28 days. 20 countries. 48 million witnesses. One unforgettable homecoming.
The world, is finally seeing Africa the way we've always known it.
Not as a monolith of poverty and struggle. Not as a place that needs saving. But as a continent bursting with beauty, joy, innovation, love, and life.
When American YouTuber IShowSpeed (Darren Watkins Jr.) touched down in Africa for his 28-day, 20-country tour, something shifted. Not just for him - but for the millions of people around the world who watched every unscripted, unfiltered, joy-filled second.
A Son's Promise, A Mother's Pride
Before Speed was filling stadiums or touring 20 African countries in 28 days, before the world knew his name — he was just Darren. A kid from Cincinnati with a fire in his belly and a dream his own mama couldn't see yet.
When his streaming career started catching fire during COVID, his mother stood at a crossroads every parent knows: protect your child from what looks like risk, or trust a vision you don't fully understand. She gave him an ultimatum — quit YouTube or find somewhere else to live.
And Speed? He chose his dream.
He packed up. Moved to his father's place in Detroit. And kept streaming. Two viewers became four. Four became eight. Eight became twenty. The numbers didn't matter as much as the decision — he kept going.
When he became a millionaire at 16, his first major purchase wasn't a chain or a car. It was a house for his mom — the same mom who once told him to quit.
Today, she's his biggest supporter. She finally sees what he was building.
That's the power of believing in your vision even when the people you love most can't see it yet. 💙
Sound familiar, CA family? How many of us had people doubt our Africa trips? Our desires to move to the african continent? Our businesses? Our bold moves? And how many of those same people are now asking, "When's the next trip?"
Speed's story reminds us: Keep going. They'll see it eventually.
Who Is IShowSpeed?
If you're not plugged into Gen Z internet culture, let us introduce you to one of the most electric personalities on the planet.
IShowSpeed has over 48 million YouTube subscribers — making him one of the most-watched content creators in the world. He built his empire on high-energy, marathon livestreams (we're talking 3 to 11 hours straight), gaming, sports reactions, and the kind of unfiltered, chaotic joy that makes people feel like they're hanging out with a friend.
But his Africa tour — dubbed "Speed Does Africa" — was something else entirely.
This wasn't content for content's sake. This wasn't a publicity stunt. This was a journey of discovery, respect, and genuine connection. And the world didn't just watch — they felt it.
The 20-Country, 28-Day Journey
From December 2025 through January 2026, Speed visited 20 African countries, live streaming almost every moment. His itinerary included:
🇷🇼 Rwanda | 🇪🇹 Ethiopia | 🇬🇭 Ghana | 🇱🇷 Liberia | 🇸🇿 Eswatini | 🇿🇦 South Africa | 🇰🇪 Kenya | 🇹🇿 Tanzania | 🇩🇿 Algeria | 🇧🇯 Benin | 🇪🇬 Egypt | 🇨🇮 Ivory Coast | and more.
At each stop, Speed didn't just visit landmarks—he connected with people. He danced with locals. He tried street food. He played soccer with kids in the streets. He attended cultural ceremonies. He laughed, he cried, and he showed the world what so many of us already know:
Africa is full of surprises. And they're all beautiful.
Why This Tour Mattered
For decades, mainstream media has painted Africa with a single, damaging brush—famine, war, poverty, helplessness. Those narratives have shaped how the world sees the continent and how some diaspora members see their own heritage.
Speed's tour shattered those stereotypes in real time, in front of millions.
African Americans watching from the States saw their countryman embraced with overwhelming love and respect. Young people across the diaspora saw modern African cities, thriving economies, innovation hubs, and joyful communities. And Africans on the continent saw themselves reflected back with dignity and celebration.
As one viewer put it: "IShowSpeed's Africa tour broke stereotypes and sparked conversations, making people question what they know about the region."
Ready to experience Africa for yourself?
- Ghana Group Trip: May 30 - June 6, 2026 → Book Now
- South Africa Group Trip: July 25 - August 1, 2026 → Book Now
- Ethiopia Group Trip: November 1-12, 2026 → Book Now
"I want to show the world what Africa is." – IShowSpeed
Mission accomplished, Speed. Mission accomplished. 🌍💙