Country Star's Emotional Dedication to His Nigerian Immigrant Parents Sparks Accusations of Erasing Enslaved Ancestors' Contributions; Follow-Up Apology Draws Further Criticism as Insufficient or Insincere

February 5, 2026 | LOS ANGELES — Country music breakout star Shaboozey, fresh off his first Grammy win, found himself at the center of a heated online controversy following his acceptance speech at the 2026 Grammy Premiere Ceremony on February 1.

The Nigerian-American artist, born Collins Chibueze, took home the award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for his collaboration "Amen" with Jelly Roll. In an emotional moment, he dedicated the honor to immigrants, stating: “Immigrants built this country, literally. So this is for them, for all children of immigrants... Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories, and your traditions here. You give America color.”

The remarks, intended to honor his parents who immigrated from Nigeria, quickly drew sharp criticism from many in the Black American community. Critics argued the statement overlooked—or even erased—the foundational role of enslaved Africans and their descendants, who were forcibly brought to the country and whose unpaid labor built much of America's early infrastructure, economy, and wealth. Phrases like "Foundational Black Americans built this country" and "Slaves are not immigrants" trended on social media, with users emphasizing that Black Americans' ancestors did not arrive voluntarily seeking opportunity but were kidnapped and enslaved.

Outlets such as Word In Black highlighted the timing during Black History Month, calling it part of a broader "habit of erasing who built America." Social media posts accused Shaboozey of prioritizing immigrant narratives over the unique history of descendants of enslaved people, with some labeling the comment a "lie" or disrespectful amid ongoing debates about reparations, identity, and contributions to the nation.

The backlash intensified with high-profile commentary, including references to figures like Dr. Bernice King weighing in on related discussions. Many online voices stressed: "We built this country—not immigrants," framing Black American labor as distinct and involuntary compared to later voluntary immigration.

On February 3, Shaboozey responded with an open letter posted on X (formerly Twitter), attempting to clarify his intent. "To be clear, I know and believe that we—Black people, have also built this country," he wrote. "My words were not meant to erase, diminish, or overlook that truth, and I sincerely apologize for how they came across. That history, sacrifice, and resilience are undeniable, and I should have been more intentional in honoring that in my moment on stage."

He explained the statement stemmed from an "overwhelming moment" focused on his parents' sacrifices as immigrants providing opportunities for him and his siblings. "I am both a Black man and the son of Nigerian immigrants," he added, noting the win belonged to "all of us."

However, the apology itself faced mixed reception and further pushback. Some critics slammed it as inadequate, arguing it still framed Black contributions as additive ("have also") rather than foundational, or accused it of backpedaling under pressure. Others felt it didn't fully address the distinction between voluntary immigrants and the forced migration of enslaved Africans. Conservative outlets like Breitbart and The Post Millennial highlighted the response as a "walk-back" amid what they called left-wing or intra-community criticism.

The episode underscores ongoing tensions in discussions about American history, identity, and who "built" the nation—particularly between Black Americans descended from enslaved people and more recent Black immigrant communities. Shaboozey has not made additional public comments since the letter, as the conversation continues across social platforms and media.