When Wizkid: Long Live Lagos debuted on HBO this December, it did more than drop another music documentary. It gave viewers a grounded, inside look at how Nigeria’s biggest musical export became a global artist and shaped the way the world hears African music.

The film is part of HBO’s celebrated Music Box documentary series and premiered on December 11, 2025, on HBO and HBO Max, running roughly 85 minutes. It traces the story of Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known to the world as Wizkid, from his early days in Lagos to becoming one of the most influential contemporary African performers. Karam Gill directed the documentary, which blends interviews, behind‑the‑scenes footage and performances to show the realities behind Wizkid’s rise. 

The documentary had its world premiere earlier in June 2025 at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. At the festival, Wizkid and the director took part in discussions that gave audiences deeper insight into the creative and cultural intentions behind the film. It was one of the standout selections in the festival’s Spotlight+ category, which highlights powerful new documentary work. 

Rather than just retell chart success, Long Live Lagos places emphasis on identity, culture and influence. Fans see how Wizkid grew up in Ojuelegbe, Surulere and the vibrant musical environment of Lagos, a city that has informed his sound and perspective. The documentary explores his journey through early local performances, studio sessions and the gradual breakthrough into global markets. 

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A central moment in the film, and one that anchors its narrative, is Wizkid’s historic headline show at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on July 29, 2023, where he became the first African artist to headline the venue. That performance stands in the documentary as not only a career milestone but a tangible marker of how Afrobeats and Nigerian music now operate on the global stage. 

The documentary also charts how Wizkid’s artistry challenges long‑standing stereotypes about African music and culture. Trailer footage featured a voice declaring, “The colonists took away our soul, but things are beginning to change”, positioning Wizkid not just as a musical star but as a symbol of a broader cultural reclamation. The film shows him meeting fans in the United Kingdom and reflects on the complex, post‑colonial relationship between Nigeria and the wider world. 

Long Live Lagos includes commentary from people who have been part of Wizkid’s life and career. Appearances from his manager and partner, Jada Pollock, Afrobeat legend Femi Anikulapo‑Kuti, UK media personality Julie Adenuga and early mentor Sunday Are bring personal perspectives to the story. Their reflections add depth to the narrative, showing how his music influenced others and how his personal life intersects with his artistic journey.

The documentary has generated strong reactions from fans and critics alike. Early responses highlight its emotional depth and honesty, noting that it does not just celebrate his achievements but also shows the vulnerability behind the artist. Some reactions have also sparked wider conversations online, including debate around Wizkid’s comments about his path to success and how history remembers the roles of early industry figures in his rise. 

At its core, Wizkid: Long Live Lagos is more than a biography. It captures a moment in which African music has become a dominant part of global culture, illustrating how one artist’s journey reflects wider shifts in perception and influence. Whether through sold‑out shows, international collaborations or conversations about identity, the documentary positions Wizkid as both a product of his city and a figure reshaping how the world sees that city and its sound. 

Cynthia Nwanonyiri