With tens of millions watching in real time, global streaming sensation IShowSpeed is criss-crossing 20 African countries, putting the continent’s people, tourism and energy at the centre of digital creator culture.
The American livestreaming star IShowSpeed kicked off the ambitious creator-led travel in Angola on December 29 and is already drawing millions of viewers worldwide.
Born Darren Jason Watkins Jr, the 20-year-old is one of the most recognisable digital creators of his generation, famous for his hyper-energetic, unscripted livestreams that regularly turn everyday moments into viral spectacles.
IShowSpeed boasts more than 47 million YouTube subscribers, millions more across Twitch, Instagram and X, and is widely regarded as the most subscribed streamer globally.
His “Speed Does Africa” tour will span 20 African countries in just 28 days, including South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, Zimbabwe and Eswatini.
More than entertainment, the tour places Africa at the centre of global livestream culture, a space that has historically overlooked the continent.
“This tour is about showing the real Africa, not what people think they know. The love out here is crazy. I feel at home,” Speed said during broadcast to his multitude of followers.
Angola, the first stop, set the tone when he went viral after being challenged by a local athlete to a pull-up contest on the beach, which he lost, before reclaiming bragging rights in a sprint race moments later.
“You got me, you stronger,” Speed laughed, admitting defeat before thousands of live viewers, a moment that humanised both creator and locals to a global audience.
In South Africa, the tour reached new heights. Streaming from Cape Town, Speed rang in the New Year live, donned a Springbok rugby jersey, enjoying daring car spinning, went shark cage diving, explored townships, tasted local food and interacted freely with residents.
His South African streams pulled in over 47 million concurrent viewers, with clips dominating social media and sparking renewed interest in the country as a travel destination.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis welcomed the streamer, posting, “IShowSpeed, welcome to Cape Town,” as the city enjoyed unprecedented digital exposure.
The global streaming sensation was in Eswatini yesterday, where he confronted snakes at a sanctuary and praised local cuisine.
“This is better than the KFC back home,” Speed exclaimed in a visit that has showcased the country’s culture to a massive global audience.
For Africa, the tour represents a powerful shift of unfiltered storytelling, youth-driven visibility and a chance to reshape global perceptions, live, in real time and on Africa’s own terms.
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