Kevin Olusola

Renowned primarily for his contributions to the vocal group Pentatonix, Kevin "K.O." Olusola performs as a cellist, singer, and beatboxer. He entered the world in Pasadena, California, in 1988, with a father born in Nigeria and a mother born in Grenada. Music entered his life at age four through piano instruction, followed by cello lessons beginning at age six and saxophone study starting at age ten. During his school years he participated actively in orchestra, concert band, marching band, and jazz band, while also pursuing outside opportunities that included serving as principal saxophone on the United States Collegiate Wind Band's European tour and earning a performance slot at Carnegie Hall through the American Fine Arts Festival.

He continued his education at Yale, balancing premed studies with cello duties in the Yale Symphony Orchestra. During a study program in Beijing, China, Olusola created his signature "celloboxing" approach, layering rhythmic vocal percussion beneath cello lines. Back on campus, the same technique earned him second place in a contest organized by Yo-Yo Ma. He then began posting YouTube performances of cover material that highlighted this hybrid style.

A 2011 video of Mark Summer's "Julie-O" spread widely online and drew the notice of Scott Hoying, who recruited Olusola into the emerging a cappella ensemble Pentatonix. One week after completing his Yale degree, Olusola joined the group and took part in season three of NBC's The Sing-Off; the ensemble claimed the title and secured a contract with Sony Music. Olusola appears on every Pentatonix release, among them PTX, Vol. 1 (2012), PTXmas (2012), and PTX, Vol. 2 (2013), the last of which credits him as co-writer on three tracks. In 2015 he issued his first solo project, the EP Renegade, which blends classical, pop, hip-hop, and electronica elements across his cello, beatboxing, and vocal work.