Wizkid Documentary Set to Premiere at Tribeca, Tracing His Journey from Lagos to Global Stardom
Grammy Award-winning Afrobeat icon Wizkid is set to offer fans an intimate look into his extraordinary life and career with the release of a new documentary. The feature-length film, which charts his meteoric rise from the streets of Lagos to international superstardom, will debut at the prestigious 2025 Tribeca Film Festival.
The documentary, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Karam Gill, will explore Wizkid’s personal and musical journey over the past 15 years. From humble beginnings in the Ojuelegba area of Lagos to sold-out shows at major arenas worldwide, the film promises a never-before-seen glimpse into the life of one of Africa’s most influential music stars.
The Tribeca Film Festival, running from June 4 to June 15, 2025, in New York City, has officially selected the documentary for its Spotlight+ category. This section of the festival features high-profile projects and unique cinematic experiences, including Miley Cyrus’s new visual album, placing Wizkid’s documentary alongside major global releases. More about Tribeca Film Festival
The film’s premiere is expected to be a cultural milestone, not only for Wizkid fans but for African music as a whole. Titled Starboy: The Sound of a Global Movement (working title), the documentary chronicles the journey of a young boy with a dream, navigating the vibrant yet challenging musical landscape of Nigeria’s most populous city, Lagos, to become a household name in global entertainment.
Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, first came into the limelight in 2010 with the release of his debut album Superstar. But it was his 2020 project Made in Lagos that catapulted him to new levels of global recognition. Featuring international collaborations and genre-blending tracks, the album was hailed by critics for its smooth fusion of Afrobeat, R&B, and soul. It earned him nominations and awards globally, reinforcing his status as a trailblazer in the modern Afrobeat movement. Listen to Made in Lagos on Spotify
Speaking about the project, director Karam Gill said the documentary is “more than a music story — it’s about legacy, cultural power, and the impact of a young artist from Nigeria changing the soundscape of global pop music.” Gill, known for his work on music-centered documentaries, brings a storytelling style that aims to spotlight underrepresented voices in popular culture.
Fans can expect behind-the-scenes footage, candid interviews, and never-before-seen archival content tracing Wizkid’s path — not just in the studio and on stage, but also in his role as a cultural ambassador for African music.
The documentary will shine a light on key milestones in his life, including collaborations with artists like Drake, Beyoncé, and Tems, and his performances in iconic venues like the O2 Arena and Paris’ Accor Arena.
The film also intends to explore the broader Afrobeat movement, which Wizkid has played a central role in globalizing. His success has opened doors for a new generation of Nigerian artists, many of whom cite him as a key inspiration.
The documentary’s portrayal of Lagos is expected to reflect both its creative vibrancy and the systemic challenges artists face in breaking through internationally.
Big Wiz’s ability to remain relevant in a fast-changing industry is part of what makes this documentary highly anticipated. With multiple platinum records and a Grammy win for his collaboration on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl, his influence now extends far beyond music, touching fashion, philanthropy, and youth culture.
Ahead of the Tribeca premiere, industry insiders are already buzzing about the potential for the documentary to attract global distribution, with speculation of a streaming release on platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video shortly after its debut.
As Afrobeat continues to gain traction globally, this documentary could become a cultural touchstone for fans and newcomers alike. Explore Afrobeat’s Global Rise
While Wizkid has remained relatively private about his personal life, the documentary is expected to show a more vulnerable and reflective side of the star, including his thoughts on fatherhood, fame, and his commitment to uplifting African stories on the world stage.
As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: Starboy: The Sound of a Global Movement will not only document the rise of a global star but also serve as a celebration of African excellence and cultural pride. For the millions of fans who have followed Wizkid from Lagos to London and beyond, this film is more than just entertainment—it’s a long-overdue tribute to a modern music legend.
