American content creator Darren Jason Watkins Jr., better known as IShowSpeed, has opened up about what inspired his 28-day trip across more than 20 African countries.
The tour, which lasted from December 29, 2025, to January 27, 2026, saw him visit nations including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Morocco, Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa. Throughout the journey, he embraced local traditions and highlighted the energy and diversity that define the continent.
Speaking in a recent interview, IShowSpeed explained that the tour was fueled by a personal mission to reconnect with his roots, experience cultures he had always admired, and accomplish a childhood goal of traveling something he was unable to do when he was younger.
He shared that his curiosity about the world began in school during history classes, where lessons about ancient civilizations sparked a deep interest in different cultures and traditions. That early fascination, combined with his African ancestry, motivated him to explore the continent more closely.
While on tour, the streamer attended the Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco and celebrated alongside Senegalese supporters after their team’s victory. He also sampled local cuisine, including Ghana’s popular jollof rice.
His time in Nigeria was especially significant, as he reached 50 million YouTube subscribers and celebrated his 21st birthday during the visit. Both milestones were marked in Lagos, where he was welcomed by large, enthusiastic crowds.
According to IShowSpeed, the experience reshaped his perspective and helped dispel stereotypes, as he encountered realities that contrasted with common media narratives about Africa.
Before embarking on the trip, he had already built a global reputation as a high-energy YouTuber, gaining fame through gaming streams, viral clips, and collaborations. The African tour, however, became his most in-depth engagement with the continent so far transforming a long-held dream into a meaningful cultural journey that strengthened his bond with his heritage and international fanbase.
See post below:
🚨| WATCH: Speed reveals what inspired his Africa tour across 20 countries, saying:
“I couldn’t travel as a kid… I’ve always felt connected to different cultures, and being from Africa, I had to return to the motherland.” 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/RDvSFqchoF
— Speedy HQ (@IShowSpeedHQ) February 11, 2026
