SHOWBIZFLAIR
Ferdinand Ekechukwu
A trailer released by Home Box Office (HBO) has revealed that ‘Long Live Lagos”, a documentary tracing Wizkid’s rise from Lagos streets to worldwide acclaim, is set to arrive on the American premium television network and service. It promises a rare, intimate look at the man behind the music, and what his success means to his countrymen and the African diaspora all over the world.
The much-anticipated documentary debuts Thursday, 11 December, airing on HBO and streaming on HBO Max. “Music Box: Wizkid: Long Live Lagos” sits within HBO’s ongoing Music Box series, known for spotlighting key stories in contemporary music. With limited music infrastructure and few industry pathways, the 31-year-old built his sound with raw determination.
Directed by Karam Gill, executive-produced by Bill Simmons, the film offers a close look at the moments, memories and milestones that shaped Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun. Through archival footage, the film places his journey within the broader global ascent of Afrobeats, indicating every song was a step forward. Every performance pushed him into new territory.
The documentary features interviews from cultural voices, including Femi Anikulapo-Kuti. Gill includes commentary from noteworthy folks around Wizkid, his manager and partner, Jada Pollock; renowned talent and artist manager, Sunday Are; among several others, including music journalists, and his fans who reflect on Wizkid’s influence across Africa and beyond.
The film celebrates Lagos while acknowledging the weight of global fame. It is as much a story about a city as it is about a superstar ‘Made in Lagos’. The Documentary follows Wizkid’s journey from Surulere, a bustling suburb where he nurtured his dreams, to global stages, highlighting how his rise has helped reshape international perceptions of African music and identity.
‘Long Live Lagos’ runs 83 minutes and premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival in June, where it was noted for its personal and cultural depth, drawing attention for its blend of personal insights and broader cultural commentary. The film points out how colonial legacy, specifically Nigeria’s relationship with its former colonizer Great Britain, impacts its current culture.
The narrative of the film takes viewers behind the scenes of Wizkid’s groundbreaking feat as the first African artiste to headline the 60,000-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on 29 July 2023, though some note the concert buildup could show more specific challenges. But the cameras capture more than the lights and sound.
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