Behind the sold-out stadiums, global acclaim, and Afrobeats glory, Wizkid was quietly fighting a battle that almost ended his career.
This revelation comes from Jada Pollock (Jada P), Wizkid’s long-time manager and partner, who has finally opened up about the darkest period in the superstar’s journey in the new HBO documentary, Long Live Lagos, now streaming on Max.
The documentary chronicles the build-up to Wizkid’s historic London concert, where he became the first Afrobeats artist to sell out the 60,000-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. But while fans saw triumph, Jada reveals that behind the scenes, the singer was on the verge of quitting music entirely.
“He wanted to quit a lot,” Jada admits in the documentary.
According to her, the emotional weight came from a devastating family crisis. Just as preparations for the massive show reached their peak, Wizkid received news that his mother needed urgent cancer treatment. The timing was brutal.
Backstage tension was so heavy that many assumed the concert would not happen at all. Even show host Julie Adenuga believed the worst.
“When the news of his mom’s state broke, the organizers believed the show was cancelled,” Adenuga recalls. “They were expecting an email to say it’s not happening anymore.”
Jada, who has managed Wizkid for eight years and shared a personal relationship with him for six, describes the period as one filled with forced reflection and emotional exhaustion. But in that painful moment, she says Wizkid found clarity.
“It was a time where I felt like he was forced to reflect,” she explains. “But Wiz realises that this show will open so many doors for artists coming up under Wiz… for executives to understand the reach of the sound… and for every kid back home dreaming of becoming Wiz.”
That realization became the turning point. Instead of walking away, Wizkid stepped onto the stage on July 29, 2023, delivering one of the most iconic performances in African music history. The show blended classics like Ojuelegba and Don’t Dull with newer hits including Essence and Joro, as part of his “More Love, Less Ego” tour.
Tragically, just weeks after the historic night, Wizkid’s mother passed away on August 18, 2023, adding deeper meaning to the performance that almost never happened.
Long Live Lagos goes beyond chart success and sold-out venues. It paints a raw portrait of grief, resilience, and a partnership built on trust. Wizkid himself acknowledges Jada’s unwavering support during that period, crediting their bond for helping him stay the course when quitting felt easier.
The documentary stands as both a tribute to Afrobeats’ global rise and a reminder that behind every superstar moment is a human story few ever see.