Mekelle/Tel Aviv/Nairobi/Pretoria/London
By Chekole Alemu
IShowSpeed’s Ethiopia Visit Highlights the Rising Role of Digital Influence in Cultural Diplomacy
Global digital sensation and American YouTuber IShowSpeed has arrived in Ethiopia, placing the country at the center of international online attention as part of his continent wide tour, Speed Does Africa. The visit underscores a growing shift in cultural diplomacy, where digital creators with vast audiences increasingly shape global perceptions of nations.
IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., arrived in Addis Ababa on January 13, 2026. At 21, he is one of the world’s most influential internet personalities, with a combined following exceeding 150 million across platforms and around 48 million subscribers on YouTube. His Africa tour began in Angola on December 29, 2025, has already passed through Kenya, and is expected to cover 20 African countries.
During his stay in Ethiopia, IShowSpeed has actively engaged in cultural, historical, and civic activities, livestreaming much of his experience to a global audience. His broadcasts from Addis Ababa drew close to 200,000 simultaneous viewers, while millions followed highlights shared across social media.
Cultural immersion has been a central feature of the visit. IShowSpeed was seen wearing traditional Ethiopian attire and dancing alongside cultural ambassadors, moments that quickly went viral and were widely viewed as celebratory representations of Ethiopian heritage. He also took part in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, experiencing coffee in its place of origin, and attempted to play the masinko, a traditional single string musical instrument.
His informal reactions to Ethiopia’s unique calendar system also resonated widely. Discovering that the country is currently in the year 2018, IShowSpeed joked during a livestream that he felt younger and humorously asked whether Cristiano Ronaldo was still playing for Real Madrid. The moment highlighted how everyday cultural differences can spark curiosity and engagement among global audiences.
Several symbolic moments during the visit carried deeper significance. At the Adwa Victory Memorial, IShowSpeed walked barefoot through the historic site commemorating Ethiopia’s 1896 victory over Italian colonial forces. The act quickly spread online, drawing international attention to Ethiopia’s anti colonial history and reigniting discussion around the global importance of the Battle of Adwa.
His visit also included official engagements. Upon arrival, IShowSpeed was welcomed by Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa, reflecting the government’s growing recognition of digital creators as influential actors in tourism promotion and soft power diplomacy. In a separate engagement, he planted a tree alongside the Head of the Addis Ababa Communication Office, H.E. Haftay Gebre egziabher, linking the visit to themes of environmental awareness and civic responsibility.
Adding to the public appeal of the tour, IShowSpeed met Ethiopian youths on the streets of Addis Ababa whom viewers dubbed his “Ethiopian twins,” a moment that quickly gained traction online and reinforced the sense of cultural connection and relatability that has characterized much of his Africa tour.
The broader digital impact of the tour is already evident. During his stop in Kenya, IShowSpeed reportedly gained more than 300,000 subscribers in a single day. Ethiopian YouTubers and content creators have also benefited from his presence, with several joining his livestreams and gaining exposure to international audiences.
Observers note that Ethiopia’s visibility during this visit reflects a changing media landscape. Rather than carefully scripted promotional campaigns, the country has been presented through spontaneous, real time interactions that emphasize authenticity. While such exposure is less controlled, it has proven effective in generating curiosity, engagement, and renewed global interest, particularly among younger audiences.
As IShowSpeed continues his African journey, Ethiopia’s moment in the digital spotlight illustrates how modern storytelling and national image building are increasingly shaped by influencers, livestreams, and everyday encounters, placing culture, history, and people directly in front of a global audience.
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