Darren Watkins Jr., better known as IShowSpeed, has officially taken over the world of digital entertainment. As of early 2026, he is currently embarked on his most ambitious project to date: a whirlwind tour across the African continent.
1. Who is IShowSpeed? (Real Name & Bio)
Real Name: Darren Jason Watkins Jr.
Born: January 21, 2005 (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Age: 20 years old
IShowSpeed rose to fame through his high-energy gaming streams and his obsession with football icon Cristiano Ronaldo. Today, he is widely regarded as a “Cultural Ambassador,” using his IRL (In Real Life) streams to showcase different nations to his massive global audience.
2. Physical Stats: How Tall is IShowSpeed?
One of the most debated topics among fans is how tall is IShowSpeed.
- Official Height: Approximately 5’8″ (173 cm).
- Claims: Speed often jokingly claims to be 6’0″ or taller during his streams, but side-by-side comparisons with athletes and other creators confirm he is around the 5’8″ mark.
3. IShowSpeed Africa Tour (2025–2026)
Speed is currently in the middle of his “Speed Does Africa” tour, a 28-day journey covering 20 countries.
Africa Tour Schedule & Dates
- Start Date: December 29, 2025
- End Date: January 26, 2026
- The Goal: Streaming nearly one country every day.
Africa Tour Countries
The ambitious itinerary includes:
- North Africa: Egypt, Morocco, Algeria.
- West Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Benin, Liberia, Ivory Coast.
- East Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda.
- Southern Africa: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Angola, Eswatini.
IShowSpeed in Ethiopia
While Speed has not landed in Addis Ababa yet (as of January 4, 2026), Ethiopia is one of the most anticipated stops on the tour. Fans in Addis are already planning a “King’s Welcome” at Meskel Square. Speed has expressed excitement about exploring his “DNA roots” and the legendary Ethiopian coffee culture.
4. Where is IShowSpeed Right Now? (Jan 4, 2026)
As of January 4, 2026, IShowSpeed is currently in Cape Town, South Africa.
He rang in the 2026 New Year in the “Mother City” with a massive livestream that featured shark cage diving, a meeting with the Mayor, and wearing a Springbok rugby jersey. He is expected to move toward Johannesburg or Mozambique in the coming hours as part of his daily travel schedule.
5. Lifestyle & Net Worth 2025-2026
- Net Worth 2025/2026: Estimated between $15 million and $20 million. His wealth comes from YouTube ad revenue, massive brand deals (including Expedia), and his music career.
- Followers: Over 47 million subscribers on YouTube and tens of millions more on TikTok and Instagram.
- Private Jet: Speed does not officially own a private jet, but he frequently charters private aircraft (like the Cessna Citation III or Global Express) to move his crew safely between countries during his world tours.
- Where does he live? Speed maintains residences in Cincinnati, Ohio (his hometown) and Florida, though he spends most of his time traveling for his “Speed Does” world tours.
6. Quick FAQ Summary
| Query | Answer |
| Real Name | Darren Jason Watkins Jr. |
| Height | 5’8″ (173 cm) |
| Net Worth | ~$15–20 Million |
| Current Location | Cape Town, South Africa (Jan 4, 2026) |
| Streaming Platform | YouTube (@IShowSpeed) |
| Private Jet | Charters for tours; does not personally own. |