Amanze Chinonye
Global livestreaming star IshowSpeed, born Darren Jason Watkins Jr., is currently in Botswana as part of his ambitious 28-day African tour, Speed Does Africa, which began on December 29, 2025, Prime Business Africa reports.
The 20-year-old American content creator, widely regarded as the world’s most popular streamer, commands an estimated 150 million followers across social media platforms, including more than 47 million subscribers on YouTube. His ongoing tour has already taken him through Angola, South Africa, Mozambique and Eswatini, drawing millions of real-time viewers to daily livestreams broadcast on YouTube and Twitch.
Officially announced in late December 2025, the tour is designed to span 20 African countries within one month, making it one of the most extensive creator-led IRL (in-real-life) livestream projects attempted to date.
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According to details released with the official tour trailer and corroborated by multiple international reports, the countries on the itinerary are Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. While the order of visits may change due to travel logistics, the list has remained consistent across announcements.
The project is structured around rapid movement between countries, with early-day streaming schedules designed to accommodate global audiences across multiple time zones. Backed by major sponsors and a coordinated production team, Speed Does Africa is being positioned as one of the largest digital travel livestreams ever undertaken by a single creator.
The tour kicked off in Angola, where IshowSpeed’s spontaneous interactions with fans and street-level challenges quickly went viral, setting the tone for the journey. His stop in South Africa drew particular attention during the New Year period, with lengthy livestreams showcasing everyday life, local food and informal sports activities.
In Mozambique, he was welcomed by enthusiastic crowds, while his visit to Eswatini generated global headlines after he received a royal reception, participated in traditional dances and underwent a symbolic warrior initiation ceremony.
During the Eswatini visit, members of the royal household bestowed on him an honorary name, “Logijimako,” a moment that was widely shared online. In another viral clip, the streamer laughed off a light-hearted reference to a traditional bride-price custom involving 17 cows, drawing amusement from both locals and his global audience.
The tour has also featured raw and unscripted encounters with wildlife, including a dramatic livestream moment in which IshowSpeed appeared to scare off a hippopotamus with a flashlight during a nighttime outdoor experience. Such moments have reinforced the unpredictable and immersive nature of the project.
Speaking during his livestreams, IshowSpeed said the tour is aimed at giving fans an unfiltered view of Africa, particularly those who may never have the opportunity to travel. He described the journey as a personal reset from his fast-paced lifestyle back home, while also highlighting the sense of pride and excitement his presence has generated in local communities.
Beyond entertainment, analysts note that Speed Does Africa underscores the evolving nature of global influence in the digital age. For millions of mostly young viewers, the livestreams offer informal exposure to African geography, cultures and daily life, often outside the lens of conventional media.
As the tour continues across the continent in the coming weeks, IshowSpeed’s journey illustrates how modern digital creators can function as cultural bridges blending humour, adventure and visibility, while placing a sustained global spotlight on Africa.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
