LIVE: Ongoing 'massive combat operations' by the U.S. in Iran
LIVE: Ongoing 'massive combat operations' by the U.S. in Iran
LIVE: Ongoing 'massive combat operations' by the U.S. in Iran
LIVE: Ongoing 'massive combat operations' by the U.S. in Iran
LIVE: Ongoing 'massive combat operations' by the U.S. in Iran
LIVE: Ongoing 'massive combat operations' by the U.S. in Iran
American YouTuber and livestreamer iShowSpeed has generated global debate after spending nearly a month travelling across selected countries in Africa, broadcasting daily, unfiltered footage that many viewers say challenged long-held stereotypes about the continent.
During his 28-day tour, iShowSpeed streamed live from several African countries, showing modern cities, busy nightlife, highways, shopping districts and everyday life. The videos drew millions of views and prompted widespread reactions online, particularly from American audiences who expressed surprise at Africa’s level of development, infrastructure and cultural diversity.
In one widely shared moment from Botswana, the streamer appeared shocked to learn that he could not simply buy raw diamonds locally, despite the country being the world’s largest diamond producer. Viewers pointed out that Botswana’s diamond industry is tightly regulated through long-term international contracts, leaving a limited domestic market.
Beyond viral clips, social media users argue that iShowSpeed’s tour has unintentionally become educational. Others noted that many young Americans, especially those who have never travelled outside the United States, were exposed for the first time to African cities with skyscrapers, paved roads, internet access and modern amenities. Some described the reactions as revealing how deeply Western narratives have portrayed Africa as uniformly poor or rural.
One emotional video showed a viewer breaking down while saying the streams had changed his entire view of Africa, admitting he had grown up believing the continent consisted only of “huts and stick houses” with no future. Instead, he said, the livestreams showed beauty, culture, resources and advanced urban life.
iShowSpeed has said his motivation for doing long “IRL marathons” is to bring the world to people who cannot travel. “I’m for the people that can’t travel,” he said in one clip. “I try to give y’all the best experience. Whatever experience it is, I’m your test dummy.”
The streamer is reportedly set to visit 20 African countries, including Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. He has already shared footage from Angola, Eswatini, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, among others.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
