NATIVE CEO Seni Saraki has revealed how his company helped shape HBO’s Wizkid: Long Live Lagos, ensuring the documentary portrayed Lagos and its culture authentically.
Speaking with The Nollywood Reporter, Saraki explained that co-producing the film was not just about chronicling Wizkid’s rise, but about presenting Nigerian stories on global platforms on their own terms.
“This project was never just about Wizkid,” Saraki said. “It was about showing Lagos, its people, and its music the way they deserve to be seen. For a decade, we’ve focused on telling our own stories rather than letting others define us.”
The documentary follows Wizkid in the months leading up to his historic 2023 Tottenham Hotspur Stadium performance, where he became the first African artiste to sell out the venue. Saraki emphasized that the film captures Lagos as a living, breathing character, central to understanding Wizkid’s artistry.
“Our team ensured Lagos felt real in every scene,” he added. “From the streets to the stage, every detail reflects the city’s vibrancy. That authenticity is central to how we tell African stories.”
Reflecting on NATIVE’s decade-long journey, Saraki said, “We started as a magazine. Today, we co-produce documentaries for global platforms. This film proves that when Africans control their narratives, we can reach any audience, anywhere.”