What was meant to be a celebration turned into a conversation, and Shaboozey is now making sure his message is fully understood.
On Tuesday, February 3, the artist released a public statement addressing reactions to his acceptance speech at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Over the weekend, Shaboozey won Best Country Duo or Group Performance for “Amen,” his collaboration with Jelly Roll, making history in the process.
“First and foremost, I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone who has supported and celebrated my journey as an artist. I also want to acknowledge the conversation surrounding my acceptance speech,” he 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,” Shaboozey continued. “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.”
A letter from me 🖤 pic.twitter.com/DgcOavMHjx
— Shaboozey (@ShaboozeysJeans) February 3, 2026
He also emphasized the historical weight of the win.
“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 said. “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.”
During his original speech, Shaboozey thanked God, his mother, and immigrant families, saying, “The last thing I want to say, immigrants built this country. Literally. Actually.”
He ended his statement with a clear intention moving forward. “My entire career has been rooted in lifting people up, honoring where we come from, and expanding what’s possible… I intend to continue doing that work for the rest of my life.”
