Popular American streamer and YouTuber IShowSpeed, born Darren Jason Watkins Jr., has been honoured with a traditional Ghanaian name during his visit to Ghana as part of the concluding leg of his African tour.

The 21-year-old internet personality began his Ghana experience in the Eastern Region, where he went live from Akropong, making his first stop at the scenic Asenema Waterfall. There, he shared a traditional massage experience with his bodyguard, drawing excitement from online viewers.

Accompanied by renowned YouTuber and culture diplomat Wode Maya, IShowSpeed later paid a courtesy call on the area’s traditional leadership and elders. During the visit, he took part in traditional prayers and was presented with a framed citation officially conferring on him the name Barimah Kofi Akuffo.

Explaining the significance of the name, the presiding chief said the elders had researched the streamer’s date of birth and established that he was Friday-born, hence the Akan day name Kofi, traditionally given to males born on Fridays. Barimah denotes a valiant and extraordinary man, while Akuffo is a respected and prominent Akan family name.

Dressed in white traditional attire and later in royal kente, IShowSpeed celebrated the moment by performing a backflip, much to the delight of chiefs, elders, subjects, and community members who had gathered in large numbers for the colourful ceremony. He was seen repeatedly rehearsing his new name and expressing excitement, especially during photo sessions with traditional drummers at the end of the event.

During the trip, the US digital star also revealed that he is the son of a woman of Ghanaian descent, further deepening the cultural connection of his visit.

His Ghana itinerary was influenced by Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), Director of the Diaspora Office at the Presidency, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) Deputy CEO Gilbert Abeiku Santana, and National Sports Authority (NSA) Director Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.

IShowSpeed’s visit is expected to significantly boost Ghana’s international visibility, with the streamer’s energetic personality and massive global following drawing attention to the country’s culture and tourism offerings. His live streams from Ghana attracted close to 60 million viewers, underscoring the global reach and impact of his visit.