Who is iShowSpeed? 5 things to know about the internet sensation – The Herald

US YouTube and Twitch star Darren Jason Watkins Jr, popularly known as iShowSpeed, has gone viral in SA after his popular streams on social media, with many locals eager to learn more about the man behind the screen. Speed recently visited SA as part of his highly publicised “Speed Does Africa” tour. The journey, which began in late December 2025, has attracted millions of live viewers as he explores the continent in real-time. Other than SA, he has also been to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Botswana, and Angola. During his stay in Cape Town and Johannesburg, Speed immersed himself in SA culture, trying traditional foods and collaborating with local celebrities. 1. The world’s top English-language streamer Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the 21-year-old rose to global fame during the Covid-19 pandemic. What started as a hobby in his bedroom has evolved into a massive entertainment empire covering gaming, football commentary, vlogs, and music. Known for his chaotic, high-energy, and often humorous streaming style, Speed boasts more than 47-million subscribers on YouTube and more than 43-million followers on Instagram. He won streamer of the year prize at both the 2024 and 2025 Streamer Awards. Reflecting on his rapid rise during an interview on
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