BY Nadia Ntiamoah
Award-winning Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has applauded American internet sensation IShowSpeed for his recent visit to Ghana, describing the move as a significant moment not just for the country, but for Africa as a whole.
The 21-year-old streamer, born Darren Watkins Jr, included Ghana as part of his ambitious 20-country African tour, which was livestreamed to his more than 50 million YouTube subscribers.
His stop in Ghana in January 2026 attracted widespread attention, with thousands of viewers across the globe tuning in daily to follow his experiences across the continent.
Speaking in an interview with Capital XTRA in the United Kingdom, Sarkodie reflected on the broader cultural impact of IShowSpeed’s visit.
According to the rapper, the young content creator’s decision to showcase Africa to his largely Western audience represents a powerful shift in narrative.
“I think he is doing amazing. I even tweeted about it. With the kind of following he has, especially from where he comes from, where a lot of people are brainwashed about the motherland, for a young guy to think, I have to showcase my people like that, it doesn’t get better than that. Big shouts to IShowSpeed. That move was a big one for Africa,” Sarkodie said.
The rapper emphasised that for decades, global portrayals of Africa have often been shaped by stereotypes and negative imagery. He suggested that influencers like IShowSpeed, who command massive digital audiences, now have the power to reshape perceptions in real time by sharing authentic experiences from the continent.
Sarkodie, who has consistently encouraged members of the African diaspora to consider Ghana as a preferred destination when visiting Africa, noted that the streamer’s energy and enthusiasm during his stay resonated strongly with Ghanaians.
During his time in the country, IShowSpeed immersed himself in various local cultural experiences, including receiving a traditional shea butter massage and interacting with fans in Accra.
His livestreams captured the vibrant atmosphere, drawing praise from viewers who described Ghana as welcoming and culturally rich.
“It’s a beautiful country everybody has to experience. IShowSpeed, you could see the energy when he got to Ghana. You could feel the love. I loved that intro,” Sarkodie added.
