Global American online streamer iShowSpeed has finally responded to the growing criticism surrounding his ongoing Africa tour, making it clear that the trip is not about influencer collaborations, but about showcasing African culture, everyday people, and grassroots talent.
The clarification comes after backlash from Nigerian content creators who accused the streamer of snubbing collaboration requests during his visit to Lagos.
Viral Lagos Livestream Sparks Controversy
Speed’s first full day in Lagos, streamed live on Wednesday, drew massive crowds, chaotic street moments, and viral clips that spread rapidly across social media across Africa and beyond.
While many viewers praised the raw, unfiltered experience of Lagos street life, others began questioning why Speed appeared to avoid linking up with well-known Nigerian creators during his stay in the city.
Nigerian Creators Accuse Speed of Snubbing Collabs
The backlash intensified after several Nigerian content creators publicly complained that Speed ignored repeated collaboration requests.
A major focus of the controversy was on Peller, a popular Nigerian TikTok and Kick streamer, whose attempts to meet Speed went viral.
Peller’s Dramatic Attempts Go Viral
Peller made several bold efforts to get Speed’s attention, including:
- Attempting to climb Speed’s vehicle
- Chasing his convoy through traffic
- Riding a horse in public while calling out to him
In one viral clip, Peller was heard saying:
“Please, I’m a streamer. I’m big. Please let’s do something. I have suffered because of you.”
Speed did not respond and continued his activities, which further fueled online outrage and debate.
Speed Finally Responds: “This Tour Is Not About Influencers”
Addressing the criticism directly, Speed explained that many people misunderstood the purpose of his Africa tour.
He stated:
“This tour is not about collaborations with influencers or streamers.”
“The goal is to show African culture, the people on the streets, and the talent that doesn’t usually get seen.”
“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.”
“Every day on this tour is scheduled — the locations, the time, everything.”
“Cutting short cultural visits or cancelling plans made by local communities would be disrespectful.”
“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.”
Tight Schedule, Cultural Focus
Speed also clarified that his movements are strictly controlled by his team, with daily schedules already mapped out in advance. According to him, disrupting cultural visits for influencer meetups would defeat the entire purpose of the tour.
About the “Speed Does Africa” Tour
iShowSpeed’s Africa tour, titled Speed Does Africa, officially kicked off on December 29, 2025.
📍 Tour details:
- Duration: 28 days
- Countries: 20 African nations
- Focus: Culture, street life, local talent, and community experiences
- Next stop: Benin Republic
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