IShowSpeed in Ethiopia: Cultural Immersion, History, and the 48.5 Million Milestone

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – The Horn of Africa became the epicenter of global digital entertainment on January 13, 2026, as Darren “IShowSpeed” Watkins Jr. touched down in Ethiopia. Continuing his record-breaking “Speed Does Africa” tour, the 21-year-old streaming sensation delivered a marathon 4-hour and 52-minute broadcast that masterfully blended his trademark high-octane chaos with a profound, barefoot tribute to Ethiopian history.

By the end of the day, Speed had not only survived the “raw meat challenge” but had officially crossed the 48.5 million subscriber mark, solidifying his Ethiopia stop as a crowning achievement of the tour.

A Hero’s Welcome in the Merkato

Speed’s arrival in Addis Ababa was nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. Starting at the Merkato, one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, the streamer was immediately engulfed by a sea of fans. Despite the overwhelming crowds, Speed leaned into the local lifestyle:

• The Language of the Streets: He quickly picked up Amharic greetings, echoing “Salam” and “Dach” to the delight of the vendors.
• The Manual Labor Challenge: In a viral moment, he attempted to carry massive bundles of goods on his head, mimicking the local porters—though his struggle showcased just how demanding the daily life in Merkato can be.
• The Coffee Ceremony: Speed sampled traditional Ethiopian coffee, acknowledging its legendary status as the birthplace of the bean. The caffeine boost provided the fuel for what would become an incredibly physical day.

Walking Barefoot for History: The Adwa Memorial

In a significant departure from his usual antics, the stream took a somber and respectful turn at the Adwa Victory Memorial. Here, Speed learned about the 1896 Battle of Adwa, where Ethiopia successfully defeated Italian colonial forces to remain the only African nation never formally colonized.

Moved by the story of Ethiopian soldiers who marched into battle without footwear, Speed performed a gesture that went viral across East African social media: he removed his shoes to walk the memorial grounds barefoot.

“If they did it for their freedom, I can do it for the stream,” Speed told his 270,000+ concurrent viewers.

The “Multiverse” and the Science Museum

The Ethiopia stream reached peak entertainment value when Speed encountered his “Ethiopian Doppelgänger.” The segment, dubbed the “Speed Multiverse,” featured:

• The Spider-Man Meme: Speed and his lookalike re-creating the famous pointing meme in the middle of a crowded street.
• A Race for Supremacy: The two competed in a 100-meter dash to determine who was the “true” Speed, with the local favorite giving the streamer a serious run for his money.
• Innovation at the Museum: Speed visited the Ethiopian Science and Art Museum, where he interacted with an AI robot and attempted to fly a Boeing flight simulator—a segment that ended in a comedic simulated crash that had the chat in hysterics.

Physical Toll: Altitude and the “Kifto” Incident

The high altitude of Addis Ababa (nearly 2,400 meters above sea level) proved to be a formidable opponent. During several crowded segments, Speed appeared visibly lightheaded and had to take moments to recover, noting that he felt like he was moving in “slow motion.”

However, the biggest physical challenge came from the “Kifto” (raw beef) challenge. Following tradition, Speed sampled the delicacy at a local restaurant. While initially praising the flavor, the raw meat eventually caught up with him, leading to a frantic, mid-stream search for a restroom—a relatable but chaotic moment that added to the “unfiltered” appeal of the broadcast.

By the Numbers: Record-Breaking Milestone

The Ethiopia stream was a massive statistical victory for the IShowSpeed channel, outperforming his recent stops in Kenya and Rwanda.

The stream concluded atop the Lion Building, where Speed performed a celebratory backflip overlooking the glittering night lights of Addis Ababa. He officially declared Ethiopia as one of the “most energetic” places on earth, thanking his millions of Ethiopian fans for their hospitality.

Conclusion & Outlook

IShowSpeed’s visit to Ethiopia was more than just a viral stunt; it was a bridge between global Gen-Z culture and Ethiopian heritage. By honoring the Battle of Adwa and embracing the local customs, Speed has left a lasting impression on the Horn of Africa.