From local radio to global stages, these 10 must-see documentaries unpack the real stories, struggles, and sounds that shaped Afrobeats culture.
Afrobeats—a term that didn’t even exist until recently—has its roots in Afrobeat, the genre pioneered by Fela Kuti in the late ’60s and early ’70s. What began as a fluid sound reverberating through the streets of Lagos has evolved into a global force that allows African youth to express their stories and struggles. But long before Afrobeats was a Grammy contender or TikTok trendsetter, it was already moving through underground channels—bootleg videos, lo-fi freestyles, and vibrant diaspora house parties.
While the music itself is powerful, the stories behind it often go untold. Documentaries offer a deeper layer—providing not just the music, but the context, the struggles, and the people who lived it. However, not all documentaries capture the essence of Afrobeats in the same way. Some focus too heavily on the “global takeover” narrative, while others overlook the gritty realities—the pirate radio stations, the bruised egos, the visa struggles, and the hustle behind the hits.
But a few stand out, not just for the story they tell, but for the way they listen, understanding the pulse of the culture and its ongoing journey.
Here are 10 documentaries that truly capture the rhythm, chaos, and cultural power of Afrobeats.
1. Afrobeats: The Backstory (2021)
Directed by Ayo Shonaiya, this 12-part docuseries is arguably the most comprehensive visual chronicle of Afrobeats to date. Originally premiering on Netflix in 2022, Afrobeats: The Backstory takes viewers from the genre’s early underground roots in the early 2000s to its current reign as a global music powerhouse. With appearances from key artists and behind-the-scenes figures, it explores the political, cultural, and social forces that shaped the sound.
2. Afrobeats: From Nigeria to the World (2017)
Directed by Hugo Clément & Steven Prigent, this earlier documentary takes a historical lens to the Afrobeats movement, beginning with its spiritual predecessor—Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat—and connecting the dots to contemporary Nigerian Highlife, funk, and the fusion-heavy sounds of today. It captures Afrobeats as a living, evolving genre that has transcended borders, influencing global pop and bringing African artists to the forefront of international stages.
3. Journey of the Beats (2022)
Produced by Obi Asika, Journey of the Beats is a 10-episode exploration of Nigeria’s musical heritage through the eyes of musicians, journalists, cultural commentators, and industry veterans. It doesn’t just spotlight chart-toppers—it honors the pioneers, the gatekeepers, and the quiet architects who built the road for Afrobeats’ global ascent. The series offers a layered narrative that captures the genre’s complexity and power.
4. Wizkid: A Superstar Made in Lagos (2021)
To mark the 10th anniversary of his breakout album Superstar, Wizkid dropped a mini-docuseries tracing his evolution from a precocious teen under E.M.E to an international icon. A Superstar Made in Lagos includes rare behind-the-scenes footage, industry testimonials, and Wizkid’s reflections on his meteoric rise, making it an essential watch for understanding how one artist helped shape a global movement.
5. Lagos to London (2018)
Part documentary, part visual mixtape, Lagos to London follows Mr Eazi’s journey from selling phones in Nigeria to becoming a cultural bridge between Africa and the UK. Featuring voices like Joey Akan and Julie Adenuga, the film breaks down how Nigerian music has exploded in London and beyond. And when Mr Eazi says he wants to “shed light on how music is consumed in Nigeria,” he’s talking about access, gatekeeping, and what it takes to be heard when you’re not already plugged in.
6. Finding Fela (2014)
Oscar-winning director Alex Gibney brings Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s legacy to life in Finding Fela. Through archival footage, interviews, and scenes from the Broadway musical Fela!, the film paints a powerful portrait of a man who used music as resistance. It’s not just a biopic, it’s a meditation on art, politics, and the role of the artist in confronting political tyranny. If you want to understand why Fela is still the genre’s spiritual godfather, this is the documentary to start with.
7. Grime, Glory & Afropop (2024)
Created by Wonu Osikoya, this documentary flips the script on traditional music storytelling. While most music documentaries focus on the stars, Osikoya turns the camera toward the unsung heroes behind the scenes—artist managers, A&Rs, and music entrepreneurs like her brother Bizzle Osikoya, Osagie Osarenkhoe, and Asa Asika. Shot in an intimate, vlog-style format, the film offers a rare, ground-level perspective of Nigeria’s music industry, spotlighting the invisible labor that powers the Afrobeats machine.
8. Bakosó: AfroBeats of Cuba (2019)
Directed by Eli and Joanná Fantauzzi, Bakosó is a vibrant, visually stunning journey into how Afrobeats and other African rhythms have inspired new genres in Cuba. Following DJ Jigüe on a trip back to his hometown of Santiago, the film reveals how Cuban and African cultures are in constant dialogue, producing a hybrid sound that’s futuristic yet deeply rooted in heritage. The film shows DJ Jigüe as he reconnects with his hometown and unpacks how Afrobeat, Azonto, and Kuduro have fused into a local sound called Bakosó. It’s part spiritual pilgrimage, part sonic anthropology.
9. Fela Kuti: Father of Afrobeat (2020)
This documentary is a gripping, emotionally charged portrait of Fela’s political resistance and artistic genius. It recounts how he became a symbol of defiance, taking on Nigeria’s military regimes through music. From Kalakuta Republic to his controversial personal life to his legacy in Pan-Africanism, it’s a reminder that Fela was doing more than making music, he was shaking systems. One of the most striking scenes shows the crowd of over one million people at his funeral. His body may have passed, but the fire he lit still burns in today’s music scene.
10. The Odyssey (In Production)
Currently in production, The Odyssey is an ambitious documentary co-produced by Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Adekunle Gold and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Abba T. Makama. The film charts the 100-year journey of Yoruba music—from foundational styles like Were, Sakara, Apala, Juju, and Fuji—to its transformation into the globally dominant force we now know as Afrobeats. With a focus on cultural preservation and artistic innovation, The Odyssey celebrates Yoruba music’s influence across generations while exploring its role in shaping contemporary sound. This documentary is set to become a landmark in Afrobeats storytelling.
