- American YouTuber IShowSpeed’s recent livestream from Zimbabwe sparked controversy after viewers alleged he publicly ignored Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025, Lyshanda Moyas.
- The incident occurred during a 5-hour livestream on January 8, 2026, held in a club setting.
- Moyas was reportedly seated next to the streamer while wearing a red jersey, with many viewers questioning Speed’s apparent lack of recognition.
- The livestream was part of Speed’s ‘Speed Does Africa’ tour, which also included stops in Angola.
The viral nature of IShowSpeed’s tour in Africa has often highlighted the cultural clashes and misunderstandings that can arise when international internet celebrities engage with local contexts. In Zimbabwe, the controversy surrounding Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025 Lyshanda Moyas has ignited a broader discussion on local representation and the expectations placed on visiting influencers. While some sources suggest Speed later realized his oversight, the immediate perception of him ignoring a prominent local figure during a public stream resonated negatively with many fans and observers.
Nehanda Radio further contextualized Speed’s visit, noting a general misalignment between what Zimbabwean tourism authorities aimed to showcase and what the streamer was genuinely interested in. The article highlighted instances where Speed appeared uncomfortable with manufactured encounters with socialites and questioned elements of local culture, suggesting a preference for authenticity over curated experiences. This particular controversy with Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025 adds another layer to the critique of how Zimbabwe sought to leverage the influencer’s fame, potentially misjudging the audience and the message being conveyed.
Timeline
- **January 8, 2026 (Late PM UTC):** IShowSpeed’s 5-hour Zimbabwe livestream concludes, with the controversial moment involving Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025 occurring near the end.
- **January 9, 2026 (Morning UTC):** Reports surface on social media and news outlets, including The Times of India, detailing viewer reactions and the alleged snub of Lyshanda Moyas, Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025.
- **January 9, 2026 (Afternoon UTC):** Discussions intensify across social platforms regarding Speed’s actions and the broader implications for Zimbabwean tourism and celebrity engagement.
Key Players
- **IShowSpeed (Darren Watkins Jr.):** American YouTuber and streamer whose Africa tour sparked the controversy.
- **Lyshanda Moyas:** Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025, reportedly ignored by IShowSpeed during his livestream.
- **Zimbabwean Tourism Authorities:** Organizations that sought to leverage IShowSpeed’s fame to market the country.
- **Social Media Viewers:** Fans and critics who observed the livestream and initiated the viral discussion around the incident.
