Shaboozey sparks debate after claiming ‘immigrants built this country’ in Grammy speech

Shaboozey’s bold statement in support of immigrants during his Grammy acceptance speech has sparked a debate about who really built America.

After winning Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Amen,” Shaboozey made his acceptance speech a timely yet provocative statement about who helped shape America. The Nigerian-American country artist, born and raised in the US, opened up about his mother’s journey as an immigrant. He noted how his hard-working parent worked various jobs to make a living and support his family.

The singer of “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” used this personal anecdote to deliver a timely message about the current political climate surrounding immigrants. As ICE raids continue to spread violence and fear across several cities across the country, Shaboozey used his time on music’s biggest night, February 1, to uplift those who “bring color to America.”

Shaboozey dedicates his #GRAMMYs award to immigrants during his acceptance speech:

“Immigrants literally built this country. Actually. So this is for them. For all the children of immigrants, and for those who came to this country looking for better opportunities, to be part of a… pic.twitter.com/H03Dg04dGW

— Popbasis (@PopBase) February 1, 2026

“Immigrants literally built this country,” says Shaboozey, real name Collins Obinna Chibueze. “Immigrants literally built this country. So basically, this is for them. For all the children of immigrants, and for those who came to this country looking for better opportunities, to be part of a nation that promised freedom for all and equal opportunity for all.”

The moment quickly went viral on social media, with some praising him and other artists, like Kehlani, for standing up for immigrants at the time.

kehlani & shaboozey understood the assignment and that is on BLACK HISTORY!! #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/w2hnhZ5a9s

— Tyris ✰ (@TYRISPRINT) February 1, 2026

Although well-intentioned, others found Shaboozey’s statement tone-deaf, denigrating Black Americans who also shaped this country. Particularly on the first day of Black History Month, critics felt the artist’s comments downplayed how Black people played a crucial role in the formation of America.

“I saw Shaboozey’s Grammy speech about immigrants building this country, and while I understood his sentiment, it is poor education and further denies the contribution and history of Black Americans to this country,” shared a Threads user named Earthyari. “Of course, there is no denying that indigenous peoples whose populations (and culture) have been cruelly wiped out in droves. They are native to this country. But what we know as “America” TODAY (its systems, structure, legislation, etc.) was *built* on the backs (quite literally) of enslaved Black Americans.”

The naysayers felt that Shaboozey ignored or overshadowed black American history, especially since slave labor helped establish much of the infrastructure and industries in the US. Furthermore, his comment also left out Native Americans and their origins of this land.

However, some found the balance between what Shaboozey said. Another social media user claimed that both Shaboozey’s claims and those of others are true, with both Black and immigrant communities being crucial to the founding of America. The commenter also emphasized that Shaboozey’s own immigrant background reflects his comments.

More than one thing can be true at the same time. Black Americans built this country, and so did immigrants. Being an immigrant and black is a meaningful political identity, especially when people are kidnapped. Shaboozey is Nigerian, so his comments reflect his positionality.

— Jessica 🌸 (@jessicasitazola) February 2, 2026

“Several things can be true at the same time,” the X user wrote. “Black Americans built this country, and so did immigrants. Being an immigrant and being black is a meaningful political identity, especially when people are kidnapped. Shaboozey is Nigerian, so his comments reflect his positionality.”

However, the speech continues to spark debate about its factual accuracy, leading to more discussion about why the phrase “Immigrants built this country” is historically inaccurate.

While this user refuted Shaboozey’s initial stance, she emphasized that the rhetoric only divides immigrant and Black American communities. She says the phrase only perpetuates false division and does white supremacy’s work for itself.

“This rhetoric drops settler-settlers into the definition of immigrants AND triangulates immigrant groups and African Americans against each other. White supremacy laughs all the way to the bank. No more.”