Barbadians just could not get enough of American streamer IShowSpeed on Monday.
For four hours, they turned out in the hundreds at multiple locations, eager to catch a glimpse of the high-energy 21-year-old Internet personality as he continued his Caribbean tour.
The online stream, which attracted more than 53 million viewers, started at Christ Church Foundation School, where IShowSpeed was welcomed by Minister of Education Transformation Chad Blackman.
From there, the entourage proceeded along the South Coast where the stops included Oistins Bay Garden, St Lawrence Gap, Chefette Rockley and the Garrison Savannah.
At Oistins, IShowSpeed saw how local fish was processed before enjoying some of it, and when he reached Chefette Rockley, he gifted meals to 150 people.
As the tour reached Browne’s Beach in St Michael, he took part in some water sport activities before making his way to Pelican Village in The City where there was a mini jump-up involving the Barbados Landship. It was here that Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Youth and Culture, Senator Shane Archer, spoke to him about Crop Over.
Known for his animated broadcasts and viral online moments, IShowSpeed has built a massive global following through travel content that highlights everyday life, culture and innovation. His past tours have taken him across Europe, South America, China, Africa and North America.
Barbados is one of several stops on his Caribbean itinerary, which began on April 25. The tour includes visits to Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St Maarten, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States Virgin Islands.
IShowSpeed’s rising international popularity has also attracted official recognition. During a previous visit to Lima, Peru, he was honoured by the authorities there. (HG)
