From one stream to three: Why iShowSpeed named South Africa one of the best countries in the world
iShowSpeed wore a Springbok top during his visit in Cape Town.
Image: X
iShowSpeed declared that "South Africa isn’t just one of the best countries I’ve streamed in Africa… it’s one of the best countries I’ve streamed in the entire world.”
This powerful sentiment has resurfaced in a tweet by @darxde, serving as a reminder of the massive impact the country had on the creator during his record-breaking "Speed Does Africa" tour.
When Darren Watkins Jr. first set out on his journey across the continent, South Africa was initially intended to be a single, quick-fire stop.
The streamer admitted that he arrived with limited expectations, thinking the visit would be a standard "one and done" appearance.
But the reality on the ground forced an immediate change of plans.
Reflecting on the decision to extend his stay, he noted: “Cape Town gave me one of the best streams I’ve ever done in my life. Ever. And after that moment, we said, nah… one stream isn’t enough. We have to give something back. So we planned another stream not for us, but to reward the country for how insane they showed up.”
Speed backed up this admiration by completely upending his tour schedule to accommodate three massive streams instead of just one.
In doing so, he showed the country in a light that the world hasn't always seen, moving past the narrow narratives often found in international media. Instead, his millions of viewers were treated to a high-octane celebration of South African energy, modern culture, and genuine hospitality.
The journey began on December 31, 2025, in Cape Town. This New Year’s Eve special saw Speed engaging with the Mother City in a way few global stars do. From meeting local leadership to visiting the Guga S’Thebe Cultural Centre in Langa.
The sheer scale of the fan turnout and the vibrant atmosphere set a bar that he admitted was among the highest in his career.
Following the success in the Western Cape, he added a high-energy stop in Durban on January 1, 2026, before heading to the heart of the country.
His final South African stream took place in Johannesburg and Soweto on January 2, 2026.
It was here, amidst the roar of "spinning" car engines and the rhythm of traditional Zulu dancing, that Speed realised the energy of Gauteng matched, and at times even surpassed, what he had experienced in Cape Town.
The three-stream saga captured a side of South Africa that was electric, welcoming, and world-class.
While he travelled through numerous nations and celebrated reaching the 50 million subscriber milestone during the tour, his words make it clear that he left a piece of his heart in Mzansi.
South Africa didn't just show up for the cameras; it provided a level of love and intensity that changed the streamer's perspective on global travel forever.