Shaboozey is responding to criticism of the speech he gave at the 2026 Grammy Premiere Ceremony, after declaring that “immigrants built this country” during Sunday’s pre-broadcast event.
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When he accepted the best country duo/group performance Grammy for his song “Amen” with Jelly Roll, Shaboozey shouted out his Nigerian parents, who immigrated to America, where he was born and raised in Virginia. “Immigrants built this country, literally. So this is for them,” he said on the Peacock Theater stage as he accepted his first Grammy. “For all children of immigrants, this is also for those who came to this country in search of better opportunities, to be part of a nation that promised freedom for all and equal opportunity to everyone willing to work for it. Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories and your traditions. You give America color, I love y’all so much. Thank you.”
Some on social media pointed out that his speech failed to recognize the history of many Black Americans whose ancestors were enslaved and brought to the United States against their will. “I understand what Shaboozey was probably trying to say, but my brother in Christ — it’s Black History Month!” one X user wrote on Sunday. “You have to word that properly if you’re going to bring it up, because the 400 years of building by African-American slaves is such a key part of the story.”
On Tuesday (Feb. 3), Shaboozey took to X to post an open letter in response to the online discussion and to share his apology.
“I want to be clear and unequivocal: Foundational Black Americans built this country. Period,” he wrote in the letter. “My words were not meant to erase, diminish, or overlook that truth, and I sincerely apologize for how they came across. That history, sacrifice, and resilience are undeniable, and I should have been more intentional in honoring that in my moment on stage.”
He also points out in his letter that he is the first Black winner in the best country duo/group category, which is “not just my achievement — it is a continuation of Black history. It stands on the shoulders of those who fought, created, and paved the way long before me. This moment belongs to all of us.”
“Amen” is a top 40 Billboard Hot 100 hit for Shaboozey and Jelly Roll, peaking at No. 27 this week.
Read his full open letter below:
First and foremost, I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone who has supported and celebrated my journey as an artist. I also want to acknowledge and take responsibility for the conversation surrounding my acceptance speech.
I want to be clear and unequivocal: Foundational Black Americans built this country. Period. My words were not meant to erase, diminish, or overlook that truth, and I sincerely apologize for how they came across. That history, sacrifice, and resilience are undeniable, and I should have been more intentional in honoring that in my moment on stage.
I am a Nigerian American man and the son of Nigerian immigrants. In the overwhelming emotion of winning my first Grammy, my focus was on my parents and the sacrifices they made to come to this country. But I now recognize that their opportunity to come here — and my ability to thrive — rests on the foundation laid by generations of Black Americans who endured slavery, segregation, systemic racism, and continued struggles for equality. For that, I am deeply grateful.
Winning this award on the first day of Black History Month and becoming the first Black man to win Best Country Duo is not just my achievement — it is a continuation of Black history. It stands on the shoulders of those who fought, created, and paved the way long before me. This moment belongs to all of us.
My career has always been rooted in uplifting people, honoring where we come from, and expanding what’s possible. I am proud to be part of this legacy, and I commit to doing better in how I speak about and honor the full story of Black people in America.
With love,
Chibueze