Internet personality IShowSpeed was recently captured completing a real-world purchase in Nigeria using Tether’s USDT stablecoin, sparking widespread discussion about the growing use of cryptocurrencies — especially stablecoins — as a practical payment method rather than just a speculative asset.
The viral clip, shared by Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, shows IShowSpeed using USDT at a retail outlet in Lagos to buy a pair of earrings valued at approximately 2.3 million naira (about $1,500 USD). According to reports, the merchant accepted the stablecoin payment directly, and the transaction was completed within seconds.
Nigeria’s Role in Stablecoin Payments
Nigeria continues to be one of the most active crypto markets in Africa, driven by a young, mobile-first population and challenges with local currency volatility. Stablecoins like USDT have become especially popular because they are pegged to the U.S. dollar, offering a consistent value that local currencies can struggle to maintain.
Recent data shows stablecoins account for a large share of crypto transactions in the region, with demand driven by cross-border remittances, e-commerce, and everyday digital payments. For many Nigerians, the ability to spend USDT at a shop may feel more practical than using traditional card systems, which can be limited in reach and subject to infrastructure challenges.
Why This Moment Matters
While crypto adoption has been growing quietly through peer-to-peer markets and exchanges, this instance marks one of the most visible examples of stablecoin use in day-to-day retail — amplified by the global reach of an influencer like IShowSpeed.
Observers in crypto and fintech circles say the video resonates because it blends mainstream digital culture with a tangible use case for digital money. Rather than abstract blockchain transactions, audiences saw a real transaction that normalizes the idea of stablecoin payments in everyday life.
See more related: Stablecoins & Trade Infrastructure Taking Centre-Stage Across Africa
Stablecoins vs Traditional Payments
In many emerging markets, traditional payment options such as Apple Pay or local card networks can be limited in practical utility for retail purchases. In the case highlighted by the video, USDT served as an alternative that the vendor was willing to accept, highlighting a growing acceptance of digital dollars in places where traditional rails are fragmented.
Industry insiders suggest that events like this — shared widely on social media — could accelerate the perception of stablecoins as practical money, especially in areas with high remittance flows and where forex challenges are common.
