ICYMI: American Streamer iShowSpeed Begins 2026 With a Bang in Mzansi
One of the world’s most recognisable faces in the streaming space, iShowSpeed touched down in South Africa at the cusp of the New Year, crossing over into 2026 with a high-energy stop in Cape Town to kick off his much-anticipated African tour. From the jump, the American streamer’s time in Mzansi unfolded as a loud, unfiltered collage of culture shock, awe, and curiosity — all captured live for millions around the world.
Now that Speed has moved on to other African countries, here are some standout moments from his South African chapter.
New Year’s in Cape Town
Speed rang in 2026 from the Mother City, livestreaming his arrival and celebrations as he officially kicked off the South African leg of his tour. His New Year’s crossover set the tone for what followed — chaotic, energetic, and rooted in real-time engagement with the country and its people.
iShowSpeed in Cape Town:
Face-to-Face With Great White Sharks
In one of the most talked-about moments of his visit, Speed took part in a shark cage diving experience. Suspended beneath the ocean’s surface as great white sharks circled around him, his panicked barking and animated reactions quickly went viral, turning fear into internet gold.
iShowSpeed about to swim with the sharks | SUPPLIED
Racing a Cheetah
Never one to shy away from extremes, Speed went head-to-head with the fastest land animal on the planet. His sprint against a cheetah delivered a surreal moment that felt uniquely African — blending wildlife, adrenaline, and internet spectacle into a single viral clip.
Watch Speed race a cheetah – and almost win:
Tapping Into Mzansi Culture
Away from the stunts, Speed made a visible effort to immerse himself in local culture. From trying South African food and interacting with everyday locals to donning a Springbok rugby jersey and getting a taste of the sport himself, his streams reflected genuine curiosity rather than box-ticking tourism.
Speed tries out a bite in South Ah:
Having a Jol in a Gusheshe
As always, Speed’s strongest moments came through spontaneous moments, and one of those was him being a passenger in a gusheshe doing wild but controlled drifts. While initially daunted (but also nervously excited) by the act, Speed eventually owned the moment, culminating in a moment when he climbed out the gaping sunroof to crouch on top of the car while it was still spinning.
Check out IShowSpeed in a gusheshe on his X account:
With his South African stop now behind him, Speed leaves Mzansi with a trail of viral moments — and a reminder of how internet culture and local experiences can collide in the most unexpected ways.