At the premiere of his documentary “Wizkid: Long Live Lagos” at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, global Afrobeats sensation Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known worldwide as Wizkid, used the spotlight to speak on deeper issues beyond music. While celebrating his personal journey, the Grammy-winning artist reflected on the broader challenges and aspirations facing Africa—particularly the need for improved governance and stronger support for creative voices.
A Call for Better Leadership Across Africa
Wizkid expressed a heartfelt desire for the African continent—and especially Nigeria—to be better governed. He stressed that while the arts are flourishing, progress in other key areas remains stifled by systemic issues.
“I wish for better government,” he said simply but firmly. “I’m just a very positive human being regardless of anything. I always wish for more success for the whole culture—from music to film to sports.”
His words resonated strongly with attendees at the festival, many of whom saw the documentary not only as a celebration of his career but also as a reflection of African resilience and potential.
Championing Creative Storytelling
The Starboy boss took the opportunity to encourage African creatives to tell their stories through global platforms. For Wizkid, “Long Live Lagos” is more than a personal documentary—it’s a blueprint and inspiration for other artists from similar backgrounds.
“I hope that every artist from Africa gets to tell their story like this,” he said. “Because I’m not the only one from that hustle. We all came from there. Everyone deserves the chance to tell their story like this.”
Wizkid highlighted storytelling as a powerful tool to change perceptions about Africa and empower the next generation of artists, filmmakers, and creators to push beyond the limitations of their environments.
The Power of Vision and Faith
Speaking with NBC 4 at the same event, Wizkid reflected on what it takes to succeed. According to the 34-year-old superstar, vision is a crucial ingredient on the path to greatness.
“You have to dream it before you achieve it,” he said when asked whether he always knew he’d reach this level of success. “So yeah, I’ve always known I would be successful.”
He advised young people to believe in themselves, stay consistent, and hold on to their faith: “Stay true to yourself, work hard, and keep believing in God.”
A Personal Moment: Introducing Baby Morayo
In a touching family moment, Wizkid and his partner, Jada Pollock, used the documentary premiere to introduce their daughter, Morayo, to fans and the public. The proud father was seen holding his daughter and posing for photos alongside Jada and members of his team—adding a deeply personal touch to an evening that was as much about legacy as it was about music.
A Legacy in Progress
“Wizkid: Long Live Lagos” marks another milestone in the artist's storied career, offering fans a glimpse into his rise from the streets of Surulere to global stages. Yet, even amid celebration, Wizkid’s message was clear: real success lies not just in individual triumphs but in building a better future for all—through better leadership, empowered storytelling, and faith in what is yet to come.