Nigerian-American singer Shaboozey has addressed the controversy surrounding his acceptance speech at the 2026 Grammy Awards, where he won Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Amen” with Jelly Roll.
During his speech on Sunday, which fell on the first day of Black History Month, Shaboozey dedicated the award to “the children of immigrants” and those who came to America seeking opportunity. The remarks prompted criticism from some who felt it overlooked the foundational role of enslaved Africans and their descendants in building the nation.
In a clarifying statement posted on social media Tuesday, Shaboozey wrote: “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 explained his personal perspective, stating: “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.”
The artist also highlighted the significance of his win as the first Black man to receive the award in this category. “It stands on the foundation laid by generations of Black people who fought, sacrificed, and succeeded long before me,” he added. “This moment belongs to all of us.”
The backlash included a post from Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who questioned on X whether people include enslaved Africans when saying “immigrants built this country.” She emphasized that ancestors of many Black Americans “arrived in chains” and their trauma should not be diminished.
Shaboozey’s response sought to bridge the narratives, reaffirming that Black Americans built the country while also acknowledging the immigrant experience.
