From Nairobi to Morocco: IShowSpeed’s Kenyan bracelet steals the spotlight

American streamer and internet sensation IShowSpeed wearing a Kenyan beaded bracelet in Morocco / Screengrab

American streamer and internet sensation IShowSpeed has been spotted wearing a Kenyan bracelet during his ongoing travels across North Africa.

Speed, who toured Kenya earlier this month, appeared in recent footage from Morocco still donning the same bead bracelet he was given during his visit.

The streamer has kept the accessory on throughout his post-Kenya itinerary, which included stops in Ethiopia, Algeria, Egypt and, most recently, Morocco.

The reactions

A TikTok user, Majembe, said, "I'm Kenyan....I remove it every day as I sleep, but can't go outside without."

Another user, Dare To Be Awaken, said, "The bracelet is a brand, heritage, pride, culture."

Lemmy's Thrift Bags & Bales said, "I am a Kenyan, yes, it is not easy take it out. and the one he has is original."

Zahara said, "Speed is still wearing his Kenyan bracelet, as he loves it, not because he can’t remove it."

The bracelet, commonly sold as a cultural souvenir, has become a talking point among Kenyan fans online, many of whom have interpreted it as a quiet but meaningful sign of appreciation for the country’s hospitality.

Speed’s Kenyan visit drew significant attention both locally and on social media, with fans closely tracking his movements as he sampled Nairobi hotspots and interacted with supporters.

His decision to keep the bracelet has only fuelled online chatter, with many celebrating what they see as an unexpected but heart-warming gesture.

In recent years, a growing sense of patriotism has inspired the design of locally made accessories. Beads are now widely used to create belts, wristbands, neckpieces, leg bands and headbands.

These accessories are built to last and often incorporate the colours of the Kenyan flag: black, white, green and red.

Black symbolises the people of Kenya, green represents the country’s natural wealth, white stands for peace, and red symbolises the blood shed during the struggle for independence.

In July 2025, the daughter of tennis legend Serena Williams was also spotted wearing a Kenyan bracelet.

In a video shared by Williams and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, the seven-year-old was seen sporting the beadwork, prompting Kenyan fans to take notice.

The family was in Paris, France, for the 2024 Olympics, where Alexis Olympia received the bracelet alongside pins from other countries.

Reacting to the video, Winnie Njuguna asked, “Where did she get this wristband? Looks like beadwork of the Kenyan flag.”

On Sunday, IShowSpeed turned the AFCON final in Morocco into a spectacle of its own after being unveiled as the official mascot, a moment that sent the stadium into a frenzy even before kick-off.

The dramatic reveal unfolded on the pitch as anticipation built among thousands of fans packed inside the stadium.

Dressed in a bright yellow lion costume — a nod to African football’s iconic symbolism — IShowSpeed initially remained hidden from view.

The mood shifted when the stadium commentator launched into an animated countdown, teasing the crowd with hints of a surprise guest.

As the countdown reached its climax, the mascot slowly removed the oversized lion head, revealing IShowSpeed underneath.

The reaction was instant and electric.

The stadium erupted into loud cheers, screams and chants as fans immediately recognised the global content creator.

What began as curiosity quickly turned into full-blown excitement, with spectators rising to their feet and phones shooting into the air to capture the moment.

True to his energetic persona, IShowSpeed wasted no time soaking it all in.

He jogged along the touchline, waving enthusiastically to fans as the roar inside the stadium grew louder with every step.

His presence injected a carnival-like atmosphere into the final, blending football with pop culture in a way rarely seen at the tournament.

The streamer then took things a step further, dropping to the turf to perform quick fitness-style moves, drawing laughter and cheers from the stands.