The acclaimed “Music Box” documentary series created by Bill Simmons is set to return with a new season, and this time, it shines its spotlight on one of Africa’s most influential artists: Wizkid. HBO has officially released the trailer for Music Box: Wizkid: Long Live Lagos, an HBO Original documentary that traces the spectacular rise of the Nigerian superstar from the bustling streets of Lagos to the biggest stages in the world.
The film is slated to premiere on HBO and stream on Max on December 11, 2025, marking one of the most anticipated music documentaries of the year.
For more than a decade, Wizkid (born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun) has been a central force shaping the global soundscape. From his early days as a promising teenager signed to Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.) to becoming a Grammy-winning international phenomenon, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of Afrobeats. “Long Live Lagos” captures not only this transformative journey but also the cultural movement that followed in his wake. The documentary situates Wizkid's ascent within the vibrant cultural ecosystem of Lagos, showing how the city’s rhythms, energy, and complexities molded him into the artist he is today.
The trailer hints at an intimate and layered portrayal, one that goes beyond the glitz of global superstardom. Viewers are offered glimpses of Wizkid’s formative years, including archival footage, rare interviews, and personal reflections from the artist himself. The film appears to delve into the challenges he faced navigating the Nigerian music industry, the bold decisions that shaped his artistic identity, and the resilience required to break into an industry that once overlooked African voices. It also showcases the major milestones of his career: the breakout success of “Holla at Your Boy,” his pioneering international collaborations, and his role in the global explosion of Afrobeats.
One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is its emphasis on Lagos as both a character and a catalyst. The city’s restless creativity, its stark contrasts, and its relentless hustle have long shaped Nigerian music, and Wizkid stands as one of its most charismatic ambassadors. Through his story, the film explores the larger cultural renaissance emanating from Nigeria, a wave that has carried artists, dancers, producers, and creators into global consciousness. By grounding Wizkid’s global achievements in his Lagos roots, “Long Live Lagos” promises to offer viewers not only the story of a superstar but a celebration of an entire cultural movement.
Bill Simmons’ “Music Box” series has a reputation for producing immersive, emotionally resonant music documentaries, including films on artists such as DMX, Alanis Morissette, and Juice WRLD. By choosing Wizkid as the subject of its new season, the series acknowledges the undeniable impact of African artists on global culture. It also signals a broader industry shift toward telling African stories with depth, nuance, and international visibility.