Kenyan multi-award-winning barber Joseph Cutz has marked a major career milestone after giving American streaming sensation iShowSpeed his first haircut during the streamer’s ongoing Africa tour.
In an Instagram post on Monday, January 12, 2026, Joseph Cutz expressed his excitement and gratitude, encouraging his followers to believe in their dreams and crediting faith for his success. “Always believe in your dreams, and know that God can do everything! – Thank you for trusting me @ishowspeed Kenya to the world 🇰🇪 God did,” he wrote, highlighting the significance of the moment for both his personal career and Kenya’s creative scene.
iShowSpeed’s Kenya Visit
Darren Jason Watkins Jr., widely known online as iShowSpeed, is touring Africa as part of his month-long “Speed Does Africa” journey, which spans nearly 20 countries. The tour aims to showcase the continent’s diverse cultures, landscapes, and creative talent to his millions of followers.
Arriving in Nairobi on Sunday, iShowSpeed drew large crowds at every stop. He kicked off his day at Upper Hill School, engaging with students and taking part in activities with the Kenya Rugby team. Later, he visited Kenyatta Market, where he surprised traders and shoppers by purchasing a Ksh3,000 T-shirt for Ksh20,000 — a gesture widely shared on social media.
During his visit, iShowSpeed explored Nairobi National Park, sampled local cuisine including ugali and nyama choma, and experienced the vibrant Nairobi matatu scene. His livestream from Kenya led to a record surge in YouTube subscribers, pushing his channel past 48 million subscribers, a milestone he credited to the overwhelming support of Kenyan fans.
National Recognition
President William Ruto welcomed the streamer with a video message, encouraging him to continue exploring Kenya and experience the country’s rich culture and natural attractions.
Joseph Cutz’s interaction with iShowSpeed underscores the growing global spotlight on Kenya’s creative industries, from skilled barbers to local entertainment, and highlights the potential for Kenyan talent to shine on the international stage.
