American streamer IShowSpeed has wrapped up his Kenyan tour, leaving many across the country curious about the internet sensation who drew massive crowds and online attention wherever he went.
Born Darren Watkins Jr., the 20-year-old rose to global fame through live streaming, building an audience not for polished gameplay but for his raw, unpredictable and high-energy personality.
Watkins began streaming while playing the basketball video game NBA 2K, but it was his exaggerated reactions, loud outbursts and comedic meltdowns that set him apart.
His profile surged further after a viral encounter involving football star Cristiano Ronaldo, whose longtime admiration by Speed became a defining part of his online identity. That moment helped propel him beyond gaming into mainstream pop culture.
As his audience grew, IShowSpeed shifted toward IRL (In Real Life) streaming, travelling to different countries and broadcasting his experiences in real time.
His content focuses on people, culture, food and spontaneous interactions, allowing viewers to experience destinations through an unfiltered lens. This approach has earned him a massive global following across YouTube, TikTok and X.
In late December 2025, Watkins launched his ambitious “Speed Does Africa” tour, announcing plans to visit 20 countries in 28 days. Kenya was among the stops on a list that also included Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Senegal and Zimbabwe. His African tour quickly became one of the most-watched phases of his career.
IShowSpeed’s impact has been recognised with several major streaming awards, including Breakout Streamer of the Year in 2022 and Streamer of the Year in both 2024 and 2025.
Industry observers often attribute his success to the authenticity of his content, as he reacts to situations live without scripts or filters, engaging directly with millions of viewers.
Beyond streaming, Watkins has become known for placing himself in unusual and high-profile challenges. While in South Africa, he attempted to race a cheetah, an incident that went viral after the animal startled him during the challenge.
Despite the scare, Speed pushed on, reinforcing the fearless persona that has become central to his brand.
His sports-related appearances have included races against Olympic champion Noah Lyles and former footballer Jamie Carragher.
In Kenya, he met javelin star Julius Yego, who introduced him to the basics of the sport, while elsewhere he has trained with elite athletes such as Tom Brady and Kevin Durant in his “Speed Goes Pro” series. During a stop in Zambia, his swim at the famous Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls attracted global attention.
Watkins’ African tour has also influenced perceptions of the continent, particularly among younger Western audiences.
Through his streams, he showcased everyday life, hospitality and safety in cities and communities across Africa, challenging long-held stereotypes. Many viewers online have credited the tour with changing how they view travel to the continent.
In addition to streaming, IShowSpeed has found success in music. He reportedly became a millionaire at 16 after releasing his 2022 hit World Cup, which has amassed nearly 200 million views on YouTube. Another track, God Is Good, has also drawn tens of millions of views, further cementing his status as a cross-platform entertainer.