When American streamer Darren Jason Watkins Jr, popularly known as IShowSpeed, walked through the streets of Ghana on January 26, 2026, shouting his newly given Akan name, Barima Kofi Akuffo, few could have anticipated the cultural conversations that would follow.
Streaming live to a global audience of over 50 million, Speed’s visit to Ghana became one of the most talked-about moments of his African tour.
Known for his viral real-life streams from countries around the world, IShowSpeed has built a massive international following.
His African tour alone has taken him through Zambia, Ethiopia, Senegal, Rwanda, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Angola, among others.
Top moments from IShowSpeed’s visit to Ghana
However, Ghana stood out, not just for the spectacle, but for the cultural exchange it sparked, particularly among Africans themselves.
One of the most viral moments from his Ghana visit occurred at the Shea Butter Museum, a private cultural space owned by beauty queen and entrepreneur Hamamat Montia.
During the visit, Speed received a traditional shea butter massage from a group of women.
As they massaged him, the women repeatedly chanted the phrase “Kuriya Kuriya,” which quickly caught the attention of online viewers, many of whom began asking: what does “Kuriya Kuriya” actually mean?
“Kuriya Kuriya” is a Ghanaian slang expression rooted in Dagbani culture, commonly found in Northern Ghana.
It originates from a traditional call-and-response chant sung by women while working together.
The call, “kuriya kuriya,” is usually answered with “kuri gen gen,” often followed by names or playful phrases.
Historically, Dagbani women sang this chant during communal activities or other group tasks. It was not religious or ritualistic, but rather a form of entertainment, bonding, and rhythm to make work feel lighter and more enjoyable.
Speed was unable to visit several other locations during his Ghana tour due to time constraints.
Still, his brief stay managed to open conversations about local languages, traditions, and cultural practices, proving that the tour was not only about showcasing Africa to foreigners, but also about Africans rediscovering and explaining their own cultures.
Meanwhile, watch the 2025 GhanaWeb Excellence Awards Nominees Unveiling below:
AK/EB
Copyright © 1994 - 2026 GhanaWeb. All rights reserved.
