DAKAR, Senegal — American streaming sensation IShowSpeed has embarked on an unprecedented 28-day pilgrimage across Africa, systematically dismantling preconceived notions about the continent through his groundbreaking ‘Speed Does Africa’ series. The digital influencer, born Darren Watkins Jr., has traversed 19 nations from southern to northern Africa, creating a cultural bridge between the diaspora and the mother continent.
The journey commenced in Angola during late December, culminating in a spectacular itinerary that included witnessing the Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco on January 18th. Watkins’ experiences ranged from celebrating Senegal’s national soccer victory with ecstatic fans to marking his 21st birthday in Nigeria while simultaneously surpassing 50 million YouTube subscribers. His Ghanaian visit proved particularly poignant as he discovered ancestral roots, declaring ‘I am back home’ while sampling jollof rice and receiving traditional honors.
Watkins’ marathon live streams, sometimes extending beyond nine hours, have featured immersive cultural exchanges including culinary adventures, traditional dance lessons, and athletic challenges. His uncontainable enthusiasm has drawn massive crowds at every destination, creating both celebration and logistical challenges.
The tour has ignited passionate discussions across digital platforms. Many African American viewers have expressed profound emotional connections to Watkins’ journey, particularly his symbolic visit to Gorée Island’s House of Slaves—a powerful reminder of the transatlantic slave trade that connects African and Black American histories.
However, the reception hasn’t been universally positive. Prominent Beninese influencer Nelly Mbaa (known online as Afro Chronik) criticized Watkins as embodying Western expectations that value Black male performers for spectacle rather than substance. She argued that his success relies on ‘an absurd, exaggerated and grotesque character’ rather than intellectual content.
With over 50 million YouTube subscribers and comparable followings on Instagram and TikTok, IShowSpeed has built his brand on hyper-energetic reactions that have occasionally sparked controversy, including past bans from gaming competitions and platform suspensions for inappropriate behavior.
Despite these criticisms, Watkins maintains that this African expedition represents a personal transformation: ‘I’ve done so many incredible things in my life, but this trip opened my eyes. Africa is not what I thought.’ His journey continues to challenge stereotypes while raising complex questions about cultural representation in the digital age.