The Plug Orchestrates Historic Milestone as IShowSpeed Hits 50 Million Subscribers in Lagos

LAGOS, NIGERIA – January 22, 2026: In a monumental fusion of global digital culture and African entertainment, Darren Watkins Jr., known globally as IShowSpeed, officially surpassed 50 million YouTube subscribers yesterday while live on the streets of Lagos. The historic feat, curated and managed by pioneering culture and entertainment agency The Plug, marks Speed as the first Black streamer in history to reach this milestone.

Following the agency’s recent success in managing Kai Cenat’s highly engaging visit to Nigeria, The Plug once again served as the primary bridge for global creator culture, guiding Speed through a record-breaking broadcast that began at 49,931,591 subscribers and peaked at 50,044,380.

The itinerary embedded the streamer into the raw energy of Lagos on January 21st, the same day he celebrated his 21st birthday. The stream was defined by authentic, viral interactions that showcased the city’s unique personality, including a cultural immersion at the Nike Art Gallery. There, Speed met with Mama Nike Davies-Okundaye, donned a traditional Yoruba Dansiki, and learned the intricate movements of the Bata dance. In a moment of deep connection with his host country, Speed officially adopted the Yoruba name Mojọ́láolúwà.

The journey through Lagos also saw Speed testing his limits with Nigeria’s famous culinary heat. While sampling spicy Nigerian Jollof rice, he admitted it was the best he had ever tasted, despite visibly feeling the intensity of the pepper. The tour took a viral turn when Speed encountered a local figure dubbed the ‘angriest man in Nigeria.’ In a clip that immediately swept social media, the man rejected Speed’s $1,000 peace offering, demanding $5,000 instead before storming off. Later in the day, Speed also shared high-energy moments with his young fans at Meadow Hall School, where he joined students on the pitch for personal engagements and mild sporting activities.

The day reached its emotional crescendo at Lulu Beach Club, where the streamer was hosted to a birthday celebration. During the festivities, Afrobeats icon Davido Facetimed Speed to congratulate him on his birthday and his historic achievement. Against the backdrop of the Atlantic, an emotional Speed addressed his millions of viewers, stating that hitting 50 million subscribers in Lagos was the best gift he had ever received. By the time the stream concluded, Speed had transitioned from a visitor to a local Lagos boy, solidified by the strategic guidance and cultural expertise of his hosts.