Stormzy's comeback single references Dubai and has a 10-minute star-studded video

The single 'Mel Made Me Do It' was released on Friday and is the first new music from the rapper since 2019

Stormzy's new song and accompanying video have been labelled a 'masterpiece'. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

Stormzy released a surprise song on Friday, accompanied by a 10-minute star-studded video.

The song, titled Mel Made Me Do It, named after his stylist and friend Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe, includes several references to Dubai.

“My nephews can’t believe that Spider-Man’s my bro. Shout Tom, that’s my guy, on top ‘til we die, and yeah I skip through the world, hop scotch to Dubai,” he raps in one part.

“If I ever see your girlfriend in Dubai, oh lord, party on the boat she’s on board,” he raps in another part.

The song is the first new music from Stormzy since his 2019 album Heavy is The Head. The accompanying music video for the song includes several celebrity cameos, including Usain Bolt, Ian Wright, Jonathan Ross, Gabrielle and Jose Mourinho, who mocks himself and his much-quoted line: “I prefer not to speak. If I speak, I am in big trouble.”

The video also features a spoken-word monologue, written by Wretch 32, and delivered by I May Destroy You star Michaela Coel.

The family of the late Jamal Edwards also feature, holding a a picture of the SB:TV creator.

The video has amassed close to half a million views since its release, and has been labelled a “masterpiece” by viewers.

“Every great has a moment where they make a contribution that will resonate for a lifetime and put to hush all doubts! This is that contribution from Stormzy! Flawless visuals, cameos, flows, lyrics and entertainment,” one viewer commented.

“Stormzy needs all the accolades,” another wrote. “The writing of the music and the message. The visuals in the video are second to none, incredible. Paying homage to all the stars past and present. Only the one true King could make this happen…This is Black Excellence at its finest. Can't wait for the album to drop.”

Another said the video was close to a film. “Calling this just a song or just a music video would be an understatement,” they wrote. “This is a movie bro. Masterpiece.”

See pictures from Stormzy's headline set at the Abu Dhabi F1 after-race concerts in 2021

British rapper Stormzy performs at Etihad Park, Yas Island. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The rapper returned to the UAE 17 months after a set at the Redfest DXB festival in Dubai.

Tthe British grime rapper headlined the second of the four Abu Dhabi F1 after-race concerts at Etihad Park.

'It has been a long time since I have been on stage like this … let's make this a great memory for us with dance, vibes and energy,' Stormzy said.

Fans cheer as Stormzy performs a series of hits.

'I have been looking for this show for so long,' the rapper told fans.

British rapper Stormzy performs at Etihad Park, Yas Island.

Fans of British rapper Stormzy enjoy a concert at Etihad Park, Yas Island.

While his trademark ferocious energy may have seemed a little tempered, there was no doubt about the genuine enthusiasm exhibited on stage.

British rapper Stormzy performs at Etihad Park, Yas Island.

Fans of British rapper Stormzy cheer him on at Etihad Park, Yas Island.

British rapper Stormzy performs at Etihad Park, Yas Island.

Audience members wearing masks cheer during the rapper's performance.

British rapper Stormzy performs at Etihad Park, Yas Island.

In was clear at the concert that Stormzy is happy to be back at work.

British rapper Stormzy performs at Etihad Park, Yas Island.

Stormzy pounced on stage to the imperial-sounding horn blasts of opener 'Big Michael'.

British rapper Stormzy performs at Etihad Park, Yas Island.