When American streamer iShowSpeed landed in South Africa for a whirlwind three-day visit, the internet did what it always does. It exploded. Clips flooded timelines, fans chased sightings, and his name dominated local trends. But just as the hype began to settle, Nota Baloyi stepped into the conversation with a bold claim that quickly reignited the noise.
According to Nota, iShowSpeed did not trend on his own. He says he played a key role in making that moment happen. Mzansi, unsurprisingly, had thoughts.
A bold claim in a loud digital space
Nota Baloyi is no stranger to controversy. Known for his outspoken takes and willingness to challenge popular narratives, he recently claimed that he was responsible for pushing iShowSpeed into South African trending territory during the streamer’s short stay.
The statement landed online like a spark in dry grass. Social media users questioned how one person could take credit for a global internet personality trending in a country known for its highly active online culture.
How iShowSpeed really took over timelines
iShowSpeed’s visit was brief but packed. Fans spotted him in public spaces, creators filmed reactions, and everyday South Africans shared clips at a rapid pace. This kind of organic virality is familiar in Mzansi, where international celebrities often trend simply by being visible and accessible.
That context is why Nota’s claim became a punchline for many users. Several joked that South Africans did not need convincing to engage with a global streamer already popular among local youth.
Social media responds with humour first
As expected, the response leaned heavily into humour. Memes, sarcastic comments, and playful jabs flooded platforms. Some users suggested that South Africans trend visitors all on their own, while others poked fun at Nota’s tendency to centre himself in viral moments.
Still, a smaller group defended his right to speak his truth, arguing that influence is not always visible and that behind-the-scenes contributions often go unnoticed.
NOTA speaks on IshowSpeed 🇺🇲🇿🇦
“I made him trend… I’m the reason he was trending”
Full episode out @ 16h00 pic.twitter.com/TEMu0tFvQy
— RAP-KULTURE ZA (@rapkulture_za) January 8, 2026
A familiar pattern in celebrity discourse
This moment taps into a wider cultural pattern. In South Africa, debates about who drives trends often become as viral as the trends themselves. Whether it is music, celebrity visits, or social media moments, there is always a secondary conversation about credit and influence.
Nota’s comment fits neatly into that space. It is less about iShowSpeed and more about how local personalities position themselves within global moments.
More noise than damage
At the end of the day, iShowSpeed’s South African visit remains a success regardless of who claims credit. For Nota Baloyi, the reaction proves one thing clearly. His name still sparks conversation, and in the attention economy, that alone keeps you relevant.
Whether Mzansi agrees with him or not, the jokes, debates, and quotes show that South Africans are always ready to engage when a bold claim hits the timeline.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: Eduzim