Shaboozey, the country music artist, recently clarified his Grammy acceptance speech following criticism for his statement, "immigrants built this country." This remark drew disapproval from some who felt it minimized the historical contributions of enslaved Africans and their descendants. Shaboozey, the son of Nigerian immigrants, explained that his intention was to honor his parents' sacrifices and the opportunities they sought in America, while reaffirming his belief in the pivotal role Black people have played in the nation's development.
During the 2026 Grammy Awards, Shaboozey received the award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for his collaboration with Jelly Roll, titled "Amen." In his heartfelt acceptance speech, he dedicated the accolade to "the children of immigrants" and to "those who came to this country in search of better opportunity to be a part of a nation that promised freedom for all and equal opportunity to everyone willing to work for it." While many lauded his message, the specific phrase "immigrants built this country" sparked debate.
Among those who voiced concerns was Bernice King, daughter of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. In a social media post, she questioned whether the term "immigrants" in such statements adequately acknowledges the forced labor and severe exploitation endured by enslaved Africans, whose contributions were foundational to the American economy. King emphasized that these ancestors did not arrive seeking a better life, but were brought in chains, subjected to horrific conditions, and their suffering should not be dismissed or forgotten in any discussion about nation-building.
In response to the growing discussion, Shaboozey issued a statement on Tuesday, February 3rd. He affirmed, "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 further elaborated on the personal context of his speech, highlighting that in the emotional moment of winning his first Grammy, his primary focus was on acknowledging the sacrifices his Nigerian immigrant parents made to provide him and his siblings with greater opportunities. He emphasized his dual identity as both a Black man and the child of immigrants.
Shaboozey also underscored the significance of his win as the first Black man to receive a Grammy for Best Country Duo on the first day of Black History Month. He stated that this achievement stands upon "the foundation laid by generations of Black people who fought, sacrificed, and succeeded long before me," declaring that "This moment belongs to all of us." His comprehensive response aimed to bridge the perceived gap in his initial remarks and ensure that the contributions of all groups are recognized.
Concluding his statement, Shaboozey reiterated his commitment to his artistic mission: "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." His initial speech was part of a broader trend at the 2026 Grammys, where several artists, including Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Dean, used their platforms to advocate for immigrants or criticize immigration policies. Additionally, some artists wore "ICE OUT" pins, further highlighting the immigration discourse prevalent at the event.
The country star's reflections on his Grammy moment and the subsequent dialogue underscore the complex and multifaceted narratives surrounding American identity and history. His clarification served to acknowledge the diverse experiences and contributions that have shaped the nation, particularly highlighting the often-overlooked and forced labor of enslaved Black people alongside the voluntary contributions of immigrants. His statement reinforced the idea that recognizing all foundational elements is crucial for a complete understanding of the country's development.