American YouTuber IShowSpeed is welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd in Cotonou during a visit to Benin, as part of his African tour which takes him to around fifteen countries and attracts crowds at each stage.
"IShowSpeed’s visit here to Benin can bring visibility to content creators like us", explains Roméo Jules, a fan and also a content creator. So far, the YouTube star's tour has been marked by a race against a cheetah in South Africa, a football match with 100 children in Angola, a visit to the Masai in Kenya and the CAN final in Morocco.
American YouTuber IShowSpeed visited Lagos, the cultural and economic capital of Nigeria, on Wednesday. He celebrated his 21st birthday there and his 50 million subscribers on YouTube.
The YouTube and Twitch star's tour began on December 29, crossing around fifteen African countries. It started in Angola, then passed through southern Africa, the Great Lakes region, the Horn of Africa, and the Maghreb. The YouTuber must also go to Ghana, Ivory Coast and Liberia. His journey will end on January 26.
Rolling Stone magazine named him "the most influential creator of 2025", while Forbes estimates his fortune at $20 million.
Africa seen differently
IShowSpeed began his tour of Lagos at the bustling Balogun Market in Lagos Island, where the crowd called out to him and asked for money.
"What do they say? It looks like they speak English, but different English", remarked the influencer, surrounded by bodyguards, as he quickly left the market.
At Freedom Park, located on the site of a former prison, he enjoyed his first bite of jollof rice before heading to the Nike Art Gallery, a must-see for all the celebrities and high-ranking political figures who come along
The Beninese stage was marked by the discovery and highlighting of local cultural heritage. The Youtuber shared this content live with his online community. From the foot of the statue of Bio Guéra, to the Amazon Monument to then go to Ouidah, a historic city and high place of memory.
