The Tribeca Film Festival witnessed a historic moment in African music and cinema as Nigerian global superstar Wizkid premiered his highly anticipated documentary, Long Live Lagos, on June 6, 2025.
Screened in the Spotlight+ section under the “Expressions of Black Freedom” theme, the film brought Afrobeats and African storytelling to the heart of New York City, drawing fans, cultural critics, and film enthusiasts alike.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Karam Gill, Long Live Lagos is an 83-minute intimate exploration of Wizkid’s journey from the vibrant streets of Lagos to the grand stages of the world. The documentary is more than a personal memoir; it is a cinematic love letter to Lagos, offering viewers a layered portrayal of the city’s enduring energy and influence on the global Afrobeats movement.
The premiere at the OKX Theater at BMCC was a star-studded affair, with Wizkid walking the red carpet alongside his daughter and longtime manager Jada Balogun. The moment was symbolic—a reflection of family, growth, and the cross-generational reach of his music. The audience inside the theater responded with rapt attention and a standing ovation, a testament to both the film’s emotional depth and Wizkid’s lasting impact.
Gill’s direction weaves archival footage, performance clips, and intimate behind-the-scenes moments into a visually rich tapestry. The documentary offers not only a timeline of Wizkid’s rise but also contextualizes his artistry within the cultural and economic dynamism of Lagos. From grassroots studio sessions to electric stadium performances, Long Live Lagos presents a sonic and visual celebration of African creativity.
Tribeca’s Spotlight on Black Freedom
As part of Tribeca’s “Expressions of Black Freedom” showcase, Long Live Lagos positions itself within a larger conversation about storytelling, autonomy, and representation. In the post-screening Q&A, Wizkid and Karam Gill spoke about the importance of owning African narratives and using global platforms to amplify local truths. The film is expected to reach broader audiences through its upcoming distribution deal with HBO Documentary Films, a milestone moment for Afrocentric storytelling on international screens.
A Testament to Lagos, A Beacon for Afrobeats
The documentary’s core message is clear: Lagos isn’t just a city; it’s a living, breathing muse. Through street sounds, grassroots talent, bustling markets, and creative chaos, Lagos emerges as both the backdrop and the engine of Wizkid’s evolution. It’s this essence that makes Long Live Lagos not just a documentary, but a declaration—that Africa is not waiting to be seen. It is already leading.
With Long Live Lagos, Wizkid joins the ranks of artists who are not only shaping sound but also reshaping how stories from the continent are told. The film captures a defining moment in the rise of Afrobeats as a cultural and economic force, and in doing so, it cements Lagos as the pulse of a global movement.
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