At just 21 years old, IShowSpeed recently completed an extraordinary 28-day tour across 20 African countries. Beyond the viral clips and high energy, his journey offers a profound narrative on Black possibilities and the power of the digital economy.
Speed began as a gamer—just like many of you. Through courage, belief, and an unrelenting work ethic, he has bridged the gap between gaming and global influence. For the young gamers and creators in my network, here are 20 takeaways from his journey to help you navigate today’s digital culture.
Getting Started
- The Power of Starting: Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. Turn your passion into your project today.
- Gaming is the Foundation: Every gamer is a content creator by default. Playing games is the most accessible entry point into the creator economy.
- Value Every View: Don’t be discouraged by small numbers. Every community of thousands started with a single viewer.
Building Your Brand
- Authenticity is Currency: In an attention economy, your most authentic self is your greatest competitive advantage. Speed didn’t copy a formula; he built a persona around his true personality.
- Consistency through Discipline: Showing up is easy when you’re motivated; showing up when you aren’t is what builds an audience.
- Protect Your Vision: Often, you are the only one who can see your dream. Even those closest to you might not understand the value until you’ve proven the concept.
- The Trial and Error Phase: Failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s part of the process. Explore, fail, learn, and pivot.
The Craft & Tech
- Community Engagement: Content isn’t a monologue; it’s a dialogue. Talk to your audience in the comments and build a community.
- Master Your Tools: Speed understands his tech. He monitors his bitrates, audio levels, and lag in real-time. To be a top creator, you must be a technician of your own craft.
- The Happiness Factor: At its core, entertainment is about making people feel something. If you make people happy, they will keep coming back.
Growth & Responsibility
- Strategic Collaboration: If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. Collaborate with others to expand your horizons.
- Character Matters: What you say on stream stays on the internet forever. Your brand is built on your responsibility to your audience.
- The Extra Mile: Success lives in the effort others aren’t willing to make.
- Radical Positivity: Maintain a mindset that affirms your goals daily.
- Health is Wealth: High-level creating requires stamina. Take care of your body—avoid substances that drain your energy and focus on fitness and nutrition.
Values & Legacy
- Build a Believing Team: Behind every great creator is a team that shares the vision.
- Stay People-Oriented: During his tour, Speed connected with the “ordinary” people first. Never lose your touch with the community that supports you.
- Integrity: Let your word be your bond. Deliver on the promises you make to your followers.
- Cultural Respect: Speed showed immense respect for African traditions and cultures. He proved that you can be a global superstar while remaining humble and honoring the “old ways.”
- Guard Your Privacy: In a world of oversharing, protect your private life and sexuality. Integrity in your personal life prevents public disgrace and keeps the focus on your talent.
The Bottom Line:
Gaming is no longer “just a hobby”—it is a starting point for a career without borders. I hope these lessons inspire you to find your own pathway.
As always,
More Vim!
Kwesi Hayford
#Esports #ContentCreation #IShowSpeed #AfricanExcellence #GamingCommunity #CreatorEconomy #Motivation