Popular American YouTuber IShowSpeed Celebrates Ethiopia’s Culture, History, and Hospitality

Addis Ababa, January 14, 2026 (FMC) — Popular American YouTuber Darren Watkins Jr., widely known as IShowSpeed, visited Addis Ababa yesterday, immersing himself in Ethiopia’s rich culture, history, and urban life.

The 21-year-old content creator, who has over 48.6 million subscribers on YouTube, livestreamed much of his stay, attracting over 260,000 live viewers, with total views surpassing 9.9 million.

During his visit, IShowSpeed was welcomed by Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa and began his exploration at the Adwa Victory Memorial, where he paid tribute barefoot to Ethiopian heroes who defeated Italian colonial forces at the end of the 19th century.

He later engaged with Ethiopia’s vibrant cultural traditions, participating in traditional dances, sampling local dishes including raw meat, and playing the Masinko, a single-stringed musical instrument deeply rooted in Ethiopian heritage.

He also experienced traditional Ethiopian sports, taking part in the Genna game, a local sport resembling Western hockey, organized by the Ethiopian Cultural Sports Federation. The YouTuber met five of the celebrated Dibaba sisters, legendary long-distance runners and Olympic medalists.

He also linked up with Ms. Haset Dereje, Miss World Africa 2025.

He toured Addis Ababa’s newly developed urban corridors and public parks, livestreaming the city’s ongoing beautification and infrastructure projects.

IShowSpeed’s visit also included Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, and interactions with local young social media influencers, giving him a firsthand look at Ethiopia’s dynamic urban culture.

Throughout his stay, he repeatedly expressed admiration for Ethiopia’s rich history, vibrant traditions, and the warmth of its people, describing his experiences as “eye-opening” and “unforgettable” on his livestream to millions of viewers worldwide.

The visit forms part of IShowSpeed’s wider African tour, aimed at highlighting the continent’s diverse cultures and heritage. His engagement with Ethiopia, combining cultural exploration, historical homage, and urban experiences, offered a vivid showcase of the country’s unique identity, hospitality, and global appeal.