Ghana has officially granted citizenship to US YouTuber IShowSpeed, the country’s foreign minister announced, marking a symbolic conclusion to the influencer’s month‑long tour of Africa.
Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed the decision in a post on X on Monday, stating that after “confirmation of the irrefutable ties of IShowSpeed to Ghana,” the government had approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to the entertainer.
“Keep making our great nation, Ghana, and our beloved African continent proud. Ghana celebrates you,” Ablakwa added, underscoring the cultural significance of the move.
IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is African American. At just 21 years old, he has become one of the most‑followed influencers in the world, known for his energetic livestreams and massive online presence.
This month, he hit a major milestone: 50 million YouTube subscribers. Rolling Stone magazine named him the Most Influential Creator of 2025, while Forbes estimates his net worth at $20 million cementing his place as one of the most powerful voices in digital media.
The YouTube and Twitch star’s African tour, which began on December 29, has taken him to 20 countries. Along the way, he has shown his tens of millions of followers a different side of the continent, visiting a diamond mine in Botswana, sampling Ethiopia’s rich cuisine, and attending the Africa Cup of Nations football final in Morocco.
Subscribers to his channel have eagerly followed his coverage, with some black Americans posting emotional videos of their own. Many said IShowSpeed had opened their eyes to a new vision of Africa, far removed from television clichés of poverty and violence.
His recognition by Ghana’s government highlights the growing influence of digital creators in shaping cultural connections across continents. It also reflects the country’s efforts to embrace members of the African diaspora who are using their platforms to celebrate heritage and identity.
For IShowSpeed, the citizenship announcement is both a personal honor and a symbolic moment in his career. It ties his global success to a deeper cultural narrative, one that resonates with millions of followers who see him as a bridge between communities.
As he wraps up his tour, the young creator’s journey underscores how digital media can reshape perceptions, foster pride, and connect audiences across borders. Ghana’s embrace of IShowSpeed is not just about one influencer it is a statement about the power of culture, technology, and identity in the 21st century.
