Who Is iShowSpeed, the Internet Star Visiting Rwanda?

American YouTube and Twitch star IShowSpeed, Darren Jason Watkins Jr., is expected to visit Rwanda in the coming days as part of his widely followed Africa tour.

The visit will mark his first time in Rwanda. Moreover, it is likely to place the country before a massive global digital audience, given Speed’s ability to attract millions of real-time viewers through livestreams.

His arrival has already generated excitement among fans, content creators and tourism stakeholders.

From Gaming Streamer to Global Phenomenon

At just 20 years old, iShowSpeed ranks among the most influential internet personalities of his generation.

He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and began posting gaming videos in the late 2010s. However, his career took off during the COVID-19 pandemic, when livestreaming exploded worldwide.

Unlike polished creators, Speed built his brand on raw energy, exaggerated reactions and unscripted humour. As a result, clips from his livestreams spread rapidly across social media platforms.

Over time, he expanded far beyond gaming. He moved into music, football commentary, IRL (in-real-life) streaming and international travel. Today, he commands tens of millions of followers across YouTube, Twitch, TikTok and X, while his live broadcasts regularly attract hundreds of thousands of viewers simultaneously.

Football, Music and Cultural Reach

Football plays a central role in Speed’s online identity. He is widely known for his admiration of Cristiano Ronaldo, a passion that helped him connect with global football audiences.

His influence has taken him to major sporting events, celebrity encounters and collaborations with elite athletes. In addition, his music releases have charted on streaming platforms, further expanding his reach beyond livestreaming.

Importantly, Speed’s appeal lies in his ability to blend entertainment with spontaneity. He often turns everyday encounters into viral moments, which keeps audiences engaged and unpredictable.

The Africa Tour: Unfiltered Storytelling

Speed’s “Speed Does Africa Tour” stands out as one of his most ambitious projects.

The 28-day journey, which began in December 2025, focuses on real-time storytelling rather than curated travel documentaries. By livestreaming his movements, interactions and reactions, Speed offers viewers an unfiltered look at African cities, cultures and daily life.

So far, he has visited several countries, including South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Angola and Eswatini. During these stops, he has interacted with local communities, explored urban centres, tasted traditional food and taken part in wildlife experiences.

His presence has consistently drawn large crowds on the streets, while millions follow his journey online.

ALSO READ: IShowSpeed Plans to Visit Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas

Rwanda on the Itinerary

Rwanda features prominently among Speed’s upcoming destinations. He confirmed the visit during a recent livestream, naming Rwanda alongside countries such as Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria and Senegal.

While in Botswana, Speed revealed that one of his key plans in Rwanda is gorilla trekking in the Virunga region, a comment that immediately excited conservation advocates and tourism stakeholders.

Sources also indicate that he is expected to appear during halftime at the FERWAFA Women’s Super Cup match between Rayon Sports WFC and Indahangarwa WFC at Amahoro Stadium on January 10.

Although his full schedule remains undisclosed, his Rwanda content is expected to include interactions with fans, exploration of Kigali and visits to cultural or natural landmarks.

Why His Visit Matters

Speed’s visit goes beyond entertainment.

With a global audience dominated by young people, his content has the power to reshape perceptions. Unlike traditional media portrayals, his livestreams present African countries through spontaneous, human-centred experiences.

For Rwanda, the exposure could spotlight tourism, conservation efforts and urban culture in a way that traditional campaigns rarely achieve.

A New Kind of Cultural Ambassador

Ultimately, iShowSpeed represents a new generation of digital storytellers. He does not rely on scripts, studios or edited narratives. Instead, he broadcasts life as it unfolds.

As he prepares to set foot in Rwanda, millions will watch in real time. For many, it will be their first encounter with the country—through the lens of one of the internet’s most influential personalities.