Popular American streamer Dareen Jason Watkins Jr, better known as Ishowspeed, has set a unique milestone during his visit to Kenya by hitting a staggering 48 million subscribers.
Speed, who is in the country for his “Speed Does Africa Tour” for a 28-day tour, reached the milestone after gaining over 360,000 new subscribers for his YouTube channel while in Kenya.
The YouTuber livestreamed his entire first day in Kenya, straight from his trip from the airport and his visit to various sites across the city.
Judging by the sheer numbers who were available in Nairobi to meet him, IShowSpeed admitted the Kenyan tour was by far the most overwhelming, despite only being in the country for several hours.
American streamer IshowSpeed in Kenya
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IshowSpeed
“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 stated, celebrating the milestone.
His stream also garnered more than 200,000 viewers in real time, which is one of the most significant recorded numbers among YouTubers.
Among the places he visited were Upper Hill High School, Mukuru affordable housing project, the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Kenyatta Market, Uhuru Park, and the Nairobi National Park.
During his visit to Upper Hill School, the streamer met javelin star Julius Yego and also participated in a rugby game with the students. When he visited Nairobi’s CBD, he experienced the safari rally by racing in one of the vehicles. He also experienced Kenya’s public service matatu experience.
He capped off day one of the Kenyan tour with a helicopter ride overlooking the city, where he also caught a glimpse of the upcoming Talanta Stadium, which will be renamed the Raila Odinga International Stadium.
Before his visit, the Kenyan government welcomed him to the country. The Tourism Ministry welcomed him to experience the tourism nature of Kenya, with President William Ruto conveying a message to him.
“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,” Ruto stated.
Notably, the government was also represented during Speed’s first day as Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano had a brief interaction with the streamer at the KICC rooftop before he embarked on his helicopter ride.
Besides Kenya, the streamer has visited South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. He is also set to visit other countries, including Senegal and Nigeria.
He gained viral attention in 2021 for his gaming outbursts and barking behaviour and his obsession with football star Cristiano Ronaldo.
A collage of American YouTuber IshowSpeed during his Kenyan tour
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IshowSpeed