Wizkid to Premiere Documentary at 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, Marking His Film Festival Debut

Global music icon Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, is poised to make a historic entry into the world of cinema with the world premiere of his documentary, Wizkid: Long Live Lagos, at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. Scheduled for June 4 to June 15, 2025, the prestigious festival will feature the film in its Spotlight+ category, a section reserved for groundbreaking works paired with exclusive live events.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Karam Gill and produced by Gill, Daniel Malikyar, and a team of collaborators, Wizkid: Long Live Lagos is an HBO Documentary Films release that offers an intimate and dynamic portrait of Wizkid’s journey. The film traces his rise from the vibrant streets of Lagos, Nigeria, to becoming a Grammy winning artist and a driving force behind the global Afrobeats phenomenon. 

Through a blend of exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, electrifying performance sequences, and candid interviews, the documentary captures the essence of Wizkid’s artistry and his role in reshaping perceptions of African culture.

The film features insights from key figures in Wizkid’s life, including Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti, a five-time Grammy nominee; Jada Pollock, his manager and partner; long-term manager Sunday Are; media personality Julie Adenuga; and cultural commentator Seni Saraki, among others. These voices provide a multifaceted perspective on Wizkid’s impact, both as a musician and as a symbol of African resilience and creativity. 

Described as a “powerful narrative” by Tribeca’s programming team, Wizkid: Long Live Lagos is more than a biography it’s a celebration of African identity and a testament to the transformative power of music. Following the premiere screenings, Wizkid and director Karam Gill will engage in a live conversation with festival attendees, offering audiences a rare opportunity to hear directly from the artist about his creative process and the making of the film.

The 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, now in its 24th year, is renowned for its commitment to diverse and innovative storytelling. This year’s lineup includes 118 feature films selected from 13,541 submissions, with 94 world premieres and a strong emphasis on international voices. The festival’s inclusion of Wizkid: Long Live Lagos reflects its dedication to amplifying underrepresented narratives, particularly from the African continent. Other African films in the 2025 program hail from Kenya, Egypt, and Nigeria, signaling a growing recognition of African cinema’s global impact.

Cara Cusumano, Festival Director and Senior Vice President of Programming at Tribeca, praised the 2025 lineup for its ability to “connect and inspire” through bold storytelling. “This year’s program showcases creative risk, iconic artists, and stories that drive our cultural conversations,” she said in a statement. Wizkid’s documentary joins a robust music-focused slate that includes films about Metallica, Billy Joel, Depeche Mode, Billy Idol, Miley Cyrus, and Counting Crows, positioning him alongside some of the biggest names in music history.