Popular American streamer Kai Cenat has ignited a firestorm online after declaring that he will not be accepting streamers from South Africa into his upcoming “Streamer University” programme.
In a viral clip shared on Friday, June 13, 2026, Cenat stated:
“I won’t be accepting streamers from South Africa because they have to protect their jabs at home.”
The comment, widely interpreted as a jab at South Africa’s high crime rate (suggesting citizens must protect their homes with weapons), has drawn strong reactions from both South Africans and Nigerians.
The post by Twitch Nigeria quickly gained massive traction, with thousands of views, likes, and comments. While some users found the remark funny, many others condemned it as disrespectful and stereotypical.
South African users expressed anger and disappointment, with several calling out Cenat for generalising and spreading negative stereotypes about their country. Some Nigerians, on the other hand, used the opportunity to troll South Africans, leading to heated exchanges in the comment section. Many pointed out the irony, noting that crime is a challenge in several countries, including parts of the United States.
Kai Cenat’s “Streamer University” is a popular initiative where he mentors and trains aspiring content creators. The programme has attracted participants from different parts of the world. His decision to exclude South Africans has now become one of the most discussed topics in African streaming communities.
As of now, Kai Cenat has not issued any further clarification or apology regarding the statement.The incident highlights ongoing online tensions and banter between African countries, particularly Nigeria and South Africa, which often play out on social media.
Kai Cenat remains one of the biggest streamers globally, known for his large-scale events and collaborations. However, this latest comment has drawn criticism for potentially damaging his image in parts of Africa.
