iShowSpeed Turns 21: Exploring His Africa Tour and the Significance of 50 Million Followers

American online streamer Darren Jason Watkins Jr., widely recognized as iShowSpeed, has addressed criticism surrounding claims of alleged disrespect toward Nigerian content creators during his ongoing Africa tour. He clarified that the purpose of his trip was not centered around collaborations with influencers but rather aimed at promoting African culture and showcasing the everyday lives of its people. The explanation came in response to widespread reactions following a Wednesday livestream that documented his first full day in Lagos, Nigeria. The event drew large crowds, spontaneous street interactions, and numerous viral moments that quickly sparked conversations across Africa and beyond. Some Nigerian content creators voiced their disappointment, accusing the streamer of ignoring collaboration requests during his Lagos visit. Fans had specifically urged Speed to engage with Habeeb Hamzat, also known as Peller, a popular Nigerian streamer active on TikTok and Kick. Peller made multiple attempts to catch Speed's attention, going as far as climbing onto his vehicle and even riding a horse through traffic in an effort to connect. In a widely circulated video, Peller was heard pleading, "Please, I’m a streamer. I’m big. Please let’s do something. I have suffered because of you." Despite these attempts, Speed continued with his planned activities, leading to mixed reactions online. Many fans and creators questioned why one of the world’s most prominent streamers would tour Africa without collaborating with local influencers. In response, Speed firmly stated that the focus of his tour is not on partnerships with other content creators. He explained that the goal is to shine a spotlight on African culture, street performers, and overlooked talents within everyday communities. He noted that many of the creators expressing their grievances already have prominent platforms, while his tour aims to provide visibility to those who seldom get such opportunities.

He also clarified that his daily itinerary is pre-arranged by his team. "Every day on this tour is scheduled — the locations, the time, everything," he emphasized, adding that last-minute meetups or adjustments are not feasible. He further highlighted that canceling cultural visits or abandoning plans arranged by local communities would go against the spirit of the tour. Speed acknowledged similar criticisms during his earlier stop in South Africa, where some creators also felt left out. However, he reiterated his dedication to showcasing the core essence of the continent.

"The purpose of this trip is to highlight the real Africa — the street performers, local artists, and communities with talent that rarely receive global recognition," he stated. Titled "Speed Does Africa," iShowSpeed’s tour began on December 29, 2025, and is set to span 28 days across 20 countries. His next stop is scheduled to be the Benin Republic as he continues his journey through the continent. Photo credit: Instagram- ishowSpeed