American streamer Darren Jason Watkins Jr, known as iShowSpeediShowSpeed, arrived in Lagos on Wednesday as part of his Speed Does Africa tour across 20 African countries in 28 days.
The 21-year-old started livestreaming almost immediately. Within hours, crowds gathered. Young people followed his convoy. Many stopped work to watch and record him.
Wearing Nigerian football jersey and standing through the sunroof of a moving vehicle, Speed appeared relaxed.
In one clip that later trended online, he laughed and asked viewers, “Do I look Nigerian?” after a man failed to recognise him.
Some moments felt chaotic. Others felt emotional. A group of schoolchildren gathered around him and sang Happy Birthday when they realised it was his birthday. The video spread quickly online.
At Freedom Park on Lagos Island, he watched dancers and skaters perform. He tried a few dance steps. While eating jollof rice, he said, “I am not gonna lie, this is good. I think I might have to go with Nigeria.”
Celebrities also featured during the visit. Afrobeats singer Zlatan surprised him with a birthday cake at the ZTTW store. Singer Davido later joined the livestream via FaceTime from Paris.
Peller, Egungun clips draw reactions
Skit maker Egungun of Lagos was seen in a viral clip speaking briefly with Speed. He asked his age. Speed replied, “I’m 21.” Egungun told him he looked “healthy and strong” and asked why he started his popular barking sound.
The clip generated mixed reactions.
More attention, however, went to TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller.
On the first day, videos showed Peller trying to reach Speed but being blocked by security. One clip showed him chasing the convoy on horseback.
Another video captured him pleading, “Please, I’m a streamer. I’m big. Please let’s do something. I have suffered because of you,” but Speed did not respond.
On the second day, Peller tried again. In another widely shared clip, Speed walked past without acknowledging him.
The videos sparked reactions online.
An X user, @DonMike_X, wrote, “You chased IShowSpeed like you were entitled to his time. That wasn’t hustle, it was embarrassing.”
Another user, @babaidris090, said, “Peller needs good management. I was heart broken to see our number one streamer in Africa chasing IShowSpeed with horse.”
Others showed sympathy. @Deyinca posted, “Crazy. I come dey feel for Peller. Speed no do well o.”
Tiwa Savage, fans add lighter moments
Singer Tiwa Savage shared screenshots showing her 10-year-old son, Jamil, asking to meet Speed. She later posted a photo of Jamil with the streamer and wrote, “As parents we move mountains for our children.”
Speed also hit 50 million subscribers on YouTube while livestreaming from Lagos, becoming the first Black individual creator to reach the milestone.
By Thursday, it was confirmed that he had left Nigeria. But clips from his two-day visit have continued to trend.
Why Speed avoided collaborations
After the backlash, Speed later addressed the issue.
According to The Times of India, he said, “This tour is not about collaborations with influencers or streamers.”
He added, “The goal is to show African culture, the people on the streets, and the talent that doesn’t usually get seen.”
He also explained that his schedule is fixed. “Every day on this tour is scheduled, the locations, the time, everything,” he said.
