News / National
IShowSpeed sparks chaos in Harare CBD
07 Jan 2026 at 20:22hrs |
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The central business district (CBD) of Harare was brought to a standstill on Tuesday as American YouTuber Darren Jason Watkins Jr, widely known as IShowSpeed, made a high-profile appearance in the city as part of his ongoing Africa tour.
Dubbed Speed Does Africa, the tour covers 20 African countries in 28 days, and Zimbabwe marked one of the key stops. Watkins, who arrived in Harare on Monday night, drew massive crowds as he moved through the CBD, with pedestrians and onlookers abandoning their workplaces to catch a glimpse of the internet sensation.
Traffic in the city slowed to a crawl as fans flooded the streets, filming and cheering the YouTuber. Security was heightened, with bouncers and police officers forming barricades around him. Journalists and local content creators were denied access during a stop at the Mbuya Nehanda statue, where thousands had gathered.
IShowSpeed was escorted by a convoy of luxury vehicles, including Rolls-Royces and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons owned by prominent local figures. After touring the city centre, he visited a local restaurant before proceeding to the Trabablas Interchange, another hotspot that drew large crowds.
His Zimbabwe visit follows earlier stops in South Africa, Mozambique, and Botswana, where his appearances also generated widespread attention. Videos from Harare have since gone viral on social media, capturing the frenzy that surrounded the global influencer.
He was accompanied by local socialites, including Chief Ben and Cordy the Rank Marshal, who helped manage his engagements throughout the day.
The unprecedented crowds and citywide disruption underscore IShowSpeed's growing influence and the fervent following he commands across Africa.
Dubbed Speed Does Africa, the tour covers 20 African countries in 28 days, and Zimbabwe marked one of the key stops. Watkins, who arrived in Harare on Monday night, drew massive crowds as he moved through the CBD, with pedestrians and onlookers abandoning their workplaces to catch a glimpse of the internet sensation.
Traffic in the city slowed to a crawl as fans flooded the streets, filming and cheering the YouTuber. Security was heightened, with bouncers and police officers forming barricades around him. Journalists and local content creators were denied access during a stop at the Mbuya Nehanda statue, where thousands had gathered.
IShowSpeed was escorted by a convoy of luxury vehicles, including Rolls-Royces and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons owned by prominent local figures. After touring the city centre, he visited a local restaurant before proceeding to the Trabablas Interchange, another hotspot that drew large crowds.
His Zimbabwe visit follows earlier stops in South Africa, Mozambique, and Botswana, where his appearances also generated widespread attention. Videos from Harare have since gone viral on social media, capturing the frenzy that surrounded the global influencer.
He was accompanied by local socialites, including Chief Ben and Cordy the Rank Marshal, who helped manage his engagements throughout the day.
The unprecedented crowds and citywide disruption underscore IShowSpeed's growing influence and the fervent following he commands across Africa.
Source - newsday
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