Shaboozey addressed the backlash following his emotional Grammy acceptance speech.
At the 2023 awards show, Let It Burn musician Shaboozey delivered an impassioned speech while accepting the Best Country Performance award. Recognizing the sacrifices of immigrants, he said, “Immigrants built this country, literally. For all children of immigrants and for those who came here seeking better opportunities, this is also for those whose culture, music, stories, and traditions have added color to America and I love y’all so much.”
Following criticism that his speech marginalized Black people by emphasizing immigrant contributions, Shaboozey posted a detailed response on Instagram. He began by thanking supporters and clarifying his intent.
“First and foremost, I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone who has supported and celebrated my journey as an artist,” he wrote. “I also acknowledge the conversation surrounding my acceptance speech.”
Shaboozey then explained that while acknowledging Black Americans’ contributions was important, he did not intend to minimize them: “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. In fact, I am both a Black man and the son of Nigerian immigrants.”
He continued by highlighting how his win on Black History Month aligned with the legacy of generations of Black Americans who had fought and succeeded long before him: “Winning this award on the first day of Black History Month and becoming the first Black man to win Best Country Duo means that this moment belongs to all of us.”
Concluding, Shaboozey stated his intention to continue lifting people up, honoring origins, and expanding possibilities. He wrote, “My entire career has been rooted in lifting people up, honoring where we come from, and expanding what’s possible. I am proud to be part of this legacy, and I intend to continue doing that work for the rest of my life.”