Like the saying goes, “man proposes but God disposes.” Kevin Olusola would have probably been in a hospital, attending to patients right now, little did he know that his creator had other plans for him.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Although Kevin’s connection to music began almost at birth, he had the desire to study Medicine. Born in Pasadena, California, to a Nigerian father, Oluwole Olusola, a psychiatrist, and a Grenadian mother, Curline Paul, a nurse, Kevin showed musical talent from a very young age. His parents recognized this early, encouraging him to learn the piano at age 4. He later picked up the cello by age 6, and added the alto saxophone to his repertoire by age 10. Growing up in Owensboro, Kentucky, Kevin performed excellently in school and community music programs, exploring classical, jazz, and orchestral traditions.
A Natural Talent in the Spotlight
By the age of 12, Kevin had already established himself as a standout young musician. He was selected as the principal saxophonist for the United States Collegiate Wind Band, touring Europe and gaining early international experience. He also became the principal cellist of the Kentucky State Youth Orchestra and earned the highest honors at the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts. His achievements culminated in two performances at Carnegie Hall, first as a pianist in a trio, and later as a soloist on the alto saxophone for PBS’s special “From the Top at Carnegie Hall.”
The Birth of “Celloboxing”
Kevin’s career took a significant turn during his time at Yale University, where he was a principal cellist with the Yale Symphony Orchestra. A pivotal moment came when, during a Harvard summer program in Beijing, one of his teachers suggested he combine his cello skills with beatboxing. This fusion of classical cello and modern beatboxing was later dubbed “Celloboxing.” This became Kevin’s unique trademark. His talent shone through when he was a runner-up in Yo-Yo Ma’s “Celebrate and Collaborate With Yo-Yo Ma” competition, with Ma himself praising Kevin’s inventive approach to blending genres.
Viral Success and Joining Pentatonix
Now, here is where it gets more interesting. Kevin’s “celloboxing” performance of Mark Summer’s “Julie-O” in 2011 quickly went viral, showcasing his ability to merge the traditional with the contemporary. As the video gained traction, it caught the attention of Scott Hoying, who was forming the acapella group Pentatonix. Of course, Kevin joined the group and his groundbreaking cello-beatboxing style became a signature element of their music. This distinctive sound helped Pentatonix win Season 3 of NBC’s The Sing-Off in 2011, earning a recording contract and a $200,000 prize. Their debut EP, PTX, Volume 1, charted at No. 14 on the Billboard 200, solidifying Kevin’s place in the world of modern music.
A Fearless Innovator Across Genres
Beyond his contributions to Pentatonix, Kevin has continued to push musical boundaries. His mastery of classical, jazz, pop, and electronic music has enabled him to navigate diverse musical spaces with ease. His fluency in Mandarin Chinese, a skill acquired during his academic studies in Beijing, underscores his intellectual curiosity and global outlook, bringing an international dimension to his artistry.
The Heart and Soul of a Musical Pioneer
Kevin’s rare talent is not only about technical excellence across multiple instruments; it is his fearless innovation that sets him apart. His creation of “celloboxing” has redefined how classical and contemporary genres can intersect, establishing him as a visionary in the music industry. As a committed Seventh-day Adventist, Kevin’s work is infused with a sense of spirituality and purpose, adding depth to his musical expression. His balance of intellectual rigor, creativity and emotional authenticity has made Kevin a unique figure, a true pioneer who continues to explore and expand the possibilities of music.
A Lasting Impact on Modern Music
Kevin’s journey, from a musically gifted child to a global Icon, underscores a story of creativity and an unending drive to innovate. His dedication to transforming sound, merging genres, and pushing the boundaries of what music can be has left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring musicians and listeners alike.
Did Kevin ever make you look forward to the Christmas season because of “Hallelujah” by Pentatonix? Then see more of him here.
You must be logged in to post a comment.