The Story⚡
From Lagos roots to a London stadium stage, Wizkid prepares for a landmark concert, using his platform to reshape views of African culture.
Tell Me More
The HBO Original documentary Music Box: Wizkid: Long Live Lagos, directed by Karam Gill, follows Nigerian artist Wizkid as he readies for his historic headline performance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Born in Lagos, Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, started from modest origins and became a Grammy-winning figure in global music, driven by talent and a goal to alter perceptions of Nigeria and Africa. The film examines how music and art can influence worldwide awareness, highlighting Wizkid’s role in bringing African sounds to international audiences and countering stereotypes in Western media.
It traces his path across Africa and into London, including interactions with supporters and explorations of the historical ties between the UK and Nigeria, including colonial legacies. With streaming services breaking down barriers, Wizkid positions his success as a means to honor African identity and pride. As the first African artist to headline that stadium, his story frames global acclaim as a form of resistance.
The documentary premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival in June, where it was noted for its personal and cultural depth. Reviews describe it as entertaining and propulsive, with strong editing and focus on Wizkid’s quiet charisma, though some note the concert buildup could show more specific challenges. Participants include musician Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, manager Jada Pollock, radio host Julie Adenuga, Native Magazine CEO Seni Saraki, early manager Sunday Are, a fan known as Starboy, stylist Karen Binns, and tour manager Tops.
Produced as part of Bill Simmons’ Music Box series, which began in 2021 and covers key music moments, this installment airs on HBO at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT and streams on Max. Credits include production by Ringer Films, Macro, and MGX Creative, with executive producers such as Charles D. King, James Lopez, and Simmons, alongside HBO’s Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, and Tina Nguyen. Other films in this batch are:
It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley, directed by Amy Berg, debuts on December 4 and uses rare archival footage and personal accounts to cover the life, talent, and death of Jeff Buckley, whose album Grace shaped music history.
Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately?, directed by Amy Scott, airs on December 18 and portrays frontman Adam Duritz, examining the effects of sudden fame on his creativity during the band’s early years.
Happy And You Know It, directed by Penny Lane, releases on December 25 and looks at toddler pop music, its appeal and meaning, along with AI’s role in the field, featuring groups like The Wiggles and Laurie Berkner.
In Summary
Wizkid’s documentary runs 83 minutes and premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, drawing attention for its blend of personal insights and broader cultural commentary. It includes archival footage from his early career and details of the 2023 stadium preparations, focusing on the emotional weight of representation and music’s global reach.
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