American YouTuber and livestream sensation IShowSpeed has reignited the long-standing jollof rice rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana after sharing a video of his father choosing Nigerian jollof as the better dish.
The video, shared after his return to the United States following his Africa tour, shows the streamer seated with his father and brother, Jamal, as they sampled jollof rice prepared in both Nigerian and Ghanaian styles. Introducing the tasting, he told viewers, “My dad is about to try the Nigerian jollof,” as he handed over the plate.
After tasting it, his father responded enthusiastically, saying, “This is good, it has the jambalaya feel.” The tasting then moved to the Ghanaian version. When asked to choose between the two, he answered without hesitation: “The Nigerian.” Explaining his decision, he said the Ghanaian jollof was spicier but lacked the same depth of flavour, adding, “The Nigerian has the flavour, Ghanaian has the spice.”
The taste test followed IShowSpeed’s Speed Does Africa tour, during which he travelled through 20 African countries in 28 days. Throughout the journey, he sampled regional dishes and frequently shared his reactions to local cuisine with viewers.
IShowSpeed’s Cultural Recognition and Rising Global Influence
During his visit to Ghana, he also tried Ghanaian jollof on a livestream and stated that he preferred the Nigerian version. This came despite the warm reception he received in the country, including cultural honours and official recognition.
In the Akuapem Traditional Area, traditional leaders welcomed him with a naming ceremony, where he was given the name Barima Kofi Akuffo. Videos from the event showed him dressed in traditional attire as elders performed symbolic rites.
Following the visit, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that his office had approved a Ghanaian passport for the streamer, describing him as a “worthy ambassador.” According to the minister, the decision came after confirmation of what he described as IShowSpeed’s ties to Ghana. During his stay, the content creator told viewers that his mother was from the country and said he felt as though he was “back home.”
His Africa tour extended beyond Ghana and Nigeria, drawing large crowds of young fans across multiple countries. His livestreams captured everyday life across the continent, highlighting street culture, music, sport, and social interactions.
At 21, IShowSpeed has become one of the most recognisable digital creators worldwide. With more than 50 million YouTube subscribers and over 45 million Instagram followers, he is known for his high-energy livestreams and viral reactions. He was recently named Most Influential Creator of 2025 by Rolling Stone, while Forbes estimates his net worth at around $20 million.
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