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American online streamer iShowSpeed has addressed criticisms about his ongoing Africa tour, clarifying that the journey is centered on showcasing African culture rather than collaborating with local influencers.
The response comes after several Nigerian content creators accused the popular streamer of ignoring collaboration requests during his visit to Lagos, sparking widespread debate across social media platforms.
The controversy emerged following iShowSpeed’s Wednesday livestream, which marked his first full day in Lagos.
The livestream captured spontaneous street moments, massive crowds, and viral clips that circulated rapidly online. Some Nigerian creators, including Habeeb Hamzat, known professionally as Peller, expressed frustration over being overlooked.
Peller’s attempts to get the streamer’s attention, which included climbing onto Speed’s vehicle and later riding a horse through traffic, were widely shared online. Despite these efforts, iShowSpeed continued with his planned activities, leaving several fans questioning his priorities.
In a statement reported by The Times of India, iShowSpeed explained that the purpose of his “Speed Does Africa” tour had been misunderstood.
“This tour is not about collaborations with influencers or streamers,” he said, emphasizing that the goal is to highlight the everyday life, talent, and culture of Africa.
He added that the tour aims to give exposure to lesser-known artists and communities who rarely receive international attention. “A lot of the people complaining already have audiences, while this tour is meant to give exposure to people who normally don’t get it,” he noted.
The streamer also explained that his movements are tightly coordinated by a pre-arranged schedule designed by his team. Every location and activity on the tour is planned in advance, making spontaneous meetups or last-minute collaborations impossible.
According to iShowSpeed, deviating from this schedule would risk disrespecting local communities and undermining the cultural experiences the tour seeks to highlight.
Similar complaints had been raised during an earlier stop in South Africa, where some creators also felt overlooked. Nonetheless, iShowSpeed reaffirmed his commitment to the tour’s original purpose, which is to celebrate authentic African culture.
“This trip is about the real Africa the street performers, the local artists, and the communities with real talent that don’t usually get global attention,” he explained.
“Speed Does Africa” began on December 29, 2025, and is scheduled to span 28 days across 20 countries, with iShowSpeed expected to travel to Benin Republic next.
The tour has already generated significant attention, drawing large crowds and creating viral moments across social media.
While the tour has sparked some controversy, iShowSpeed maintains that its primary objective is to spotlight African culture, providing opportunities for recognition to local talent that often goes unnoticed.
By clarifying his intentions, iShowSpeed has underscored that the Africa tour is a cultural initiative rather than an influencer networking event.
Fans and critics alike are watching closely as the tour continues, eager to see how the global streamer balances his popularity with the goal of showcasing authentic African communities and their unique talents.
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