The long-running jollof rice rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana resurfaced in late January 2026 after American streamer Darren Jason Watkins Jr., popularly known as IShowSpeed publicly declared Nigerian jollof rice the best.
The statement was made on January 22, 2026, during a livestream in Lagos, Nigeria, where the content creator tasted the Nigerian jollof as part of his Africa tour.
In the viral clip, IShowSpeed compared the meal with other versions he had previously tried across West Africa.
“I’ll have to go with Nigeria.”
The debate intensified on January 26, 2026, when the streamer arrived in Accra, Ghana, and sampled Ghanaian jollof rice from popular food brand Pizzaman Chickenman during another livestream.
Despite acknowledging the flavour and presentation of the Ghanaian dish, he maintained his preference for the Nigerian version.
Video excerpts from the Accra tasting spread rapidly across X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, reigniting the long-standing jollof wars between food lovers in both countries.
On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Ghanaian media personality David Adjei Frimpong, popularly known as MC Portfolio publicly responded to IShowSpeed’s remarks, defending Ghana’s culinary identity.
MC Portfolio described food preference as subjective and warned against treating one individual’s opinion as a final verdict on cultural superiority.
“Taste is personal, and one person’s opinion cannot decide what is best for everyone.”
He added that Ghanaian jollof remains deeply loved locally and does not require validation from global influencers.
“Our jollof culture is alive, celebrated, and enjoyed daily by Ghanaians.”
MC Portfolio also highlighted the success of local food brands, noting that their growth reflects public confidence in Ghanaian cuisine.
His response drew widespread support online, with many users praising the calm and respectful tone of his remarks.
The exchange once again demonstrated how entertainment influencers can shape cultural conversations beyond music and film.
With millions following IShowSpeed’s Africa tour, a single comment on food proved powerful enough to reignite one of West Africa’s most enduring cultural rivalries.