Gospel music icon Baba Machanic Manyeruke, a living legend, says his family, friends and colleagues are pushing him to scrap his retirement plans from performing.

Manyeruke, known as the grandfather of Zimbabwe’s gospel music patriarch, has just returned from a successful three-month tour of the UK, where he performed at shows and led church conferences.

“I have always mentored several musicians without touting my accomplishments. I believe the time will come when my mentees will share their testimonies about how I impacted their lives, whether during my lifetime or after my departure”.

“As a musician and father, I do my job quietly, allowing the world to judge me through my works, which will endure beyond my death.”

Starting his music career in colonial times, Manyeruke encouraged artists to adapt to the times.

Manyeruke further confirmed that he started long ago, and with today’s technological revolution, he hopes to see artists embrace these changes.

” Personally, I have also adopted new technologies, recognising that my family can monetise my music even after I’m gone,” he said

As the world tunes into the high-energy adventures of American streaming sensation Darren Watkins Jr., better known as IShowSpeed, his recent stop in Zimbabwe during the epic “Speed Does Africa” tour has delivered an unexpected but powerful boost to the nation’s tourism profile.

Arriving in early January 2026 as part of an ambitious 28-day journey across 20 African countries, Speed’s chaotic, authentic, and massively viewed livestreams from Harare and Victoria Falls have introduced millions of young global fans to Zimbabwe’s vibrant culture, stunning natural wonders, and welcoming spirit—proving once again the immense value of influencer-driven marketing in the digital age.

Speed’s Zimbabwe leg, spanning January 7–8, 2026, was nothing short of viral gold. In Harare, massive crowds turned the city centre into a carnival of excitement as fans mobbed him for selfies, dances, and unforgettable interactions.

Highlights included cultural moments like paying homage at the Mbuya Nehanda Statue, where he was entertained by local talents such as “The Guitar Sangoma” Sylent Nqo and “The Princess of Mbira” Hope Masike.

He also took part in a thrilling strength challenge with Africa’s Strongest Woman, Chido Maenzanise, flipping tyres and pulling vehicles in a fun display of Zimbabwean athletic prowess.

The energy peaked with iconic encounters that captured the internet’s imagination—most notably meeting his Zimbabwean “twin,” a local fan dubbed “Temu Speed” (or “Zimbabwe Speed”), whose lookalike antics and high-octane vibe created hilarious, shareable moments that trended worldwide.

These spontaneous, unscripted interactions showcased Zimbabwe’s youthful, lively people in the most relatable way possible.

The tour’s grand finale came at Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and Zimbabwe’s premier tourism gem. Speed dove into the adventure headfirst, swimming in the famous Devil’s Pool at the edge of the thundering falls, bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge, and soaking up the rainforest’s breathtaking beauty. His off-day exploration—filled with awe-inspired reactions, photos, and pure joy—provided stunning, real-time exposure of this world-class destination to his millions of followers.

What makes this visit a masterclass in modern tourism marketing is its organic reach and authenticity.

Speed wasn’t on an official ambassador script; he was simply living his larger-than-life persona, reacting genuinely to new experiences.

Yet the result was profound: global audiences who once held outdated or negative stereotypes about Zimbabwe suddenly saw its beauty, hospitality, and excitement firsthand.

Social media erupted with comments like “I didn’t know Zimbabwe was this beautiful” and praise for the country’s culture and people.

The visit flipped narratives, sparked pride among Zimbabweans, and reminded the world why Destination Zimbabwe deserves to be on every traveller’s bucket list.

This accidental masterstroke highlights a key lesson for Zimbabwe’s tourism sector: in today’s world, authentic, youth-oriented digital content creators like IShowSpeed can achieve what traditional campaigns often struggle to do—reach Gen Z and millennial audiences at scale, build emotional connections, and drive curiosity that translates into future visits.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and Ministry of Tourism wisely amplified the moment with hashtags like #VisitZimbabwe, #DestinationZimbabwe, and #ExperienceZimbabwe, turning Speed’s energy into lasting promotional fuel.

As Speed departed for Zambia via the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge—still buzzing from his Zimbabwe experience—the country emerged stronger on the global stage.

His tour didn’t just entertain; it marketed Zimbabwe brilliantly by showcasing its real magic through the eyes of an excited visitor. In an era where viral moments shape perceptions, IShowSpeed’s chaotic joyride has put Zimbabwe firmly in the spotlight as a must-visit destination full of wonder, warmth, and unforgettable adventures.

American streamer and social media influencer Darren Jason Watkins Jr., popularly known as iShowSpeed, is currently in Zimbabwe as part of his widely followed pan-African tour, which has attracted global attention through live broadcasts across multiple countries on the continent.

The YouTube star, who commands millions of followers worldwide, was spotted in Harare interacting with fans and exploring local surroundings. During his visit, iShowSpeed was seen wearing a Zimbabwe Warriors football jersey, a gesture that resonated strongly with local supporters and football enthusiasts, quickly gaining traction on social media platforms.

Zimbabwe is one of several countries featured on iShowSpeed’s ambitious Africa tour, which began in late December and is scheduled to span more than 20 African nations over a four-week period. The tour is being livestreamed in real time to a global audience, showcasing everyday life, culture, food and sport across the continent.

Prior to arriving in Zimbabwe, the influencer made stops in South Africa, Angola and Eswatini, where his appearances drew large crowds and online viewership numbers running into the millions. His activities have ranged from football-related challenges and street interactions to cultural experiences and local traditions.

iShowSpeed has stated that the aim of the tour is to provide an unfiltered look at Africa while engaging directly with local communities. The project has been credited with bringing renewed international visibility to African destinations, particularly among younger digital audiences.

His Zimbabwe visit is expected to continue for several days, with fans anticipating further livestreams highlighting local culture and popular landmarks before he proceeds to the next country on his tour.