Shaboozey is addressing the backlash over his Grammy acceptance speech.
While accepting the award for Best Country Performance on Sunday (Feb. 1), the 30-year-old singer partly dedicated the award to “immigrants,” saying that they “built this country, literally.”
Following the speech, several users online pointed out that it was actually enslaved Black people, rather than immigrants, who had been trafficked into the United States and were forced to build much of the country’s foundation.
The “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” singer responded to the criticism with a statement shared to his social media accounts on Tuesday (Feb. 3).
“To be clear, I know and believe that we—Black people, have also built this country. My words were never intended to dismiss that truth," he wrote. “I am both a Black man and the son of Nigerian immigrants and in the overwhelming moment of winning my first Grammy my focus was on honoring the sacrifices my parents made by coming to this country to give me and my siblings opportunities they never had.”
He also noted the significance of his achievement coinciding with the start of Black History Month.
“At the same time, winning this award on the first day of Black History Month and becoming the first Black man to win Best Country Duo is Black history,” he continued. “It stands on the foundation laid by generations of Black people who fought, sacrificed, and succeeded long before me. This moment belongs to all of us.”
He concluded, “My entire career has been rooted in lifting people up, honoring where we come from, and expanding what's possible. I am proud to be part of this legacy, and I intend to continue doing that work for the rest of my life. With Love, Chibueze.”
Shaboozey accepted the award for Best Country Performance for “Amen,” his collaboration with Jelly Roll, during the premiere ceremony.
“Immigrants built this country, literally. So this is for them, for all children of immigrants,” he said during his acceptance speech. “This is also for those who came to this country in search of better opportunity to be a 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 here. You give America color.”
Shaboozey was just one of several celebrities that condemned the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) amid increased crackdowns on immigrants and recent killings of protesters and U.S. citizens by federal agents.
Other artists like Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, Kehlani, and SZA addressed the issue at the award show.