Theresa Sappor, a caterer in Lagos, claims that making Nigerian jollof rice for American internet streamer iShowSpeed has changed her business and attracted customers. She attributes the cooking to the Holy Spirit.
In a now-circulating interview with The Plug, the caterer, who runs Sappor Cuisine at Freedom Park, an ancient colonial prison, which is now a tourist attraction on Lagos Island, said the experience was practically miraculous.
“This Jollof rice, na Holy Spirit help me cook am. I’m still in disbelief. Social media get power. Whether we like it or not, Nigerians have delicious food,” she said.
While savoring Nigerian rice at Sappor Cuisine on Freedom Park, Lagos Island, American streamer iShowSpeed
According to Sappor, a patron who had never been to Freedom Park before stopped by her restaurant to sample the jollof rice she had prepared for iShowSpeed.
She claimed that although she had never entered Freedom Park, she was able to do so because to iShowSpeed.We created the Jollof rice that iShowSpeed ate when he arrived to Nigeria. I tell anybody anyplace that I have the best cook in the world. I’ve been cooking since I was 12 years old. My mother-in-law is a caterer, so I went back to it. “I truly enjoy cooking,” she continued.
The scope of the livestreamed event was emphasized by her husband, a co-founder. More than a million people saw him devour it. This location is frequented by many foreigners. They desire fufu and egusi. They return for more because they like it, he said.
On January 21, 2026, US YouTuber and online streamer Darren Jason Watkins Jr., better known as IShowSpeed (C), broadcasts to his fans at an event held at the Admiralty Mall in Lagos. (Image by AFP/TOYIN ADEDOKUN)
During the webcast at Sappor Cuisine, iShowSpeed, on his Africa tour named Speed Does Africa, complimented the Nigerian jollof rice, stating, “I am not gonna lie, this is good.” I may have to choose Nigeria. The streamer’s comment quickly triggered replies online, celebrating the delicacy of local cuisine.
“It has received a global visitation,” Sappor said, characterizing the experience as transformative. iShowSpeed, thank you! I also know how to make the tastiest egusi soup.
“I appreciate you raising people. You will be blessed by God. Additionally, God will elevate you.
During his broadcast, Speed said, “I am not gonna lie, this is good,” as he sampled Nigerian jollof rice at the park. I may have to choose Nigeria.
Speed later flew to Ghana after his Nigerian tour, where he immersed himself in Ghanaian Jollof cuisine amid the long-standing culinary rivalry between both countries.
After eating Ghanaian jollof rice cooked in a large-sized pot, the global streamer jokingly revived the controversy when he again expressed a preference for the Nigerian version, saying, “I may have to go with the Nigerian one,” moments after backflipping into the big pot of rice.
The comment prompted massive online debate and lighthearted discussions between Nigerian and Ghanaian supporters. Ghanaian YouTuber Wode Maya disclosed that the stunt was purposefully planned at iShowSpeed’s request amid the backlash. He clarified that the streamer sought a visually arresting experience for his worldwide audience by saying, “iShowSpeed actually asked for the big jollof bowl.”
iShowSpeed’s Africa tour, which began on December 29, 2025, was slated to span 28 days across 20 countries.
His presence in Lagos drew large crowds, with residents, traders and pedestrians racing alongside his caravan, waving and filming the popular streamer as he went through the metropolis.
