By Africa Live News
Global Afrobeats icon and Grammy-winning artist Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has revealed his personal philosophy on achieving success—vision, self-belief, and faith—while also sharing a rare family moment with fans at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in New York City.
The 34-year-old superstar was speaking during the red carpet premiere of his documentary “Wizkid: Long Live Lagos” on Friday night. The film chronicles his rise from the bustling streets of Lagos to becoming one of Africa’s most influential musical exports.
In an interview with NBC 4, the interviewer asked if he always knew he would become as successful as he is today. Wizkid responded with unwavering confidence and humility.
“Yeah, absolutely, man. You have to dream it before you achieve it,” he said.
“So, yeah, [I’ve] always [known I would be successful].”
The Power of Vision and Faith
For Wizkid, success is not accidental. He emphasized that every achievement begins with a clear vision and a deep sense of purpose.
“You must first see it in your mind. If you want to succeed, you’ve got to see yourself there before it happens,” he said.
“It’s about staying true to who you are, working hard, and never losing faith in God.”
He encouraged African youth, creatives, and aspiring professionals to maintain their integrity, persevere through challenges, and stay grounded spiritually.
“I advise every young person out there to stay true to themselves, keep putting in the work, and always trust in God. That’s the way,” he added.
A Family Affair: Wizkid Introduces Daughter Morayo
Beyond the music and inspirational words, the Tribeca Film Festival also became a stage for a personal family moment. For the first time publicly, Wizkid and his partner Jada Pollock introduced their young daughter Morayo to the world.
Fans were thrilled to see the usually private singer holding Morayo in his arms while posing with Jada and members of his team for photos. The heartwarming moment quickly went viral across social media platforms, with many praising Wizkid for balancing superstardom with fatherhood.
“Seeing Wizkid with his daughter is everything. That’s how kings move—with legacy and love,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The appearance marked a rare family outing for the couple, who have kept much of their personal life away from public view. Their son, Zion, has occasionally been seen in past posts, but the Tribeca event was Morayo’s official debut.
“Long Live Lagos”: A Love Letter to Home
The documentary “Wizkid: Long Live Lagos” is a vivid exploration of the singer’s origins in Surulere, Lagos, and the cultural explosion that gave birth to the Afrobeats genre. It features archival footage, interviews with collaborators, and an intimate look at Wizkid’s life offstage.
The film not only highlights Wizkid’s journey but also serves as a tribute to Lagos—a city he has often described as the heartbeat of Africa.
“Lagos is everything to me. That city gave me the energy, the fire, and the culture that made me who I am,” Wizkid said.
The documentary received rave reviews at Tribeca, with critics hailing it as a “bold celebration of African creativity” and a “much-needed counter-narrative to stereotypical portrayals of Africa.”
A Platform for African Voices
Wizkid also took the opportunity to champion the African creative community, encouraging more African artists to document and share their stories on global platforms.
“I hope every artist from Africa gets the chance to tell their story like this,” he said.
“I’m not the only one from that hustle. We all came from there. Everyone deserves to be seen and heard.”
He stressed that beyond music, Africa has powerful voices in film, fashion, and sports, and that global audiences are now ready to embrace more African narratives.
“I always wish for more success for the whole culture—from music to film to sports. The world is watching, and it’s Africa’s time.”
Social Media Reaction and Global Buzz
Following the Tribeca event, #WizkidAtTribeca, #LongLiveLagos, and #WizkidMorayo trended on social media, with fans and fellow artists alike celebrating the singer’s achievements and vulnerability.
One X user posted:
“Wizkid showing the world that success comes from vision, hard work, and family. What a night to remember!”
Another added:
“The doc is a masterpiece. So proud to see African excellence on display at such a global level.”
Music industry figures have also praised the documentary for its production quality and authentic storytelling. According to Nigerian entertainment journalist Toke Ibitoye, Long Live Lagos sets a new benchmark for music documentaries on the continent.
“This is not just Wizkid’s story. It’s the story of an entire generation of African dreamers,” she said.
What’s Next for Wizkid?
Following the documentary’s successful premiere, industry insiders are speculating that Wizkid may be preparing to release new music or announce a global tour. His last project, More Love, Less Ego, received critical acclaim and helped further solidify his presence in the U.S. and European markets.
There are also rumors that Long Live Lagos could be made available on major streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime, although no official release date has been confirmed.
