A new HBO documentary is shining a spotlight on one of Africa’s biggest music stars. Wizkid: Long Live Lagos follows the Nigerian singer from his early days in Surulere, Lagos, to becoming a global Afrobeats sensation. The film, part of HBO’s Music Box Season 2, premieres December 11. This offers fans an inside look at his rise and the story of African music taking the world stage.
From Lil Prinz to Starboy
The documentary traces Wizkid’s journey as a teenager known as Ayodeji Balogun. Ayo started singing in church and recorded music under the name “Lil Prinz.” He eventually caught the attention of Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), which helped him release his breakout hit Holla at Your Boy in 2010. The song didn’t just make him famous in Nigeria it introduced a fresh wave of youthful Afrobeats to the mainstream.
In 2014, Wizkid left EME to start his own label, Starboy Entertainment, carving out his own sound and identity. The film follows this evolution, showing how he grew from a rising star to a global icon. In other news, iNaijanow shared a story on Tem’s latest surprise EP.
Breaking into the Global Scene
Collaborations with stars like Akon and Drake set the stage, but it was One Dance that made history. He became the first Nigerian artist to top the Billboard Hot 100, holding the No. 1 spot for 10 weeks in 2016.
The documentary also explores his acclaimed album Made in Lagos, featuring the Tems-assisted hit Essence, which became the first Nigerian song to reach the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 and earned a Grammy nomination. Wizkid’s success has helped Afrobeats go global, inspiring a new generation of African artists like Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Asake, and Tems.
Celebrating Legacy While Facing Criticism
The film doesn’t just celebrate Wizkid, it also explores debates around his “self-made” story. Some fans argue the documentary downplays early mentors and collaborators who helped shape his career. African music legends, including Femi Kuti, provide perspective, showing how Wizkid’s journey fits into the larger history of Afrobeat and Afrobeats.
A Global Cultural Moment
Wizkid is now one of Africa’s most decorated artists, with Grammy wins, BET Awards, MOBO Awards, and sold-out shows worldwide. Known for his privacy, the documentary gives fans a rare glimpse into his life, creative process, and the Lagos streets that shaped him.
Experts see Long Live Lagos as more than a biography, it’s a sign that Hollywood is paying attention to African stories. It also cements Afrobeats’ role as a global cultural force influencing music, fashion, film, and dance.
Excitement is building online. Wizkid shared the trailer on X, writing: “New doc premiering on @HBO. Dec 11th! 🦅🇳🇬 #WizkidLongLiveLagos” Fans from Nigeria, the U.S., U.K., and Latin America are thrilled, seeing the documentary as a long-overdue tribute to an artist who’s helped take African music beyond borders.Wizkid: Long Live Lagos is about resilience, creativity, and global influence. It’s a story of an artist, his city, and millions of young dreamers who see themselves in his journey. Come December 11, the world will see Wizkid’s story.
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