By Jean De Dieu Mugisha.
Darren Jason Watkins Jr., popularly known as IShowSpeed, has offered his global audience a glowing portrayal of Rwanda, praising its culture, natural beauty, and modern infrastructure during his stop on the “Speed Does Africa” tour.
The 20-year-old American streamer began his visit in Musanze on January 10, 2026, exploring the misty foothills of the Virunga Mountains and trekking through Volcanoes National Park to see Rwanda’s endangered mountain gorillas, before continuing to Kigali.
Standing just meters from the protected primates, Speed described the experience as “humbling,” promising fans an authentic and unfiltered look at Rwanda’s conservation success.
In Kinigi, he immersed himself in local culture, joining performers in a traditional Intore dance and enthusiastically beating drums alongside Rwandan drummers, a moment that quickly resonated with viewers worldwide.
In the capital Kigali, Speed expressed admiration for the city’s cleanliness and modernity. At the newly renovated Amahoro National Stadium during the FERWAFA Women’s Super Cup, he praised the 45,000-seat facility as “one of the best in Africa,” capturing aerial footage to share with his more than 100 million followers.
His visit also featured viral athletic challenges, including a motorbike pull, push-up contest, and a basketball shootout against a professional BAL player, capped by his trademark double backflip and CR7 celebration.
Beyond the spectacle, Speed engaged with everyday Rwandan life. He visited a local academy to learn traditional cow milking, explored the bustling streets of Nyamirambo, and sampled local dishes such as ugali, isombe, and pilau rice. His connection to local culture was further evident when he requested Bruce Melodie’s hit song “Pom Pom” during his tour.
The visit has been widely seen as a boost for Rwanda’s tourism image, portraying the country as safe, welcoming, and technologically advanced.
Speed openly challenged lingering stereotypes, telling his viewers: “Rwanda is the most beautiful country I’ve ever been to. I’ll come back one day and stay for a whole week… just for vacation.”
Fans welcomed him with gorilla-themed artwork, handmade jewelry, and even a custom cake shaped in his likeness. His journey also spotlighted Rwanda’s growing investment in sports and entertainment infrastructure, from the BK Arena to world-class stadiums.
Speed’s experience in Rwanda underlines the growing influence of digital creators in shaping global perceptions, blending entertainment with authentic storytelling to showcase the country’s culture, conservation achievements, and modern development to a worldwide audience.
