Wizkid’s extraordinary journey — from the restless streets of Lagos to the grandest stages of world music — is taking on new life in a landmark HBO documentary titled Long Live Lagos.
And with its global release generating massive buzz, fans and industry watchers agree: this is more than a film; it’s a cultural moment.
The documentary, directed by acclaimed storyteller Karam Gill, digs deep into Wizkid’s evolution — from an ambitious boy in Surulere to a boundary-breaking superstar whose sound reshaped Afrobeats and pushed Lagos into the global spotlight. Featuring rare archival footage, behind-the-scenes reflections, interviews with collaborators, and intimate glimpses into the pressure of fame, Long Live Lagos paints a fuller portrait of the artist the world has come to know as Starboy.
A major highlight of the film is the emotional retelling of his historic July 2023 performance at the 60,000-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London — making Wizkid the first African artist to headline the venue. But beyond the pyrotechnics and roaring crowds, the documentary captures the struggles, losses, and private battles that shaped him along the way.
Critics who caught early screenings describe the film as “gritty, honest, and rhythmically alive,” blending the sounds of Lagos with the sights of global stardom. It celebrates Afrobeats as a global movement while grounding the narrative in the city that raised him.
What makes Long Live Lagos even more compelling is its commitment to showcasing Lagos not just as a birthplace but as a cultural engine — a city whose chaos, creativity, and resilience pulse through every beat of Wizkid’s music. From Ojuelegba’s narrow streets to the world’s grandest arenas, the documentary retraces the footsteps of a musician who has become a symbol of modern African excellence.
As fans anticipate its streaming debut, one thing is clear: Long Live Lagos isn’t just a story about Wizkid. It’s a tribute to a generation, a city, and a sound that refused to wait for global acceptance — and instead claimed the world on its own terms.
