Wyclef releases new music video “Back From Abu Dhabi,” right off hosting FIFA draw event

Wyclef Jean released the music video for his single “Back From Abu Dhabi” featuring Rick Ross and French Montana, a cinematic return to his rap roots that dropped just days after he represented Haiti at the FIFA World Cup draw event, where he served as one of several celebrities tapped to represent their countries’ teams.

Wyclef’s latest release marks more than just a new single—it signals a creative reset ahead of a milestone year. With his 2026 album “Quantum Leap” on the horizon and the 30th anniversary of “The Score” approaching, “Back From Abu Dhabi” sets the tone for a return to big-concept visuals and global storytelling. The track dropped just days after Wyclef appeared at the FIFA World Cup draw, where he represented Haiti on the international stage—underscoring his continued presence at the crossroads of music, identity and diaspora pride.

Inspired by his love of sci-fi and ’90s-era music videos, Wyclef envisioned a futuristic-yet-nostalgic aesthetic that bridges timelines and continents. To bring it to life, he tapped longtime friend and actress-turned-director Tasha Smith, who helped craft the video’s cinematic tone. Together, they blended high-fashion visuals with sharp beat switches and gritty New Jersey backdrops. Scenes shift between the desert glow of Abu Dhabi and the familiar corners of Newark and Camden, reflecting both Wyclef’s global reach and his deep local roots.

The visual opens with a voiceover by comedian Dave Chappelle, appearing on a television screen on a New Jersey street, introducing Wyclef before the beat drops and the camera shifts from Abu Dhabi’s skyline to the warehouses and alleyways where the trio performs.

French Montana and Rick Ross trade verses alongside Wyclef, tying together three major figures in hip-hop with deep diaspora ties, especially Montana, who often highlights his own immigrant story. 

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