American YouTube sensation IShowSpeed recently concluded a whirlwind two-day visit to Kenya as part of his “Speed Does Africa” tour.
While his time in Nairobi was marked by record-breaking numbers and high-level recognition, local comedian and content creator 2Mbili has sparked a debate on why the streamer’s itinerary bypassed Kenya’s neighbours, Tanzania and Uganda.
The Language Barrier in Tanzania
Speaking in a recent social media clip, 2Mbili argued that Tanzania’s struggle with the English language was the primary reason the streamer chose to skip the country.
He claimed that while Tanzania possesses many attractions that someone like Speed would enjoy, the necessity for a translator made it an unattractive stop.
“Kenya sisi tulichaguliwa kwa sababu sisi kwanza ni number two English speaking country in Africa,” 2Mbili said.
2Mbili suggested that Tanzanians have historically resisted learning English, which he believes has now come at a professional cost.
He noted that many in the country do not even recognise the streamer’s name, often confusing his “Siu” catchphrase for his actual identity.
“Tanzanians, you have had enough time to learn English, but you have been reluctant. Now it
costed you people IshowSpeed,” he added.
Uganda’s “Accent” Problem
The comedian did not stop in Tanzania. He also addressed the situation in Uganda, noting that out of a population of 40 million, only one prominent Ugandan—the young creator Tengetenge—managed to meet Speed, and even then, the meeting took place in Kenya.
2Mbili claimed that the Ugandan accent was a deciding factor that cost the country a spot on the tour.
He argued that Speed specifically chose countries with “good English and with good accents,” which is why several North African nations, such as Morocco, were also excluded from the schedule.
“Uganda, your accent also cost you. Kenya, we were chosen because we are good in English and with a good accent.”
A Record-Breaking Kenyan Stop
IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., saw his YouTube channel hit a massive milestone during his stay in the Kenyan capital.
He surpassed 48 million subscribers, gaining 360,000 new followers in a single live-stream session alone. The visit was so significant that President William Ruto issued a formal video to welcome him, referring to Kenya as a “home” for visitors.
The tour featured several viral cultural moments. At Kenyatta Market, the streamer famously paid KSh 20,000 for a shirt originally priced at KSh 3,000 and sampled local nyama choma.
However, the massive crowds also brought parts of Nairobi to a standstill, posing significant challenges for security forces.
The “Orange Economy” Boost
While the debate over language continues, the impact of the tour on Kenya has been largely viewed as a success for the “orange economy.”
Despite the logistical hurdles and the streamer eventually jetting off to Ethiopia, the visit is being hailed as a major boost for the country’s digital innovation sector.
For 2Mbili, the message to Kenya’s neighbours is simple: English proficiency is a gateway to global digital opportunities. He concluded by urging his audience in Tanzania to take the study of English more seriously to avoid missing out on future international events.
by moses sagwe
