Wizkid’s documentary Wizkid: Long Live Lagos recently premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, offering a celebration of his extraordinary journey from the neighbourhoods of Lagos to becoming a global icon.
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This isn’t just another music documentary—it’s a cultural milestone, spotlighting not just the artist but the challenges and creativity of Nigerian youth. Directed by Karam Gill, the film promises to be an intimate, powerful look into both Wizkid’s personal evolution and his larger impact on how Africa is heard and seen worldwide.
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Born Ayodeji Balogun in the Surulere neighborhood of Lagos, Wizkid’s early life was humble and rooted in the city’s hustle. His breakout came after he was signed by Banky W to Empire Mates Entertainment. He dropped hits like “Holla at Your Boy” and “Azonto”—the latter not only soared on charts but also introduced Ghana’s Azonto dance to a new wave of fans.
Wizkid helped shift Afrobeats from a local phenomenon to a global juggernaut. His 2011 album Superstar wove together R&B, dancehall, and Afro-fusion, while subsequent releases like Made in Lagos propelled the genre into international playlists. Critics and fans alike credit him as one of the trailblazers who changed the world’s perception of African music, and with a trophy cabinet that speaks volumes: Grammys, AMAs, VMAs, BETs, Billboard awards… he’s pulled them all in. His feature on Drake’s “One Dance” shattered Spotify’s billion-stream mark. He became the first African artist to secure a million X/Twitter followers, multi-million-dollar endorsement deals, and the first-ever headlining performances in venues once closed to African artists.
Collaborations with global superstars like Chris Brown, Major Lazer, Justin Bieber, and Beyoncé elevated Wizkid’s reach—and by extension, Afrobeats—to unmatched levels. These cross-cultural tracks flipped listener expectations, showing that African grooves could find harmony in the charts of New York, London, Tokyo, and beyond.
His music isn’t just sold—it’s felt, everywhere.
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The Tribeca documentary “Long Live Lagos” is a dual celebration: of Wizkid’s life and of a generation shaped by Lagos’s energy.
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Tribeca’s selection of “Long Live Lagos” in their prestigious lineup sends a message: African stories are global stories. The live Q&A with Karam Gill and Wizkid reinforces that this is more than a music tale—it’s a cultural turning point. Having his film featured at Tribeca sends a clear message: African stories are important, and people around the world are paying attention.
Wizkid isn’t slowing down. Whether it’s new music, tours, or more storytelling, he’s still in the game. And the world is watching. Wizkid made it from Lagos to the world, and he brought Afrobeats with him. His story is one of hard work, smart moves, and always putting his city first.
