A new HBO documentary, titled Music Box: Wizkid: Long Live Lagos, is set to offer an intimate look into the life and career of Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, better known as Wizkid. The film traces his remarkable journey from the vibrant streets of Surulere, Lagos, to becoming an internationally celebrated, Grammy-winning artist.
The documentary is scheduled to premiere on December 11, 2025, on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max.
Directed by Karam Gill, the project is part of the acclaimed “Music Box” documentary series and provides an in-depth exploration of Wizkid’s ascent, contextualizing his personal success within the broader narrative of the global Afrobeats movement. The film features candid interviews with key figures in his life and career, including manager and partner Jada Pollock, music executive Seni Saraki, Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, and media personality Julie Adenuga.
Music Box: Wizkid: Long Live Lagos highlights several key themes:
- From Local Talent to Global Star: The film meticulously details Wizkid’s evolution from a gifted teenager creating music in a local studio to an artist whose sound resonates across continents.
- Challenging Perceptions: The documentary examines the artist’s role in leveraging his music to challenge stereotypes and promote African identity and pride on a world stage.
- A Historic Milestone: A significant portion of the narrative focuses on the lead-up to his historic, sold-out headline show at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, a groundbreaking achievement as the first African artist to sell out the venue.
- The Power of Afrobeats: The film positions Wizkid’s journey as a testament to the cultural and economic force of Afrobeats, a genre that has captured global attention.
The documentary has already garnered attention following its premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival in New York in June, where it received a standing ovation and positive early reviews.
