HARARE — Social media sensation Darren Jason Watkins Jr., popularly known by his online pseudonym IShowSpeed or simply Speed, is set to visit Zimbabwe as part of an ambitious tour of 20 African countries, marking one of the most extensive continent-wide visits ever undertaken by a global livestreamer.
The 20-year-old American streamer, whose high-energy content has earned him millions of followers across YouTube, TikTok and other platforms, will tour South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
IShowSpeed rose to global prominence through his unfiltered livestreams, gaming content, music releases and viral moments, becoming one of the most recognisable figures in the digital creator economy. His African tour is expected to blend live streaming, cultural exploration, fan interactions and collaborations with local creators, offering real-time exposure of African cities, cultures and youth life to a massive global audience.
The inclusion of Zimbabwe has generated excitement among local fans and content creators, who see the visit as an opportunity to showcase the country beyond traditional media narratives. Analysts say the tour could provide significant soft-power value for participating countries, particularly in tourism promotion and youth-driven digital branding.
Watkins’ visit also reflects a broader shift in global influencer culture, with Africa increasingly becoming a focal point for content creators seeking authentic experiences and rapidly growing online audiences. Africa’s youthful population and expanding digital connectivity have made the continent an attractive destination for global streamers and brands alike.
While official dates and local event details are yet to be announced, anticipation continues to build across social media, with fans already speculating on possible locations, collaborations and live appearances during Speed’s Zimbabwe leg.
At just 20 years old, IShowSpeed is redefining the reach and influence of livestreaming, turning real-time digital content into a powerful global cultural force — one that is now firmly turning its lens towards Africa.
