“Amen,” the chart-enduring song by Nigerian-American singer Shaboozey, acheived a new feat on Sunday evening as it won the singer his first Grammy Award. The Virginia-raised singer earned the honor during the Grammy Premiere Ceremony on February 1, marking a breakthrough moment in a year already defined by chart dominance and critical acclaim for his songs.

The win came at a pivotal time for the artist, whose music has consistently challenged the boundaries of country by blending hip-hop, Americana, and personal storytelling. As Shaboozey’s songs continue to introduce new audiences to a more expansive vision of country music, his Grammy recognition shows us how far that sound, and his story, has traveled.

A Historic Grammy Moment for Shaboozey and Jelly Roll

‘Amen’ by Shaboozey & Jelly Roll wins the #GRAMMYs award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. pic.twitter.com/OHtWCAmvKw

— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 1, 2026

Shaboozey won Best Country Duo/Group Performance alongside Jelly Roll for their collaboration “Amen,” a track with a theme about faith, resilience, and shared struggle. Both artists picked up their first-ever Grammy wins with the song, making the moment especially meaningful.

Walking onstage, the 30-year-old singer appeared visibly overwhelmed, covering his mouth as he fought back tears. “I’ve got a speech, man. I’ve never written a speech in my life,” he said, before thanking God and those closest to him. What followed quickly shifted from celebration to reflection, as Shaboozey centered his remarks on family and identity rather than industry success.

Honoring His Mother and the Immigrant Journey

Shaboozey’s full acceptance speech #GRAMMYs2026 #Grammys pic.twitter.com/qotkrIRN8q

— Antoni (@lxwkeydope) February 1, 2026

One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony came when Shaboozey spoke about his mother, revealing that she had officially retired that very day after 30 years working as a registered nurse in a psychiatric ward. He shared that she worked three to four jobs at a time to support him and his four siblings after immigrating to the United States.

Born Collins Obinna Chibueze, Shaboozey was raised in Virginia by his Nigerian mother, whose sacrifices, he said, made his career possible. “Thank you, mom,” he said through tears, drawing a standing ovation from the room.

He went on to dedicate the award to immigrants broadly, saying, “Immigrants built this country, literally. This is for all children of immigrants… Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories, and your traditions. You give America color.”

A Banner Year for One of Country’s Most Unconventional Stars

The Grammy win capped off a dominant year for Shaboozey’s songs across multiple charts. His breakout hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” spent 19 nonconsecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, while both “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and “Good News” reached the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart.

In addition to his win, Shaboozey earned nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for “Good News,” bringing his career total to eight Grammy nominations. His success reflects a broader shift in country music, where artists operating outside traditional molds are increasingly being embraced by both audiences and institutions.

Here are 10 Songs by Shaboozey to get into his discography…

For listeners newly discovering his work, these tracks offer a clear picture of why Shaboozey’s songs have resonated across genres and demographics.

#1. A Bar Song (Tipsy)

The track that propelled Shaboozey into the mainstream, built around a familiar hook and transformed into a country-leaning anthem that dominated both pop and country charts.

#2. Good News

A reflective and emotionally grounded song that showcases his songwriting depth, balancing hope and weariness while highlighting his ability to tell personal stories within a country framework.

#3. Amen (with Jelly Roll)

The Grammy-winning collaboration blends gospel undertones with country grit, capturing themes of redemption, faith, and perseverance that define both artists’ catalogs.

#4. Blink Twice (with Myles Smith)

A softer, melodic track that leans into vulnerability, exploring trust, love, and emotional risk through understated production and restrained vocals.

#5. Last Of My Kind (feat. Paul Cauthen)

A defiant statement piece that grapples with identity and belonging, positioning Shaboozey as an outsider unafraid to challenge country music’s expectations.

#6. Drink Don’t Need No Mix (feat. BigXthaPlug)

A high-energy crossover that blends Southern rap and country influences, illustrating how effortlessly Shaboozey’s songs move between genres without losing authenticity.

#7. Move On

A mid-tempo, introspective track focused on growth and emotional closure, highlighting his quieter, more contemplative songwriting instincts.

#8. Let It Burn

Dark and emotionally charged, this song explores pain, loss, and release, offering a raw counterpoint to his more celebratory records.

#9. Home (feat. BigXthaPlug)

Centered on themes of displacement and self-definition, the song reflects Shaboozey’s ability to translate personal history into universally relatable narratives.

#10. Highway

A reflective closer built around motion and metaphor, capturing freedom, restlessness, and the open road as symbols of personal evolution.

Featured image: @blackishpress/X

—Read Also