IShowSpeed rings in 2026 with an electrifying New Year’s Eve stream in Cape Town
IShowSpeed electrified Cape Town with a thrilling New Year’s Eve stream, celebrating the countdown to 2026 with fans across the globe.
Image: Megan Briggs/Getty Images/AFP
American YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed has brought his electrifying brand of entertainment to South Africa.
The 20-year-old internet personality, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., touched down in Cape Town as part of his massive “Speed Does Africa” tour — a 28-day streaming journey across nearly 20 countries on the African continent.
IShowSpeed rang in 2026 from one of Cape Town’s most iconic spots, with his New Year’s Eve stream drawing thousands of viewers across platforms as fans tuned in to celebrate the countdown together.
On stream, he was spotted sporting a South African Springbok rugby jersey, which was a hit with his local fans.
IShowSpeed’s fans have been sharing moments from his stream on other social media platforms, engaging with the things he is doing in Mzansi, such as going shark diving,
During his eight-hour New Year's Eve stream in Cape Town, IShowSpeed and his crew showed off the portable Starlink setup, which is said to be perfect for live broadcasts from remote African safaris.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, IShowSpeed first rose to fame through high-energy gaming livestreams and reaction content on YouTube, known for his unpredictable personality and ability to turn even mundane moments into internet gold.
His channel now boasts around 47 million subscribers, with billions of total views globally, making him one of the most followed online creators in the world.
Speed's energy has helped him secure accolades such as Streamer of the Year awards, and his streams have broken viewership records, including a historic milestone where he garnered over a million concurrent live viewers in Indonesia.
IOL