Shaboozey Addresses Backlash Over Grammy Speech on Immigration

At the recent Grammy Awards, music artist Shaboozey, whose real name is Collins Obinna Chibueze, made headlines with his acceptance speech for winning the award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for his collaboration with Jelly Roll, titled ‘Amen.’ During his speech, Shaboozey stated, “Immigrants built this country,” dedicating the award to immigrants and their children. This statement sparked a reaction on social media, where some users felt it downplayed the contributions of Black people and enslaved individuals in the nation’s history.

Shaboozey, in response, posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter) to clarify his remarks. “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 said. Expressing his intent, Shaboozey emphasized his desire to honor the sacrifices made by his Nigerian immigrant parents in coming to America.

Bernice King, daughter of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., also responded to the speech. She questioned whether enslaved Africans and their descendants, as well as Black workers, were being categorized as immigrants when people say, “immigrants built this country.” This reflects an ongoing discourse around the roles played by different groups in shaping the United States.

Shaboozey’s comments arrive at a time of heightened debate over immigration enforcement, notably following two fatal shootings involving federal agents in Minnesota earlier this year, which led to protests in Minneapolis. During the 67th GRAMMY Awards Pre-GRAMMY Gala & GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons in 2025, Shaboozey had already been an active participant in the music community’s discussions on social issues.

Other Grammy attendees expressed their views on immigration enforcement by opting for visual protests. Artists such as Justin Bieber, Joni Mitchell, and Brandi Carlile wore pins reading “ICE OUT.” Billie Eilish, accepting the Song of the Year award, openly criticized ICE in her speech. She declared, “No one is illegal on stolen land,” and urged the audience to continue advocating against immigration enforcement policies.

With artists using their platforms to voice such opinions, the Grammy Awards served as a stage not only for celebrating music but also for bringing attention to significant social and political topics.