A Lagos-based caterer, Theresa Sappor, has said preparing Nigerian jollof rice for popular American online streamer iShowSpeed has significantly transformed her business, attracting new customers and global attention.
Sappor, who runs Sappor Cuisine at Freedom Park on Lagos Island, described the experience as almost miraculous, attributing her success to divine help and the power of social media.
Speaking in a now-viral interview with The Plug, she said, “This jollof rice, na Holy Spirit help me cook am. I’m still in shock. Social media get power. Whether we like it or not, Nigerians have good food.”
Freedom Park, where her restaurant is located, is a former colonial prison that has since been converted into a tourist attraction.
Sappor revealed that shortly after the livestream featuring iShowSpeed, customers began trooping into her restaurant specifically to taste the same jollof rice he ate.
“One woman told me she had never stepped into Freedom Park before, but she came because of iShowSpeed,” she said. “We prepared the jollof rice that he ate when he came to Nigeria. I tell anybody anywhere 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 really love cooking.”
Her husband, who is also a co-founder of Sappor Cuisine, highlighted the massive reach of the moment, noting that over one million people were watching live as the streamer enjoyed the meal.
“While he was eating it, more than one million people were watching. A lot of expatriates now visit this place. They ask for egusi and fufu. They enjoy it and keep coming back,” he said.
During his visit to Lagos as part of his Speed Does Africa tour, iShowSpeed praised the Nigerian jollof rice while livestreaming from Freedom Park, saying, “I am not gonna lie, this is good. I think I might have to go with Nigeria.” His comment quickly sparked excitement online, with many celebrating Nigerian cuisine.
Describing the encounter as life-changing, Sappor expressed gratitude to the streamer. “It has received global visitation. iShowSpeed, thank you. I know how to cook the best egusi soup too,” she said, adding prayers for his success.
During his stay in Nigeria, iShowSpeed also interacted with skaters, dancers and performers at Freedom Park, attempting local dance steps and reacting enthusiastically to the talents on display.
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After leaving Nigeria, the streamer travelled to Ghana, where he sampled Ghanaian jollof rice amid the long-standing culinary rivalry between both countries. However, after tasting the dish, he jokingly reignited the debate by again declaring a preference for the Nigerian version, even after dramatically backflipping into a massive pot of rice.
The moment sparked playful exchanges online between Nigerian and Ghanaian fans. Ghanaian YouTuber Wode Maya later disclosed that the stunt was arranged at iShowSpeed’s request, explaining that the streamer wanted a visually striking moment for his audience.
iShowSpeed’s Africa tour began on December 29, 2025, and was scheduled to last 28 days across 20 countries. His arrival in Lagos drew massive crowds, with residents, traders and passersby running alongside his convoy, waving and recording videos as he moved through the city.
