Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema (Divine Ikubor) dropped his first official solo single of 2026, “TEA,” on August 7, 2026, via Mavin Records / Jonzing World, distributed by Interscope/UMG. The track arrives with an official music video directed by Haitian-American filmmaker Annie Bercy. Produced by Mustard with additional production from longtime collaborator London (ThisizLondon), “TEA” blends Afrobeats foundations with dancehall-tinged energy, hypnotic repetition, and a club-ready pulse that showcases Rema’s ongoing experimentation beyond pure traditional Afrobeats.
Background and Context
Since breaking through, Rema has built a global profile with melodic Afrobeats, the “Afrorave” signature he helped popularize, and crossover moments including the massive success of “Calm Down.” “TEA” marks a return to solo work after collaborative activity earlier in the year (including high-profile features and a FIFA World Cup-related performance). The song plays with the slang phrase around “body like tea,” turning it into a playful, repetitive celebration of attraction and energy rather than a dense narrative. The hook leans heavily into chant-like repetition (“tea, tea, tea”), which makes it instantly memorable and TikTok/Instagram dance-friendly.
Production-wise, Mustard’s involvement brings a polished, rhythmic drive with heavy drums, sub-bass elements, and space for Rema to shift between melodic delivery, rapid chant-singing, and confident flows. London’s contribution keeps the Afro-rooted feel intact while allowing room for electronic and Caribbean-adjacent textures. The result feels more club- and party-oriented than a classic mid-tempo Afrobeats ballad—versatile without abandoning the artist’s core sound.
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The Music Video
Annie Bercy, known for her striking visual aesthetic as a director, photographer, and editor, handles the official video. Rather than forcing a heavy storyline, the visuals prioritize vibe, performance energy, and stylish presentation. Rema and the surrounding imagery focus on movement, presence, and atmosphere—letting the music and the artist “breathe.” This straightforward approach works well for a track built around hypnotic hooks and dance energy: the video supports the song instead of competing with it. Bercy’s eye for composition and mood gives it a fresh, artistic quality that fits Rema’s evolving image.
Watch the official video below
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Why It Stands Out
“TEA” highlights Rema’s refusal to stay locked into one lane. The club-leaning feel, international production touches (Mustard), and simple-yet-effective visuals demonstrate continued evolution while remaining accessible to longtime fans. The repetitive, chant-driven chorus is designed for impact—easy to pick up, hard to forget—and the overall package feels like an intentional first statement of a new phase rather than filler.
For listeners who enjoy Rema’s melodic style mixed with higher-energy, rhythmic experiments, this is a strong entry. The video’s restraint (no overcomplicated plot) is a strength: sometimes the best music videos simply capture the artist and the energy of the track.
Credits summary
• Artist: Rema
• Track: TEA
• Year: 2026
• Producers: Mustard, London (additional)
• Director: Annie Bercy
• Label: Mavin / Jonzing World (Interscope/UMG distribution)
• Category: Afrobeats / contemporary Nigerian music video
Stream the track on major platforms and check the official video on YouTube. Rema continues to push boundaries while staying rooted in the sound that made him a standout of his generation. What do you think of the new direction—does the club energy work for you, or do you prefer his more melodic earlier work? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
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