In 2025, Wizkid: Long Live Lagos made its grand debut at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, marking a special moment in both African music and global storytelling. More than just a documentary, the film is a celebration of Lagos culture, the rise of Afrobeats, and the life of one of Nigeria’s most iconic artists, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid.
A Cinematic Tribute to Wizkid
Directed by Karam Gill and produced alongside Daniel Malikyar, Long Live Lagos is a full-length documentary that takes fans on an emotional and cinematic journey through Wizkid’s life. From his early days in Surulere, Lagos, to the bright lights of international stardom, the film unpacks not only his success but also the spiritual and cultural roots that shaped him.
It isn’t just about music; it’s about legacy, identity, and the city that birthed a global movement.
Inside the Film: What to Expect
The documentary offers never-before-seen footage of Wizkid’s life — intimate family moments, studio sessions, and electrifying performances. It’s an unfiltered look at the man behind the music, revealing his vulnerabilities, growth, and deep connection to Lagos.
Featuring appearances and commentary from influential voices such as:
- Femi Kuti – Afrobeat legend and cultural icon
- Jada Pollock – Wizkid’s longtime manager and partner
- Sunday Are – Veteran manager and music executive
- Julie Adenuga – British-Nigerian media personality and radio host
These voices help narrate Wizkid’s evolution and the role he’s played in reshaping how African talent and Afrobeat as a whole is seen around the world.
A Landmark Premiere at Tribeca
Long Live Lagos was part of Tribeca Film Festival’s Spotlight+ category — a prestigious slot that included films on Billy Joel and Miley Cyrus. The premiere was powerful, personal, and unforgettable. Wizkid attended with his young daughter, providing an emotional glimpse into his life as a father and artist.
During the post-screening Q&A, he admitted the decision to let cameras into his private life was tough. “It wasn’t easy,” he said, “but I want my fans to see the real me.”
The Broader Message: Lagos as a Creative Force
Beyond Wizkid’s personal story, Long Live Lagos is a love letter to the city that raised him. It captures the essence of Lagos. Its hustle, creativity, rhythm and positions it has as a central player in the global entertainment scene.
The documentary doesn’t just follow a superstar’s rise; it also talks about how a city gave birth to a sound that changed the world.
Previous Documentaries vs. Long Live Lagos
While Wizkid has appeared in other documentaries before, like Lagos to London (2018), A Day in the Live of Wizkid (2020), and A Superstar Made in Lagos (2021), this is his most complete and personal documentary to date.
Where & When to Watch
Currently, Long Live Lagos is available only through screenings at Tribeca Film Festival (June 4–15, 2025). However, because of its ties to HBO Documentary Films, it is expected to be released on HBO Max or similar streaming platforms soon.
Follow Streamdorm on all major social media to get updates on possible HBO announcements, or festival updates for global release dates.
Are you a true Wizkid fan?
For fans, this film is more than a biography. It’s a mirror into Wizkid’s soul, his journey, and the impact he has had on a generation. It’s also a powerful reminder of how far Afrobeats has come and how Lagos remains its beating heart.
Wizkid: Long Live Lagos is not just a music documentary, it’s a cultural moment. It blends emotion, history, and the magic of Lagos to tell a story that fans across the world will connect with. Whether you’ve followed him since Superstar or you’re just discovering his music, this film is a must-watch celebration of one of Africa’s big three.