“Wizkid is a symbol of hope,” declares the trailer for “Music Box: Wizkid: Long Live Lagos,” a new film exploring the global impact of the Afrobeats superstar, per people.com.
The Nigerian musician is set to be the subject of a new documentary that delves into the profound, widespread impact of his music on African identity and the continent’s global perception.
The film, titled “Music Box: Wizkid: Long Live Lagos,” explores how the Grammy winner’s art is contributing to the reclaiming of African narratives from the shadow of colonial influence. Part of HBO’s Music Box series, the documentary is scheduled to debut on Thursday, December 11 on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max.
Born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, the 35-year-old artiste’s journey began in Lagos, Nigeria, where he first nurtured his love for music. Despite the lack of established industry infrastructure in his homeland at the time, Wizkid achieved international stardom through what the documentary’s press material describes as “raw talent, determination and his belief that success would not only change his and his family’s lives, but also the global perception of Nigeria and the continent of Africa.”
The documentary’s trailer, released on November 4, hails Wizkid as a “national hero” for Nigeria. It follows the star from his native country to the United Kingdom, where he meets fans and performs, symbolically “reshaping the relationship” between the two nations historically linked by colonialism.
“The colonists took away our soul, but things are beginning to change,” a voice in the trailer states, before adding: “Wizkid is a symbol of hope.”
Wizkid, widely considered “one of the most commercially successful African musicians of all time,” crafts his sound by blending Afrobeats with elements of hip-hop and R&B. His international success is highlighted by collaborations with globally acclaimed artistes such as Drake, Chris Brown and Skepta.
As streaming platforms enable “world music to smash through borders,” Wizkid is utilising his platform to challenge colonial legacies. He is aiming to “shift the narrative to offer a fuller picture of present-day Africa and its cultural influence,” according to the press release.
The star is portrayed as embracing his international fame as “a form of rebellion” and “a way to amplify and honour both African culture and African pride.”
“Music Box: Wizkid: Long Live Lagos” debuts on December 11 on HBO and can be streamed on HBO Max.
