Los Angeles, Feb. 1, 2026 — Nigerian-American artist Shaboozey achieved a major milestone at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, winning his first Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance alongside Jelly Roll for their song “Amen.” The award was presented during the ceremony’s Premiere event in Los Angeles.
Shaboozey, whose real name is Collins Obinna Chibueze, was visibly emotional as he accepted the trophy, at times tearing up while reflecting on his journey and the support of his family. He spoke about growing up as the son of Nigerian immigrants in Virginia, where his mother worked multiple jobs to support him and his siblings.
In his acceptance speech, Shaboozey dedicated the win to immigrants and “all children of immigrants,” saying their stories and contributions helped shape the country’s cultural fabric. His remarks struck a chord with many but also prompted a broad public discussion about history, identity and language.
While some listeners praised the heartfelt sentiment and his tribute to immigrant families, others debated aspects of the phrasing he used. In response to the discussion, Shaboozey addressed the reaction on social media, clarifying that his words were meant to honor his family’s sacrifices and not to diminish the contributions of other communities.
The Grammy win caps off a breakthrough period for Shaboozey, who gained widespread recognition with his chart-topping hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and for blending diverse influences across country, hip-hop and Americana genres.
Jelly Roll also celebrated the win, marking it as a high point in his own career and highlighting the growing acceptance of genre-crossing collaborations in mainstream music.
The conversation following the awards ceremony underlines how music achievements can spark larger cultural dialogue, especially when artists use their platform to reflect personal stories and social themes
