Who Is Shaboozey? 5 Surprising Facts About the Grammy-Nominated Country Artist

Shaboozey is leaving his indelible mark in the music industry before the world's eyes.

The Virginia-born country artist created one of the most popular songs of 2024 with "A Bar Song (Tipsy)." It was nominated for five Grammy Awards at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, where Shaboozey also performed the hit song on Sunday night. (The song was nominated in some of the biggest categories including Song of the Year, Best Country Song, Best Country Solo Performance, and Best New Artist.) The 29-year-old artist is on the rise to country stardom and the barriers he's breaking have set him down a path of global recognition. 

Shaboozey blends genres like hip-hop, Americana, rock, and country to create a sound that surpasses the limitations placed on Black artists and sets a precedent for other artists to aim for the stars and partake in the beginning of a new era for music. He's no stranger to the music industry and its demands, having been in the business since he signed his record deal in 2017. He has since released three studio albums that represent his passion for music and creative expression. 

Keep scrolling to learn about who Shaboozey is through five surprising facts about the genre-blending country rapper and singer.

His Stage Moniker Is a Play on His Last Name

The Nigerian American artist was born Collins Obinna Chibueze, and this inspired his stage name Shaboozey. The name dates back to his high school days, and he told New Wave Magazine that it was a name everyone in his hometown knew him by, so it's stuck with him all these years. 

He's a Multi-Hyphenate Creative

Shaboozey may have gotten his start as a hip-hop artist, but he's also ventured into other artistic avenues beyond his music and songwriting. He's also a producer and filmmaker. He owns a production company, V Picture Films, that pays homage to his beginnings and serves as a reminder to never forget his dreams and uses that to fuel his goals. 

Shaboozey Wanted to Be an Author

Shaboozey's music is a testament to his adoration for storytelling, so his original plan of being an author isn't too surprising. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, he mentioned his novelist aspirations were the result of his strong passion for telling stories that resonate with people. "I was always telling stories, always trying to find ways to create something. Maybe that was a short film with my friends or writing, but I was always drawn to telling stories,” he said. 

Country Influences in His Music Are Inspired by His Father

Shaboozey, who is Nigerian American, has accredited much of his music to his Nigerian roots. During a conversation with GQ in 2024, the country singer talked about his father's love of the American South and Southern culture, revealing that he listened to music by country artists like Kenny Rogers as well as traditional Nigerian music while growing up. 

He's on Beyoncé's Grammy-Winning Album Cowboy Carter

The Grammy-nominated musician is featured twice in Beyoncé's 2024 album Cowboy Carter, (an album that finally earned her the Album of the Year award after 25 years). Shaboozey was invited to write for the album, but Queen Bey took it a step forward and personally asked him to contribute freestyle verses for tracks "Spaghettii" and "Sweet *Honey* Buckiin."