Why Peller Chased IShowSpeed Through Lagos, The Viral Story That Broke the Internet
Peller: What was meant to be a joyful celebration of a global internet star’s milestone turned into one of the most talked‑about moments on Nigerian and global social media in January 2026, and it wasn’t for the reason anyone expected.
On January 21, 2026, American YouTube and livestream sensation Darren Jason Watkins Jr., better known as IShowSpeed, arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, to mark his 21st birthday and celebrate reaching 50 million subscribers during a live broadcast from the city’s busy streets.
Speed’s visit, part of his ongoing “Speed Does Africa” tour, brought massive crowds, unpredictable encounters and cultural firsts, like trying Nigerian jollof rice and sampling local attractions.
But amid all the celebrations, one local creator’s efforts unexpectedly stole headlines for a completely different reason: Nigerian streamer Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller.
Peller: Chasing Fame Through Traffic
As Speed’s convoy moved through the bustling streets of Lagos, videos quickly circulated online showing Peller repeatedly trying to get the American streamer’s attention. In a moment that quickly went viral, the Nigerian creator was seen running alongside the entourage, attempting to climb onto a vehicle, and even riding a horse through heavy traffic while shouting to Speed to stop and collaborate.
At one point, he was intercepted by security and physically prevented from reaching Speed, creating an image many social media users described as both hilarious and cringe‑worthy, depending on who you asked.
Peller later recounted the sequence during a live TikTok session, describing how he was ignored “three times” despite his bold efforts and emotional investment in the moment.
“When I see IShowSpeed, I see him. First time, ignored. Second time, ignored. Third time, ignored,” he said, visibly frustrated.
He even revealed he had prepared a cheering section and a cake for Speed, a detail that added another layer of vulnerability to the story.
Social Media Erupts
As videos and reactions mounted across TikTok, Instagram and Twitter, opinions diverged sharply:
- Supporters praised Peller’s ambition and energy, arguing young creators should chase big opportunities fearlessly. High‑profile socialite Cubana Chief Priest publicly defended him, saying there was “no shame in striving to achieve one’s goals.”
- Critics said the scene was embarrassing, criticizing the approach or arguing the spectacle overshadowed other positive moments from Speed’s visit.
- Industry voices, like comedian Woli Arole, used the incident to offer constructive advice, urging Peller to build solid management and brand strategy to navigate big opportunities more effectively in the future.
One viral clip even showed Peller being physically picked up by bouncers and carried away after trying to access Speed, adding to the internet’s fascination with the moment.
Why Didn’t IShowSpeed Respond To Peller?
Amid the online uproar, Speed himself responded to broader criticism about skipping collaborations with local creators. According to reports, he explained his “Speed Does Africa” tour wasn’t designed around influencer meet‑ups but aimed to celebrate culture and connect with fans organically.
That clarification did little to calm the meme‑fuelled discussions, however, with commentators speculating everything from scheduling challenges to simple miscommunication between teams.
The Aftermath
In the days that followed:
- Some fans rallied behind Peller, offering support and even creative opportunities beyond Nigeria.
- Others used the episode as a talking point on broader issues like content creator strategy, humility in fame, and what it takes to go from local to global.
- For many observers, it became more than just a funny clip, it showcased the power and unpredictability of internet culture when global creators visit new audiences.
Final Take
The Peller–IShowSpeed incident became more than just a viral moment, it’s a lesson in ambition, perception and the realities of internet fame. While one creator raced through Lagos streets literally and figuratively, the world watched, laughed, debated and ultimately learned something about how digital fame plays out in real life.
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