At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, Nigerian-American sensation Shaboozey took home his first-ever trophy for “Amen”.
Shaboozey has been turning heads with a unique blend of hip-hop, country, and Americana. His record-breaking hit, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”, and collaborations with Beyoncé have cemented him as one of the most exciting voices in music today.
From his Nigerian roots to American stages, Shaboozey’s journey is full of surprising twists and fascinating achievements. Here’s what we can tell you about him.
1. Shaboozey’s Name Means “God is King”
Shaboozey’s real name is Collins Obinna Chibueze. In Igbo, his last name, Chibueze, translates to “God is King”. His now-famous stage name came from a high school football coach mispronouncing Chibueze, and it stuck.
Born in Woodbridge, Virginia, to Igbo Nigerian parents, Shaboozey grew up with a father who studied in Texas and a mother who is a retired nurse. Part of his childhood was spent at a boarding school in Nigeria, giving him a multicultural perspective that would later influence his music.
His upbringing bridged two worlds, combining Nigerian heritage with American experiences, a foundation for the genre-blending artist he would become.
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2. He Mixes Country with Hip-Hop?
Shaboozey’s music is a rare mix of country, Americana, hip-hop, and rock. He grew up listening to Kenny Rogers and Garth Brooks, while also enjoying Ja Rule and Usher, and that blend of influences shows in his sound.
His first albums, Lady Wrangler (2018) and Cowboys Live Forever, Outlaws Never Die (2022), highlight both American and African musical sensibilities. Songs like “GAS!” and “Why Can’t Love Be the Reason” showcase his ability to move from upbeat hip-hop rhythms to guitar-driven ballads seamlessly.
This versatility caught the attention of Beyoncé’s team, leading to his feature on two tracks of her 2024 album Cowboy Carter, where his distinct fusion of genres reached a global audience.
3. His Song “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” Broke Records
Shaboozey’s 2024 hit, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”, spent nineteen weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, tying the record set by Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road. Beyond that, it became the only song to reach the top 10 across multiple Billboard charts: Country Airplay, Pop, Adult Pop, and Rhythmic.
With a bluesy 2000s pop feel, the song celebrates fun and connection at the bar, capturing both nostalgia and energy. Its crossover success also made Shaboozey the first Black male artist to top the Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts at the same time.
The track showed that genre boundaries in music can be fluid.
4. This is his First Grammy Award
Yes, Shaboozey won his first Grammy in 2026 for Best Country Duo/Group Performance with Jelly Roll for the song “Amen”. He also earned multiple nominations, including “Song of the Year”, “Best Country Song”, and “Best New Artist”.
These recognitions join a growing list of awards: Billboard Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards, and People’s Choice Country Awards. Shaboozey’s rise illustrates how African artists are increasingly influencing American country music.
His Grammy win is a signal of a broader recognition for Black and African contributions to a genre traditionally dominated by American artists. It’s a landmark moment for representation and a step toward reshaping the global perception of country music.
Read: Grammys 2026: Tyla Wins Best African Music Performance Again
He’s Just Getting Started
Shaboozey’s latest album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going (2024), leans into a folk-pop sound with acoustic guitars, showing his continued evolution. Beyond recording, he has performed at NFL halftime shows, appeared on Saturday Night Live, and even collaborated with Domino’s for their jingle.
With each project, he blends genres, pushes musical boundaries, and proudly incorporates his Nigerian roots. Shaboozey is proving that his journey is only getting started, and the music world is paying attention.
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