Popular streamer iShowSpeed has finally reacted to the criticism that he has been disrespecting local content creators in the ongoing Africa tour. The backlash started after several Nigerian content creators came forward with claims that Speed had completely ignored requests for collaboration as he visited Lagos. Clips of the criticism quickly spread online, with some influencers suggesting that Speed intentionally snubbed them. As the debate grew, many fans and creators alike questioned why one of the world’s biggest streamers would travel through Africa without linking up with well-known local personalities.Addressing the situation directly, Speed explained that the goal of his “Speed Does Africa” tour is being misunderstood. He said the tour is not designed around streamer meetups or influencer collaborations. Instead, the focus is on showcasing African culture, everyday people, and local talent that rarely gets global exposure. According to Speed, many of the creators criticizing him already have established platforms, while the tour is meant to shine a light on people who do not normally get seen.

iShowSpeed says Africa tour prioritizes culture over influencer collabs

Speed clarified that every stop on the tour is tightly planned by his crew. Each day follows a strict schedule with limited time windows, specific locations, and pre-arranged cultural visits. Because of this, he said it is not possible to add last-minute collaborations, even if the requests come from popular creators. He also stressed that canceling or cutting short cultural moments arranged by local communities would be disrespectful to the people hosting him.The streamer added that similar criticism surfaced earlier in the tour, including during his visit to South Africa. In those cases, he said some creators felt overlooked, but he remained focused on the tour’s original purpose. Speed emphasized that the trip is about street performers, local artists, and communities with real talent who rarely receive attention on global platforms.The fans who have been supporting Speed have applauded him for his actions, stating that it helps to give a real image of the African nations. Most of the fans have applauded Speed for this, stating that it gives fans a true idea of life in these African nations. Speed’s quotes have been making their way around social media, and many have praised him for standing by his mission.As the 28-day tour continues across 20 African countries, Speed has made it clear that his focus will not change. While creator collaborations may happen naturally if time allows, he says the heart of the journey is about culture, people, and stories, not influencer appearances.