American livestreaming sensation Darren Jason Watkins Jr, better known as IShowSpeed, has broken YouTube records in Kenya, turning his first day in the country into one of the biggest digital moments Africa has seen in years.
Within hours of landing in Nairobi yesterday, IShowSpeed’s YouTube channel surged past 48 million subscribers, after gaining more than 360 000 new followers in a single day.
His livestream peaked at over 200 000 concurrent viewers, ranking among the largest live audiences ever recorded for a YouTube creator.
“I love you all so much. We gained 360 000 subscribers and reached 48 million. Kenya, we will never forget you. Kenya is number one right now,” Speed told his global audience during an emotional on-stream celebration.
The 20-year-old streamer is in Kenya as part of his 28-day “Speed Does Africa” tour, which has already taken him to South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
In each country, massive crowds have gathered to welcome him, with fans following his every move both online and on the streets.
Kenya, however, has emerged as a standout as his Nairobi IRL stream racked up 8.8 million views, the highest of the entire tour.
On day one alone, Speed toured Upper Hill High School, the Mukuru affordable housing project, Kenyatta Market, Uhuru Park, KICC, Nairobi National Park and capped the day with a helicopter ride over the city.
Viral highlights included riding in a safari rally car, experiencing Nairobi’s matatu (taxi) culture, cooking kenya’s beloved staple food, a stiff porridge made from maize flour called ugali and the layered flatbread known as chapati, as well as meeting Olympic javelin champion Julius Yego.
President William Ruto also personally welcomed the streamer with a heartwarming message that magnified the warm hospitality the East African country extended to the streaming sensation.
“Kenya is not just another country. “Kenya is a pulse, a feeling. Kenya is home. This is Magical Kenya, the Origin of Wonders,” said Ruto.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said the visit is reshaping Africa’s global image.
“He is turning Kenya’s story into a real-time experience and helping us tell African stories beyond stereotypes,” she said.
IShowSpeed’s popularity stems from his raw, unscripted energy, viral gaming streams, football obsession, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo, and his ability to connect instantly with Gen Z audiences.
Beyond entertainment, the tour is proving to be a powerful tool for digital tourism and cultural diplomacy, showcasing Africa’s cities, people and creativity to millions worldwide.
Speed is expected to continue his whirlwind tour with planned stops in Nigeria and Senegal, as Africa’s digital moment accelerates at record speed.
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