Beyond gold, jewels, land, and raw materials, few commodities have shaped the development of society as profoundly as tea. From the dowry of a Portuguese princess to the sparks of the Boston Tea Party, tea has influenced histories and cultures across the globe. Yet, its significance within Black diasporic cultures often remains untold. Tea Leaves embarks on a musical journey, tracing the legacy of tea through the sounds of Nigeria, Brazil, Jamaica, the American South, and beyond. This song cycle poetically examines tea’s role as a commodity, its accompanying rituals, and its enduring influence on the lives of Black communities. Through its melodies and verses, Tea Leaves invites listeners to steep in a deeper understanding of how this humble brew sustained and shaped generations within the context of their struggles, joys, and everyday lives.