & Expert on Creativity and Collaboration
Biography
• 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. Kevin “K.O.” Olusola is best known as the beat boxer of the Grammy-winning vocal quintet Pentatonix. The winners of season 3 of NBC's The Sing-Off have more than 10 million YouTube subscribers (more than both Avicii and Beyoncé) and over 1.4 billion cumulative views. Pentatonix’s most recent release is the fourth studio album, Pentatonix. The album was released in October 2015 and is the group's first #1 album on the Billboard 200 chart. Their platinum-selling That’s Christmas to Me, was the #1 holiday album in the country and featured the title track written wholly by the group. Their music video for “Daft Punk” has been viewed more than 181 million times and the medley earned the group their first Grammy win. To date, Pentatonix has released 4 studio albums, each landing in the top 15 of Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart and cumulatively selling roughly 1.5 million albums. Kevin grew up in the small town of Owensboro, Kentucky, the son of a Nigerian psychiatrist and a Grenadian nurse. At an early age, Kevin began learning piano, cello and saxophone. He performed at Carnegie Hall twice as soloist on the cello and saxophone and has appeared on NPR’s From The Top. After finishing high school at Phillips Academy Andover, Kevin enrolled in Yale University where he was pre-med and majored in East Asian Studies. He spent 18 months in Beijing becoming fluent in Chinese as a part of his Yale fellowship. While in college, Kevin began developing his “celloboxing” skills and in 2009, he won second place in the “Celebrate and Collaborate with Yo-Yo Ma” international competition. Ma would call Kevin's celloboxing version of "Dona Nobis Pacem" both “inventive and unexpected.” In 2011, Kevin’s “Julie-O” celloboxing YouTube video was featured by CBS, AOL, Huffington Post and Washington Post, among others. Kevin was also named one of 100 “History Makers in the Making” by NBC’s TheGrio and was hand-chosen by Quincy Jones to represent him in concert at the 2012 Montreux Jazz Festival alongside Bobby McFerrin and Chick Corea.
Speech Topics
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.
Disrupt Yourself, Disrupt Your World: 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.
Emulate to Innovate: The Secret to Unlocking an Unlimited Source of 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.
Foundation +1: A Formula for Achieving Your Most 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.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Kevin Olusola's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Kevin Olusola's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Kevin Olusola's speaking fee?
The typical range for Kevin Olusola's speaking fee is $35,000–$63,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Kevin Olusola to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Kevin Olusola for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Kevin Olusola's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
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Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Kevin Olusola through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
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