Grammy-winning Afrobeats star Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has called for improved governance in Nigeria and across Africa. Speaking during the premiere of his new documentary Wizkid: Long Live Lagos at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival in New York, the globally renowned artist highlighted the importance of effective leadership on the continent. “I hope that every artist from Africa gets to tell their story like this,” Wizkid said during a Q&A session at the event. “Because I’m not the only one from that hustle, we all came from there. I feel like everyone deserves the chance to tell their story like this.”
He continued by emphasizing the collective progress of African culture and governance:
“I always wish for more success for the whole culture, from music to film to sports. And I wish for better government. I’m just a very positive human being regardless of anything. I wish the best for everyone making amazing music and amazing art from Africa.”
The documentary Wizkid: Long Live Lagos, which was among the standout international features at Tribeca, chronicles the singer’s journey from the streets of Surulere, Lagos, to the global stage. According to a synopsis published on the festival’s official website, the film offers “a raw look at the life of a boundary-pushing musician” and demonstrates “the power of international music and art to shift perception and reclaim a sense of identity for its people.”
Wizkid’s appearance at the festival was also a family affair. He was joined by his longtime partner, Jada Pollock, and their youngest daughter. The trio turned heads on the red carpet in matching white outfits, with the singer lovingly introducing his daughter to guests while carrying her in his arms. It marked the infant’s first public appearance.
The Starboy boss and Pollock welcomed their first son, Zion Ayo-Balogun, in 2017, and their second child was born in 2022.