Popular streamer Darren Watkins Jr., better known by his Twitch handle IShowSpeed, has arguably done more to introduce a different view of Africa to African Americans than any diplomat could have achieved. His African tour has been a welcome change, proving enjoyable and sweet, especially considering how his previous tours in predominantly white and Asian countries oftentimes involved racist undertones. Speed has been giving his fans an up-close look at life across Africa, from Angola to South Africa, leaving viewers astonished by his activities. With more than a dozen countries to go, we have compiled the wildest moments from IShowSpeed’s time on the continent so far.
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Counting Down The New Year In South Africa
Speed had an exciting start to the year as he did the countdown to 2026 on stage in South Africa, entering the new year with plenty of energy and a backflip for a cheering crowd.
Racing A Cheetah
It’s not uncommon for Speed to race fans and even professional athletes on his streams, but who could’ve imagined that he’d race a cheetah? Not only did he race the cheetah, but he wasn’t fazed when the wild cat scratched his legs because the stream must go on!
Meeting His Lookalike In Zimbabwe
It’s said that everyone has a doppelgänger, but Speed didn’t expect to meet his in Zimbabwe. The Twitch streamer was in shock as a fan stood in front of him, looking almost identical from head to toe.
Meeting His Long Lost Brother
Not only did Speed meet his twin, but he also met a young boy who looked like he could be his long-lost brother in Angola. Per Speed’s words, his dad might have some explaining to do.
Learning Eswatini Tribe Culture
In the countryside of Eswatini, Speed spent time with a local tribe learning aspects of their culture like an Eswatini tribe walk, and it looks like he caught the hang of it fast.
Spinning Out In South Africa
Back in South Africa, Speed was shown one of the country’s favorite sporting events: spinning. As he sat in a car doing endless donuts, Watkins couldn’t hide his excitement– or fear– at how fast the vehicle was going.
Loving Zimbabwean Food
In the country of Zimbabwe, Speed spent time trying local cuisine and loved everything they dished up for him.
Becoming A Zulu Dancer
Dressed in traditional Zulu attire, Speed took the time to learn the art of Zulu dancing in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Even More Zimbabwean Food
Not only did Speed taste what they dish up in Zimbabwean restaurants, but he also tried their local street food, consisting of cow testicles, fried worms and a cow tongue. According to Speed, they tasted amazing.
Incredible Gifted Fan Art
Fans in South Africa were so excited to meet Speed, they created beautiful portraits for the streamer. One fan made a realistic portrait using glass and a small wooden hammer. Talk about talent!
Learning How To Play Botswanian Instruments
A confident young girl taught Speed parts of her culture by showing him how to use the marimba, a traditional Botswanian instrument made from planks of wood. Appreciating her willingness to teach him, Speed gave her a small cash gift after his lesson.
Finding His Experience In Africa Refreshing
Speed has traveled to tons of countries for his streaming tours, but he admitted his time in Africa has been the most refreshing so far and has opened his eyes to the beauty of the motherland.
Racing The Strongest Woman In Africa
Another race that resulted in a shocking loss for Speed was against the strongest woman in Africa, Zimbabwean athlete Chido Maenzanise. But even with a car tied around his waist, Speed managed to put up a good fight.
Getting Down With An Angolan Dance Troupe
Angola might have had the most lively greetings for Speed. A local dance troupe welcomed the streaming star by surrounding him in a dance circle and, in true Speed fashion, the streamer showed off some of his moves.
Showing Folks The Beauty of Mozambique
Though he was having a great time with the locals in Mozambique, Speed couldn’t help but be in awe of the surrounding landscapes and made sure to show his viewers how stunning the country is.
Meeting One Of His Biggest Fans
It’s not unusual for Speed to have dramatic encounters with his fans, but he might have met his biggest fan in Zimbabwe. Security had to hold the fan back before he could jump on the streamer out of sheer excitement!
A Very Adorable Welcome
At a local school in South Africa, Speed got the cutest greeting in the country as the schoolchildren gave him a welcome message that touched the streamer’s heart.
Flirting In Zimbabwe
A language barrier is not enough to stop Speed from complimenting a pretty woman. In Zimbabwe, he took the time to learn the phrase “you are beautiful” in Shona, the country’s national language, to compliment a beautiful woman he saw—and her smile showed the message got across.
Not A Natural Talent At Everything
It’s common to see folks, women especially, carrying heavy items on their heads in many parts of Africa, but it’s not a skill that everyone has. Speed struggled to balance a bucket on his head while in Mozambique.
Almost Getting Married In Eswatini
Speed might be coming back to the United States with a wife. In Eswatini, the streamer learned about dowry marriages as he asked one woman’s father what he’d need to offer to get married. The price? 17 cows—and Speed took the time to consider it.
Nothing But Love For Africa
Lastly, during his stream, Speed expressed that he’s felt nothing but love while in Africa and is having a great time. Hopefully, there will be more wild and exciting times from the rest of his tour.
Straight From 
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