During his 2026 Grammy Awards acceptance speech for Best Country Duo/Group Performance (for “Amen” with Jelly Roll), Shaboozey dedicated his win to immigrants and their children.
• He highlighted his Nigerian immigrant parents’ sacrifices and said: “Immigrants built this country.”
Why Backlash Emerged
• Many viewers — including prominent voices like Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. — argued that the phrase overlooked the forced labor of enslaved Africans and the historical contributions of Black Americans.
• Critics emphasized that enslaved people were not immigrants seeking opportunity but were violently brought to the U.S. and exploited to build its economy.
Shaboozey’s Response
• In an open letter posted on X on Feb. 3, he clarified:
• “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 apologized for not being “more intentional” in acknowledging that history during his speech.
• He explained that in the emotional moment of winning his first Grammy, his focus was on honoring his parents’ immigrant journey.
• He reaffirmed that he is both a Black man and the son of immigrants — and that he wants to uplift both experiences.
Historic Significance of His Win
• Shaboozey became the first Black man to win Best Country Duo/Group Performance, and the moment occurred on the first day of Black History Month.
• He noted that this achievement “stands on the foundation laid by generations of Black people who fought, sacrificed, and succeeded long before me.”
Broader Context
• His speech came during a Grammys ceremony where several artists expressed pro-immigrant or anti-ICE sentiments, adding to the intensity of the public reaction.
• Despite criticism, Shaboozey also received strong support from fans and fellow artists who praised his message and celebrated his historic win.
Conclusion
Shaboozey’s clarification underscores the complexity of discussing immigration and American identity — especially during Black History Month. While his initial remark sparked debate, his follow-up statement aimed to honor both the immigrant experience and the undeniable, foundational contributions of Black Americans.