By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigerian music star Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African artist to be spotlighted in an official HBO documentary.
The feature, titled “Music Box: Wizkid – Long Live Lagos”, celebrates the artist’s inspiring journey from the streets of Ojuelegba in Lagos to performing on some of the world’s biggest stages.
The documentary is set to premiere on HBO Max on December 11 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
At just 35, Wizkid’s inclusion in the critically acclaimed Music Box series marks a defining moment in his career and for Afrobeats as a whole.
The film recounts his self-made rise in the music industry culminating in his sold-out 2023 performance at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Wizkid’s story is framed as a symbol of hope, with commentary from respected voices like Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, who describes the singer as a force carrying forward the legacy of Nigerian musical icons like Fela Kuti.
The documentary also explores the cultural bridge between Nigeria and the UK, showcasing how Afrobeats has transformed from a local genre into a global movement with Wizkid at the forefront.
This global recognition not only cements Wizkid’s place among music legends but also reinforces his role as one of the most influential voices shaping the future of African music.
