Kevin Olusola: From Pentatonix to Solo Success
- Before his Grammy-winning success with Pentatonix, Kevin Olusola's musical journey began unconventionally.
- That moment propelled him to global stages and collaborations with Quincy Jones.
- Olusola told Hudson, “I’m a part-African, part-Grenadian, cello-playing, Chinese-speaking Kentucky boy.
Kevin Olusola, known for his groundbreaking “celloboxing,” leaps into a solo career with his new album, Dawn of a Misfit. This genre-bending project boldly showcases Olusola’s unique blend of classical,pop,and beat-driven rhythms. He recently discussed his journey of self-discovery and embracing individuality on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” revealing the roots of his Pentatonix success and his path to becoming a solo artist. This article delves into OlusolaS evolution,exploring how his unconventional background shaped a global music phenomenon,bolstered by his viral “celloboxing” covers. Explore the story of how Olusola turned his uniqueness into a global success story and a powerful statement for all. News Directory 3 has the coverage. Discover what’s next for this musical innovator.
Kevin Olusola Launches Solo Career with Genre-Bending ‘Celloboxing’
Updated May 30, 2025
Before his Grammy-winning success with Pentatonix, Kevin Olusola’s musical journey began unconventionally. While a student at yale, his beatboxing talents were discovered in a dorm shower, leading to an invitation to join an a cappella group. “Honestly, I didn’t know it was called beatboxing,” Olusola said on “The Jennifer Hudson Show.”
That moment propelled him to global stages and collaborations with Quincy Jones. Olusola’s unique identity remained central to his work, culminating in his solo debut. His new solo album, Dawn of a misfit, embraces his unique background with confidence, blending classical, pop, and beat-driven rhythms.
Olusola told Hudson, “I’m a part-African, part-Grenadian, cello-playing, Chinese-speaking Kentucky boy. That’s my whole life, and I was bullied for all these things that made me, me.”
Olusola is known for “celloboxing,” a term he coined to describe playing the cello while beatboxing. He developed this skill during a language immersion program in beijing after a teacher challenged him to combine the two. Initially hesitant, he overcame his concerns about judgment from the classical music community. “I was thinking about the judgment I was going to get from the classical community… But I finally realized, in that moment, why am I limiting myself based off of other peopel’s expectations?” Olusola said.
Dawn of a Misfit represents a personal manifesto for Olusola. “Being a misfit doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’re original,” he told Hudson.The album reflects his upbringing and encourages listeners to embrace their own unique qualities. His parents, of Nigerian and Grenadian descent, supported his music while also hoping he would pursue a more traditional career path.
A Resonating Story
With pentatonix,Olusola has sold millions of albums,won multiple Grammys,and garnered billions of YouTube views. His solo cover of “Julie-O” went viral, solidifying “celloboxing” as an internet sensation. Now, Olusola is focused on creating music that reflects his multifaceted identity as a solo artist, husband, and father. His new solo album, Dawn of a Misfit is a celebration of culture, complexity, and carving your own lane.
“The thing that you’ve been counted out for,” he said, “is the exact thing that you’re going to need to change your world.”
What’s next
Olusola plans to tour in support of dawn of a Misfit, bringing his unique blend of classical, hip hop, and ‘celloboxing’ to audiences worldwide.