Tag:

Nigerian

HBO Doc 'Wizkid: Long Live Lagos' Trailer About the Nigerian Musician
Hollywood

HBO Doc ‘Wizkid: Long Live Lagos’ Trailer About the Nigerian Musician

by jummy84
written by jummy84

HBO Doc ‘Wizkid: Long Live Lagos’ Trailer About the Nigerian Musician

by Alex Billington
November 30, 2025
Source: YouTube

“Look, it’s our time. Listen to us now.” HBO has revealed an official trailer for a documentary film called Wizkid: Long Live Lagos, arriving for streaming to watch starting this December. It’s one of the next offerings in HBO’s ongoing Music Box doc series, which debuted on HBO back in 2021, a collection of documentary films exploring pivotal moments in the music world. “A symbol of hope in Nigeria.” 🇳🇬 Wizkid: Long Live Lagos explores how art and music have the power to change global perception and awareness through the story of Nigerian superstar Wizkid (real name Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun) as he prepares for his groundbreaking performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England (his show in 2023). One of the most successful African musicians of all time, Wizkid’s talent & authenticity transcend borders and brings African music to the world stage, challenging the stereotypes in Western media and reclaiming African identity. The doc features appearances by Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, Jada Pollock, Julie Adenuga, Seni Saraki, Starboy, Karen Binns, and Tops, his tour manager. Worth a watch if you’re a Wizkid fan – or not yet.

Here’s the official trailer (+ poster) for HBO Music Box’s doc Wizkid: Long Live Lagos, from YouTube:

Wizkid: Long Live Lagos Poster

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Wizkid rose from his humble beginnings to become an influential, internationally recognized Grammy-winning musician. With no music industry infrastructure in Nigeria, he was fueled by 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. Wizkid’s story takes us across Africa & London, meeting fans & friends who support him, and exploring the extensive, complex history between the United Kingdom and Nigeria and the aftermath of its colonial past. While the internet and streaming platforms enable world music to smash through borders, Wizkid also uses his voice to challenge colonial legacies, and shift the narrative to offer a fuller picture of present-day Africa and its cultural influence. As the first African artist to headline Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Wizkid’s stardom underscores how global recognition is a form of rebellion, a key way to amplify and honor both African culture and African pride.

Wizkid: Long Live Lagos is directed by producer / filmmaker filmmaker Karam Gill, director of the films G-Funk, Ice Cold, and Untrapped: The Story of Lil Baby. Produced by Karam Gill and Daniel Malikyar. Part of the Music Box series for HBO. Executive produced by Bill Simmons, Jody Gerson, Marc Cimino, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, Tina Nguyen This initially premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year. HBO will debut Wizkid: Long Live Lagos streaming on HBO Max starting on December 11th, 2025.

Share

Find more posts in: Documentaries, To Watch, Trailer

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
How Nigerian Brand Orange Culture Beat the Odds
Fashion

How Nigerian Brand Orange Culture Beat the Odds

by jummy84
written by jummy84

For the collection, Oke-Lawal has enlisted the help of top creatives. Seasoned stylist and fashion editor Ola Ebiti, who has worked with the likes of Tom Ford and Acne Studios, is styling the show. It was Orange Culture’s bold and progressive aesthetic that first drew Ebiti to the brand. “There needs to be a brand that can bridge the gap between Africa and the rest of the world,” he says. While the appetite for African brands is increasing among US consumers, Ebiti says, the styling and the visuals must be carefully crafted to translate the brand’s messaging in an international way. “It’s one thing to have really good ideas, but it’s another to really be able to bring that to fruition and serve clients. For me, that’s always been my goal for Orange Culture.”

Orange Culture, which launched in 2011 in Lagos, quickly became a household name. His clothing brought something fresh to the Nigerian market, providing consumers with interesting silhouettes and clean tailoring. As demand for his clothes grew, the Lagos-based designer quickly amassed a cult-following across West Africa. Three years after the brand’s inception, Orange Culture became the first African label to be shortlisted as a finalist for the LVMH Prize in 2014, catapulting the brand into the international spotlight. Off the back of the prize, Orange Culture secured popular stockists, including Browns and Farfetch, and has showcased collections in Paris, London, New York and at Pitti Uomo in Florence. (Orange Culture declined to share sales figures.)

Though, building a collection that is immensely personal comes with risk, the designer acknowledges. Whether it’s well received by buyers, press or fans of the brand is something that weighs on Oke-Lawal’s mind. “It is a concern, because at the end of the day, it’s still a business,” he says. “Over the last two years, I’ve been very catered to my customers; I can see what they want. But I think this one is for me… It’s a scary sacrifice, but one I’m willing to take right now.”

Orange Culture’s show at the V&A in London in 2024.

Photo: Courtesy of Orange Culture

From Lagos to the world

For many African designers, building a leading fashion brand on the continent is not an easy endeavour. There are several socioeconomic challenges that make the day-to-day running of a fashion business incredibly complex — from power outages to domestic shipping hurdles and challenges importing raw materials. There are also limited opportunities for designers to learn, network and receive mentorship in Lagos, as the local industry remains nascent and fashion schools are incomparable to their international counterparts.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail