Capital Market Ethiopia posted on 14 January 2026 an article titled "IShowSpeed Touches Down in Ethiopia: Addis Ababa Braces for 'Speed Does Africa' Chaos."
American Darren Jason Watkins Jr., global streaming titan "IShowSpeed," arrived in Ethiopia after a historic visit to Kenya bringing his "Speed Does Africa" to the Horn of Africa. He was immediately engulfed by a sea of Ethiopians.
Ethiopia Insight published on 21 January 2026 a commentary titled "Ethiopia Goes Viral with IShowSpeed, Moment for Reflection" by Fenet Bedaso, Africa Development and Research Center.
The author explains that his visit placed Ethiopia, briefly but unmistakably, at the center of global online conversation.
Comment: While official US influence in Africa continues to slip, unofficial American soft power remains very much alive and well.
