Darren Jason Watkins Jr, known worldwide as IShowSpeed, turned his first trip to Ghana into a full blown spectacle, blending internet fame with local culture from the moment he arrived.
The American streamer, in the country as part of his Speed Tours Africa broadcast, drew huge attention both online and on the streets of Accra.
He touched down at Kotoka International Airport in the early hours of Monday January 26 and stepped straight into a hero’s welcome. Hundreds of motorbike riders escorted him through the capital, engines roaring as crowds gathered along the roadside to wave and record the moment.
IShowSpeed Ghana visit creates buzz
The 21-year-old wasted no time exploring. He travelled to Akropong in the Eastern Region, where he experienced a traditional massage at a waterfall and enjoyed a freshly picked mango. During interactions with locals, he hinted at possibly owning property one day and shared that his roots trace back to Ghana through his mother’s side. Food quickly entered the conversation.
He sampled Ghanaian jollof rice, a dish often debated across West Africa. After tasting it, he said he still preferred the Nigerian version, a verdict that sparked playful reactions online.
Even so, cultural rites followed, including a ritual bath and the presentation of a Ghanaian name, Barima Kofi Akuffo. The tour stop came after visits to several other African nations, making Ghana one of the standout chapters of his journey. With more than 50 million followers across platforms, the entertainer’s every move attracted digital traffic.
Speed performs backflip on top of Black Star Gate
The biggest moment unfolded at Black Star Gate. The historic venue, usually reserved for national events, became an impromptu stage. Cheers echoed as he climbed up and delivered his trademark backflip. Security kept watch, but the mood stayed joyful.
When he landed cleanly, the place erupted. Phones filled the sky. Videos spread within minutes, placing Ghana at the centre of global trends.
Watch the video:
IShowSpeed does a backflip on top of the Black Star Square monument in Ghana 🔥🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/LUZRWWMfKL
— Speedy Updates (@SpeedUpdates1) January 26, 2026
