Credit: Imago
Popular streamer IShowSpeed had a terrifying moment during his Africa tour when he was attacked on camera in Ivory Coast. It happened while Speed was live and trying to do a local dance as part of his effort to immerse himself in the country’s culture. What started off very lighthearted and positive quickly got tense as viewers were shocked when chaos briefly unfolded on stream.Videos of the stream captured a man, out of nowhere, coming up to Speed and becoming violent, which then required his bodyguards’ involvement. Speed looked confused by what was happening and yelled in disbelief as security quickly escorted the man away. Fortunately, nobody suffered any serious injuries, and the stream went on a little after the situation was under control.
A cultural moment disrupted during IShowSpeed’s Africa tour
The attack occurred during Speed’s stop in Ivory Coast as part of his ongoing “Speed Does Africa” tour. The streamer has been visiting multiple countries across the continent, aiming to explore local traditions, meet fans, and take part in cultural activities. In Ivory Coast, this included attempting the popular Zaouli dance in Abidjan’s Yopougon area and sampling traditional foods such as garba and foutou. However, the unexpected altercation shifted the tone of what was meant to be a celebratory moment. Fans watching the stream quickly took to social media to share their reactions. Some expressed concern about safety, with one fan writing, “Africa is not doing itself any favors. Speed is highly popular and seeing him hurt will only show that Africa is not a place to visit.” Others questioned the response time of security, asking, “Why did the bodyguards wait, till Speed was attacked?”Despite the criticism, many viewers also pointed out that large crowds and high-profile appearances can be unpredictable, especially during live events. This was not the first tense moment on Speed’s Africa tour, as previous stops have also seen crowd control challenges due to his massive popularity and the number of fans eager to see him in person.The incident in the Ivory Coast underlines the dangers that are involved with live streaming in public spaces, especially when one is a globally recognized creator. While Speed’s intention has been to celebrate African culture and connect with local communities, moments like this underline the need for strong security and careful planning.In the end, IShowSpeed was left unharmed, and the tour continued with no major setbacks; the on-camera attack has raised wider discussions about creator safety, crowd control, and how viral moments can turn serious in a split second when the cameras are rolling.
