iShowSpeed’s Heartwarming African Tour: The Viral Moments That Had the Internet in a Chokehold
When Darren “iShowSpeed” Watkins Jr. launched his “Speed Does Africa” month-long tour, he didn’t come to sightsee — he came to stream, celebrate, and reshape the narrative.
“I’ve done so many incredible things in my life,” Speed said during a stop in Botswana. “But this trip is different. It opened my eyes. Africa is not what I thought.”
Over roughly 28 days across nearly 20 countries, Speed’s non-stop livestreams mixed chaotic energy, genuine curiosity, huge crowds, and obviously trended worldwide. From dancing in Namibia to flipping in front of a pride of lions, the 21-year-old broke his own livestreaming records, boasting 7.1M views in Kenya & 4.9M in South Africa. Many fans have expressed deep emotions and praised the heartwarming tour for putting the continent’s culture front and center. One viewer said, “IShowSpeed is single-handedly changing our view of Africa.”
The tour wasn’t just content for Speed. It was a cultural moment showing how creators can bridge audiences, spotlight traditions, and spark real conversation (for better and worse). For Speed, the trip was both a victory lap and a test: can the streamer maintain curiosity and show deep respect? Quick answer: yes. This monumental tour made one thing clear: the world is watching, and Africa is being seen with new and unedited eyes.
Check out a few of Speed’s best moments on the continent:
The Big Angola Kickoff
Speed’s run touched Angola early on and kept momentum through West, East, and North Africa. From the first moment, he connected and competed with local athletes, prepared fish at a local market, rode motorbikes through the streets, and so much more. The tour was already promising the best and most authentic view of Angola.
The Africa Cup of Nations
He didn’t skip sports! Speed showed up during the Africa Cup of Nations celebrations and other soccer moments that tied his streams to the continent’s biggest cultural pastime. He even became the mascot for the day!
Ghana and ancestral connection through food and traditions
One of the quieter, deeper highlights was Speed’s time in Ghana, where he leaned into food, local music and traditions (where he was given his Ghanian name), and cultural sites like the famous Shea Butter Museum. Those streams showed a softer side: curiosity, tasting new dishes, and meeting families — moments that humanized the spectacle.
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The 50M subs Nigeria milestone
In Lagos, Nigeria — one of the tour’s most electric (and controversial) stops — Speed hit a major YouTube milestone: 50 million subscribers. His celebration there (live, loud, full of dancing and confetti energy) was both a personal flex and a reminder of how much of his audience is international.
History, reflection and the Gorée Island visit
A standout moment came in Senegal, where Speed visited Gorée Island’s House of Slaves. That stop introduced viewers to a complex, solemn part of history and incited emotional responses online, from viewers and local collaborators grateful for the spotlight on shared histories. It was one of the tour’s rare teachable moments amid the wilder clips.
Trying chicken in Eswatini
While all kinds of dishes across the continent deserve their own bragging rights, it was the chicken in Eswatini that had Speed in a chokehold. After trying some from the locals and was shocked by the flavor, and he even tried KFC, which also had him shook!
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He shut Kenya down
Thousands of fans showed up to see Speed in Nairobi, Kenya, causing the entire city to shut down due to the massive crowds. He went to Maasai village near the Maasai Mara, danced, learned to make fire, tasted a mixture of blood and milk, and defeated warriors in an Adamu jumping contest, earning the name "Nyangulo.”
Questions at The Sphinx
During his time in Egypt, Speed visited the pyramids and the famous Sphinx and couldn’t help but notice its nose was missing. He questioned it mightily, revealing what many people know about the erasure of a very telling facial feature.
Big love every stop
Speed visited 20 countries, and in each destination, the love was so massive, it was reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s emotional crowds. People cried, and clamored to get to him just to be able to tell the streamer how much he means to them. The love was real! Speed himself hated to see his trip come to an end and promised that he’d return “home.”
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