Country and Americana artist Shaboozey on Wednesday responded to criticism over a line in his Grammy Awards acceptance speech that ignited debate on social media and beyond. The musician said he “never intended” to dismiss the historic contributions of Black Americans when he declared “immigrants built this country” during his award acceptance speech.
Shaboozey, whose birth name is Collins Obinna Chibueze, won the Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for the song “Amen,” a collaboration with fellow artist Jelly Roll, at the 68th Grammy Awards on Feb. 1. His remarks drew attention amid a night when several music stars highlighted immigration at the ceremony.
In a statement posted Tuesday on the social platform X, Shaboozey said he was reflecting on his family’s journey and his own identity when he spoke from the stage.
“To be clear, I know and believe that we — Black people — have also built this country,” he wrote. “My words were never intended to dismiss that truth.”
Shaboozey continued by sharing his personal perspective as the son of Nigerian immigrants.
“I am both a Black man and the son of Nigerian immigrants,” he wrote. “In the overwhelming moment of winning my first Grammy, my focus was on honoring the sacrifices my parents made by coming to this country.”
The artist also acknowledged that his choice of words could have been more precise. In his post, he said he “should have been more intentional” in how he expressed gratitude.
Shaboozey’s comments quickly sparked discussion on social media and online forums. Critics argued that the phrase “immigrants built this country” failed to explicitly recognize the role of enslaved Africans and Black Americans in building the United States’ early economic and physical foundations.
Bernice King, daughter of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., also weighed in online. In a post on X, she questioned whether people were including “enslaved Africans, descendants of those enslaved, and Black people whose unjust, low-wage labor sustained the economy” when they spoke about immigrants building the country.
Supporters of Shaboozey say his speech reflected a larger moment at this year’s Grammys, when numerous artists drew attention to their family histories and immigrant roots. Several performers and attendees wore pins and shared messages supporting immigrant communities and opposing restrictive immigration policies.
Shaboozey’s Evolving Public Voice
The Grammy night was a high point in Shaboozey’s career, marking his first Grammy win and underscoring his crossover appeal in country and broader music audiences. Earlier at the event, Shaboozey spoke emotionally about his parents’ work and the dreams that drove his creative journey.
While the backlash has drawn scrutiny, Shaboozey’s clarification appeared aimed at closing the controversy and reaffirming his respect for Black history.
“I know and believe that Black people have also built this country,” he affirmed. “That truth matters to me.”