Kenyan comedian and creative director Eddie Butita has claimed that global YouTube sensation IShowSpeed turned down any form of payment from the Kenyan government during his recent African tour, opting instead to independently promote the continent through his massive online platform.
Speaking candidly about the economics of digital content creation, Butita explained the stark contrast between revenue generated from international and local audiences.
“For one million views from the United States, you can make money equivalent to around KSh 800,000. But for one million views from Kenya, even if you really push it, you can only make about KSh 115,000, my brother,” Butita said.
According to Butita, this disparity is precisely why IShowSpeed can afford to travel, stream freely, and create high-energy content without relying on local sponsorships or state funding.
“That’s why IShowSpeed can come here and do whatever he wants,” he added.
Butita further disclosed that despite widespread speculation, IShowSpeed was not paid anything by the Kenyan government during his visit.
“Do you know IShowSpeed was not paid anything by the Kenyan government?” Butita posed.
He explained that when government officials inquired about how much the influencer would charge to promote Kenya, IShowSpeed declined to issue a quote.
“They asked him how much they should pay him, and he said, ‘No, I don’t need that. I want to promote Africa. You can decide what you want, because I’m going to make money from these streams anyway,’” Butita revealed.
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