In Wizkid: Long Live Lagos, a new HBO Original Documentary, Los Angeles-based director, Karam Gill, traces the singer’s rise from “just a little kid from Surulere” to a global icon pushing African music to new heights.
By Vivian Nneka Nwajiaku
When Wizkid released his debut album, Superstar, in 2011, it was a seminal moment for Nigerian music. The cultural impact was almost instantaneous, and it was clear that, indeed, a superstar had been born. But few could have predicted just how enormously famous he would become, or the pivotal role he would play in the global breakthrough of Nigerian music.
In Wizkid: Long Live Lagos (2025), a new HBO Original Documentary under the platform’s Music Box series, Los Angeles-based director, Karam Gill, traces the singer’s rise from “just a little kid from Surulere” to a global icon pushing African music to new heights. The documentary centres on Wizkid’s record-breaking 2023 feat as the first African artiste to headline a sold-out show at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, drawing 45,000 attendees.
Born Ayodeji Balogun, Wizkid commands a cult following both at home and abroad. But the Grammy-winning singer is a notoriously quiet celebrity, and Gill’s documentary seems to respect that. Instead, as Rolling Stone observes, Wizkid: Long Live Lagos makes a case for why milestones like the Tottenham show matter, and focuses on Wizkid as not just a man, but an institution.
Wizkid: Long Live Lagos is co-produced by Gill and Daniel Malikyar, and features contributions from artistes, music executives, cultural commentators, and fans. Notable appearances include Femi Kuti, Jada Pollock, Julie Adenuga, Tops Bademosi, and Seni Saraki, who is also credited as a co-producer on the project. Together, they offer context and perspectives on the cultural impact of Wizkid’s music, positioning him as an inspiration and an ambassador for Africa on the global stage.
Runtime: 83 minutes
Wizkid: Long Live Lagos had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival and will premiere on HBO and HBO Max on 11th December 2025. Available on Showmax from 26th December 2025.
Vivian Nneka Nwajiaku is a writer, film critic, TV lover, and occasional storyteller writing from Lagos. She has a master’s degree in law but spends most of her time watching, reading about and discussing films and TV shows. She’s particularly concerned about what art has to say about society’s relationship with women. Connect with her on X @Nneka_Viv