Who is IShowSpeed? Global streaming sensation touring Kenya
American streaming sensation IShowSpeed, popularly known as Speed, sent Kenyan social media into a frenzy after livestreaming his in-real-life (IRL) tour of Nairobi City.
The world’s top English-speaking streamer, who is currently on his Africa tour dubbed “Speed Does Africa,” received a special welcome from President William Ruto on Sunday through a video message assuring him that “Kenya is home. This is Magical Kenya.”
Speed, born Darren Watkins Jr., has experienced meteoric growth, amassing more than 48 million subscribers on YouTube. He made history as the first English-speaking streamer to surpass one million live viewers during a single livestream. His IRL broadcasts have taken him across Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and now Africa.
He began streaming in 2020 at just 15 years old from his bedroom in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, initially attracting only a handful of viewers while playing video games such as Fortnite and FIFA. His eccentric personality, outspoken nature, and unfiltered moments quickly set him apart, drawing millions to his high-energy livestreams.
In 2023, Speed took his content beyond the confines of his bedroom and the United States, embarking on international tours. His visit to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, marked a major milestone when he drew over one million concurrent viewers during a livestream.
Like many gamers, Speed first streamed on Twitch before transitioning to YouTube. He was indefinitely banned from Twitch in late 2021 but was reinstated two years later following sustained lobbying from fellow streamers, including Kai Cenat, and direct appeals to Twitch CEO Dan Clancy.
Top streamers in Speed’s category include Kai Cenat and Ninja from the United States, as well as Ibai Llanos, AuronPlay, and Rubius from Spain. Audiences in this space typically tune in to watch creators take on challenges, play video games, or simply livestream their daily lives for hours on end. Kai Cenat, for instance, is known for record-breaking subathons, which are extended livestreams whose duration increases with viewer engagement through subscriptions and donations.
True to his name, Speed has cultivated an image as an athletic, high-energy creator. He once challenged Olympic champion and American sprinter Noah Lyles to a race, narrowly losing. In a 2024 interview with Jon Youshaei, Speed even claimed he has the potential to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, saying:
“I have speed in my legs; I just need the technique. The 2028 Olympics are only three years away, I have time.”
Speed is also an ardent fan of Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo. He has Ronaldo’s portrait tattooed on his arm and has adopted the footballer’s iconic “Siuuu” celebration as part of his on-stream persona.
During his 28-day Africa tour, which aims to cover 20 countries, Speed has already visited South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and now Kenya. Upcoming stops include Algeria, Benin, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Zambia.
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