Faith Nyasuguta
Global YouTube sensation Darren Jason Watkins Jr, popularly known as IShowSpeed, marked a historic moment on Sunday, January 11, during his first day in Kenya, as his channel surpassed 48 million subscribers worldwide. The milestone was reached just hours after he landed in Nairobi, showcasing the massive global attention surrounding his visit and online influence.
The surge in numbers was swift and remarkable. More than 360,000 new subscribers joined his channel during his time in Kenya alone, reflecting the excitement generated by his arrival. Speed is in the country as part of his 28-day “Speed Does Africa Tour,” a continent-wide journey he has been livestreaming almost continuously. From the airport to Nairobi’s streets, fans followed every move both physically and online, turning his first day into a city-wide spectacle.
During a celebratory moment on his livestream, Speed openly expressed his gratitude to supporters. He said, “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.” At its peak, the livestream attracted more than 200,000 concurrent viewers, ranking among the largest live audiences ever recorded for a YouTuber. The buzz extended to social media, where his name was mentioned over 142,000 times on X by Sunday afternoon.
As the day progressed, Speed continued exploring Nairobi while remaining live on stream. His stops included Upper Hill High School, the Mukuru affordable housing project, the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Kenyatta Market, Uhuru Park, and Nairobi National Park. At each location, crowds gathered to cheer, wave, and capture the moment as he interacted with fans and soaked in the city’s energy.
At Upper Hill High School, Speed met Olympic javelin champion Julius Yego, adding a notable sporting highlight to the day. Later, in Nairobi’s Central Business District, he took part in the Safari Rally experience, riding in a rally car to the delight of viewers. He also embraced Nairobi’s iconic matatu culture, reacting enthusiastically as the experience unfolded live.
The day concluded with a helicopter tour over Nairobi, offering a panoramic view of the city. From the air, Speed spotted the under-construction Talanta Stadium, which is expected to be renamed Raila Odinga Stadium.
Ahead of his arrival, Kenyan leaders extended a warm welcome. President William Ruto addressed him, saying, “Jambo, IShowSpeed, welcome to Kenya, karibu Kenya. Kenya is not just another country; Kenya is a pulse, a feeling. Kenya is home. This is magical Kenya, the origin of wonders.” Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano also briefly met Speed at the KICC rooftop before his helicopter ride.
Kenya is one of several destinations on Speed’s Africa tour, following visits to South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, with Senegal and Nigeria next on his itinerary.
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