- American streamer IShowSpeed received Ghanaian citizenship and a passport in January 2026, following his Speed Does Africa tour
- IShowSpeed is attached as a producer on The Eyes of Ghana, a documentary backed by Barack and Michelle Obama's production company
- The film, which premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, is scheduled for a US theatrical release on October 28, 2026
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American live streamer IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., is drawing renewed attention after his Ghanaian citizenship intersected with the growing profile of a documentary he is producing alongside Barack and Michelle Obama's production company.
Source: Facebook
Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed in January 2026 that Watkins had been granted Ghanaian citizenship and a passport.
How IshowSpeed was granted Ghanaian citizenship and a passport
The announcement followed Speed's visit to the country as part of his Speed Does Africa tour, during which he participated in a traditional naming ceremony and received the name Barima Kofi Akuffo.
His mother, Tiffany Elizabeth Graves, is reportedly of Ghanaian descent, providing a direct family link that supported the citizenship application.
Ghanaian authorities also acknowledged his cultural influence, noting that his large online following gave him the capacity to serve as an informal cultural ambassador and introduce the country to younger global audiences.
The decision was not without debate. His citizenship reignited broader discussions about whether celebrity reach and cultural visibility should factor into a country's naturalisation decisions.
What is IShowSpeed's role in The Eyes of Ghana Documentary?
Separately, Speed is attached as a producer on The Eyes of Ghana, a documentary focused on preserving historically significant Ghanaian film archives.
The project is backed by Higher Ground Productions, founded by Barack and Michelle Obama, in partnership with Breakwater Studios and director Ben Proudfoot.
At the centre of the film is veteran Ghanaian cinematographer Chris Hesse, who served as the personal cameraman of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first president.
Hesse's archive contains footage documenting the country's independence era, African liberation movements, and the political rise and fall of Nkrumah. The documentary explores the importance of safeguarding those records for future generations.
The film made its debut at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival and is scheduled for a US theatrical screening on October 28, 2026.
The association with the Obamas has attracted mainstream media interest, while IShowSpeed's involvement creates a point of entry for his substantial younger fanbase.
His Ghanaian citizenship, formalised months before the documentary drew wider attention, adds a layer of personal connection to his role in helping bring the country's historical story to international screens.
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Did IShowSpeed visit Kenya?
TUKO.co.ke also highlighted facts about Speed’s visit to Kenya, where he met students, visited local landmarks, and interacted with fans during his African tour.
The streamer said Kenya was the top country on his tour after his livestream drew a surge in YouTube subscribers.
His visit also included a stop at Nairobi National Park, where he encountered several wild animals.
Source: TUKO.co.ke