From Lagos Streets to a London Stadium: HBO Set to Premiere Wizkid’s ‘Long Live Lagos’ Documentary on December 11

HBO has confirmed that its new documentary, Music Box: Wizkid – Long Live Lagos, will premiere on December 11, 2025, airing from 9:00 to 10:25 p.m. ET/PT and streaming simultaneously on HBO Max.

The film, directed by Karam Gill and produced under Bill Simmons’ Music Box series, aims to present the most intimate and comprehensive portrayal of Wizkid to date. It traces his rise from the bustling, energetic streets of Lagos to the world’s largest stages, offering a rare look behind the curtain of one of Africa’s most influential artists.

At the heart of the documentary is Wizkid’s connection to Lagos, the city that shaped his childhood, worldview, and sound. Raised in Ojuelegba, he emerged from a community rich with music but limited in opportunities, and the documentary uses archival footage, interviews, and personal reflections to show how these early struggles became the foundation of his artistic identity. His global success is presented not as a sudden burst, but as the product of years of sacrifice, ambition, and dedication to redefining what African music could become on the world stage.

A major focal point of the film is his historic concert at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. On July 29, 2023, Wizkid became the first African artist to headline the venue, a milestone captured in the film with striking emotional depth. Long Live Lagos reveals that the achievement carried more weight than fans realized at the time, touching on the exhaustion, vulnerability, and personal challenges that accompanied such a monumental moment. His experiences behind the scenes, including dealing with a family health crisis add humanity and context to a performance celebrated globally.

The documentary incorporates perspectives from several people who have witnessed his journey firsthand. Jada Pollock offers insight into the complexities of managing Wizkid’s career while building a family with him. Femi Anikulapo-Kuti places Wizkid’s rise within the lineage of Afrobeat and broader African cultural movements. Julie Adenuga examines his influence on the UK and European music scenes. Sunday Are, his longtime manager, along with stylist Karen Binns and other figures, provides additional layers of context that help shape a fuller picture of the star’s evolution.

Beyond Wizkid as an artist, Long Live Lagos positions his story as part of a larger narrative about cultural identity and global perception. The film addresses themes of African empowerment and the reclamation of artistic representation, suggesting that Wizkid’s global dominance challenges long-standing stereotypes and opens doors for a new generation of African creatives. His impact is portrayed not only in terms of music, but also in how he inspires pride, unity, and possibility across the continent.

The documentary first premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, where it received strong praise for its emotional honesty and cultural resonance. The festival debut signaled that Wizkid’s story holds significance far beyond the Afrobeats community; it reflects a shift in how African artists are documented, celebrated, and understood on international platforms.

Ultimately, Wizkid: Long Live Lagos is more than a behind-the-scenes look at a superstar. It is a celebration of his roots, a study of his influence, and a testament to the global reach of Afrobeats. As December 11 approaches, the film stands poised to offer fans and newcomers alike a rare, unfiltered look at the life of an artist who has reshaped the sound of modern music.