5 days ago
5
Senior Reporter
Social media influencer and global streaming sensation IShowSpeed, real name Darren Watkins Jr, brought Port-of-Spain to a standstill yesterday, drawing massive crowds across the capital city as his cultural tour of Trinidad and Tobago unfolded with a mix of music, food and tradition.
Watkins, 21, is a United States-based content creator who rose to global fame through high-energy livestreams on platforms like YouTube and Twitch.
Known for his explosive personality, comedic reactions and passionate love for football, particularly his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, he has built a following of tens of millions across social media.
He first gained widespread attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, when his unpredictable and often chaotic streams went viral, turning him into one of the most recognisable faces in online entertainment.
His content blends gaming, real-world challenges, music and travel, often attracting huge live audiences.
His visit to T&T forms part of that broader push, bringing global visibility to local traditions and experiences.
Arriving in the capital around noon, IShowSpeed praised Trinidad and Tobago as he kicked off the Caribbean leg of his tour, describing the country as “amazing” while hinting at a return for Carnival.
“I’m enjoying Trinidad. Trinidad has been amazing. I’m having a fun time here,” he said during his visit. “The people lit. The music lit. The food lit. Everybody here lit. I’m enjoying it.”
He added an emphatic “of course, hell yeah” when indicating he would return for Carnival.
His itinerary included a cultural immersion in St James with tassa drumming and mas, a stickfighting display, a cricket session at the Queen’s Park Oval, and interactions with large crowds, many of them children who lined the streets to see him in person.
The tour continued in part of the capital where he was immersed in Trinidad and Tobago culture, even meeting Mas icon Peter Minshall at this home. IShowSpeed also visited KFC Independence Square where he ordered 21 pieces of chicken legs, Lady Young Road Lookout, Charlotte Street, Queen’s Park Savannah and other areas surrounding the capital city.
English (US) ·