Pentatonix beatboxer Kevin Olusola will visit UB on Feb. 10 as the university’s 50th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration keynote speaker.

The event will take place at 7 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre in the Center for the Arts, North Campus.

Olusola’s signature sound reimagines classical music through an ambitious modern sonic and lyrical lens while balancing his dynamic background of Nigerian and Grenadian heritage.

He is considered a pioneer of “celloboxing” — playing the cello and beatboxing at the same time — and has garnered international acclaim and recognition from music industry leaders including Yo-Yo Ma, Quincy Jones, Pharrell and countless others.

Olusola began developing this skill while a student at Yale, and in his senior year his celloboxing video, performing Mark Summer’s “Julie-O,” exploded on YouTube. With vocal arranger Ben Bram and vocalist Scott Hoying, he founded the a cappella group Pentatonix. After winning Season 3 of the NBC a cappella TV show “The Sing-Off,” Pentatonix went on to multiplatinum success — over 10 million albums sold — as well as several No. 1 albums, three Grammy Awards, film and television projects, sold-out arena tours and performances on iconic stages ranging from the Hollywood Bowl to the Kennedy Center. Pentatonix’s YouTube channel boasts more that 20 million subscribers and over 6 billion video views.

As a solo artist, Olusola has released three EPs — “The Renegade,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard traditional classical and classical crossover charts; “The Triptyq Sessions”; and “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” — as well as fan-favorite singles and collaborations. His debut solo album, “Dawn of A Misfit,” was released in May 2025. He was named one of the 100 History Makers in the Making by NBC’s TheGrio. 

As a speaker, Olusola’s captivating presentations cover themes ranging from innovation and creativity to teamwork and collaboration, all while weaving in stories from his inspiring personal journey.

Ticket range from $30-$50 and can be purchased online through Ticketmaster or in person at the Center for the Arts box office.

UB employees are eligible for discounted tickets, while supplies last. 

For more information, visit the Distinguished Speakers Series website.