Wyclef Jean Recruits Tasha Smith To Direct “Back From Abu Dhabi” Music Video
Written by admin on December 9, 2025
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The visual includes a voiceover from Dave Chappelle, and appearances from French Montana and Rick Ross.
Wyclef Jean always appears to be living in the moment. Interactions with the legendary songwriter and producer are notoriously engaging, as he’s fully immersed in whichever passionate topic he’s discussing at any given time.
The latest subject that’s currently top of mind for Wyclef is the official music video for his hit single, “Back From Abu Dhabi,” which marks a return to Wyclef’s roots, both lyrically and visually.
Filmed in his New Jersey stomping grounds, the “Back From Abu Dhabi” music video finds Wyclef styling in designer threads while bridging the gap between the scenic views of the Emirates capital and the gritty backdrops of Camden.
Featuring an intro by comedian Dave Chappelle, and appearances from featured artists French Montana and Rick Ross, the visual doubles as tone setter for Wyclef’s forthcoming studio album.
“The inspiration for this video for me is my next project, [which] is called Quantum Leap,” Wyclef told VIBE in an exclusive statement.
“I’m a big fan of sci-fi movies and I was just trying the idea of you can be bigger than life. I miss those kind of music videos. And I wanted it to feel vintage, like something that had a 90s feel, but the futuristic 2026 feel.”
The concept behind the “Back From Abu Dhabi” video may have originated from Wyclef’s vision, but he’s adamant that it couldn’t have been brought to life without actress Tasha Smith, who he personally recruited to direct the visual.
According Wyclef, Smith, best known for her roles in the films Daddy’s Little Girls and Why Did I Get Married?, was the perfect collaborator to bring on board for this particular project.
“Me and Tasha, we go way, way back,” the Fugees founder said of Smith. “Tasha is not just a sister—she’s a visionary. And to me, she always had that triple threat, as we say. She’s like a young genius at what she does. She understands culture. And the idea with this is to cut it and make it like culture, and she gets that.”
Tasha Smith attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE
Smith, whose directing credits include episodes of the hit TV shows P-Valley, BMF, Bel-Air, and Mayor of Kingstown, echoed Jean’s sentiments, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with her longtime friend.
“Working with Wyclef Jean has truly been a blessing,” Smith told VIBE.
“He’s like a big brother to me, and his spirit, his artistry, and his truth are unmatched. Directing this video was a spiritual and creative exchange. I’m grateful he trusted me to help bring this chapter of his story to the screen and to celebrate his legacy through this visual.”
Tasha Smith attends a conversation with the cast of Netflix’s “Survival of the Thickest” at 92NY on March 31, 2025 in New York City.
Dominik Bindl/Getty Images
In addition to the release of Quantum Leap: Past, Present, Future, which is due to arrive in 2026, Wyclef is currently prepping to celebrate a series of seismic moments this coming year.
February 2026 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Fugees’ seminal 1996 album The Score, as well as the 20th anniversary of Shakira’s 2006 single, “Hips Don’t Lie,” which Jean appears on and helped write and produce.
Watch Wyclef Jean’s “Back From Abu Dhabi” music video below.
