About Shaboozey
Before fame
Shaboozey was born in Fairfax, Virginia, and raised in nearby Woodbridge by Nigerian immigrant parents. His childhood exposed him to country music, hip-hop, and R&B. He attended boarding school in Nigeria for part of junior high before returning to Virginia, where he attended Gar-Field High School. A high school football coach's mispronunciation of his surname helped inspire his stage name.
Initially interested in writing novels and filmmaking, Shaboozey began sharing music online and supported his creative ambitions through photography and music-video production. His debut single, "Jeff Gordon," arrived in 2014, combining NASCAR imagery with trap music. He signed with Republic Records in 2017 and released his debut album, Lady Wrangler, in 2018. That year, he also collaborated with Duckwrth on "Start a Riot" for the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack.
Trivia and noteworthy facts
Unusual stage name: Shaboozey's stage name developed from a mispronunciation of his Nigerian surname, Chibueze, by a high school football coach.
Nigerian education: He spent part of his junior-high years at a boarding school in Nigeria, an experience that strengthened his connection with his heritage.
Early NASCAR inspiration: His 2014 debut single "Jeff Gordon" was named after the NASCAR racing driver, reflecting his interest in American motorsports culture.
Hollywood soundtrack: He collaborated with rapper Duckwrth on "Start a Riot," featured on the soundtrack of the 2018 animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Beyoncé collaboration: He appeared on two tracks from Beyoncé's 2024 album Cowboy Carter: "SPAGHETTII" and "SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN'."
Record-tying chart success: His song "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" spent 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, matching the then-record held by Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road."
Grammy Award winner: At the 2026 Grammy Awards, Shaboozey and Jelly Roll won Best Country Duo/Group Performance for their collaboration "Amen."
Fourth studio album: On July 31, 2026, he released The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales, a 20-track Western-themed concept album featuring collaborators including Leon Bridges, Kehlani, Gunna, and Orville Peck.
Family life
Shaboozey grew up in Woodbridge, Virginia, with three siblings and parents who immigrated from Nigeria. His father attended college in Texas after moving to the United States, supporting himself through various jobs. Shaboozey has described his father's enthusiasm for country musicians such as Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, and Don Williams as an important influence on his early musical exposure.
In a 2025 interview with People, he credited both parents with teaching him discipline, responsibility, and perseverance. He has also publicly celebrated his mother's support. She attended his 2025 Grammy Awards performance and previously appeared alongside him during a live performance in 2024.
Associated with
Beyoncé: Featured Shaboozey on "SPAGHETTII" and "SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN'" from her 2024 album Cowboy Carter.
Jelly Roll: Collaborated with Shaboozey on "Amen," which won a Grammy Award in 2026.
Duckwrth: Recorded "Start a Riot" with Shaboozey for the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack.
J-Kwon: His 2004 song "Tipsy" inspired Shaboozey's hit "A Bar Song (Tipsy)." The two also performed together at the 2024 BET Awards.
Leon Bridges: Collaborated with Shaboozey on "Burn It Down" from his 2026 album.
Orville Peck: Appeared with Shaboozey on "The Epilogue" from The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales.
