What in the World - Is IShowSpeed changing perceptions of Africa?

Download Is IShowSpeed changing perceptions of Africa?

One of the biggest internet personalities in the world, IShowSpeed has gone viral countless times for his ‘irl’ streams from countries all over the globe. His latest tour of Africa has taken him to a bunch of countries so far, including Zambia, Ethiopia and even the newly-crowned AFCON winners Senegal. But the tour has also turned heads for how people have been reacting to it on social media, with some saying it’s completely changed how they look at the continent.

So - is IShowSpeed changing perceptions? Or is he just boosting his personal brand?

The BBC’s West Africa reporter Makuochi Okafor joins us to explain what Speed has got up to so far in Africa, why he’s so popular and the impact his tour is having. And we hear from loads of you across the continent who have been telling us what they think.

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Presenter: Iqra Farooq
Producers: Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates
Editor: Verity Wilde

Published on Wednesday, 21st January 2026.

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