Nigerian-American country sensation Shaboozey electrified fans during Thursday Night Football, bringing his chart-topping blend of country, Americana, and hip-hop to the national stage. The Virginia-born artist, whose real name is Collins Obinna Chibueze, performed selections from his breakthrough album “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going” to an enthusiastic prime-time audience, cementing his rapid rise in mainstream entertainment.
Born on May 9, 1995, in Woodbridge, Virginia, Shaboozey’s unique musical perspective draws from his Nigerian Igbo heritage and American upbringing. His father, a Nigerian farmer, influenced both his musical tastes and his distinctive cowboy style, creating an authentic artistic vision that transcends traditional genre boundaries. This cultural duality, reinforced during his time at a Nigerian boarding school, continues to inform his innovative approach to country music.
Shaboozey’s artistry bridges Nigerian roots and American soil, crafting a musical identity that defies classification.
The performance comes on the heels of Shaboozey’s record-tying achievement with “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which matched Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” by spending 19 consecutive weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. His selection for the high-profile NFL broadcast reflects his growing influence across musical landscapes and ability to connect with diverse audiences through storytelling traditions. Following his NFL Thanksgiving halftime performance in 2024, this appearance solidifies his status as a sought-after sports entertainer.
“Football and country music share that same spirit of American tradition with room for new voices,” Shaboozey remarked before his performance. “I’m bringing something different while honoring what came before.”
Beyond his solo success, Shaboozey’s collaboration with Beyoncé on her “Cowboy Carter” album, including Grammy-nominated track “Spaghettii,” has helped reshape conversations about representation in country music. His promotional strategy emphasizes consistent visual content across platforms, helping him build a devoted fanbase through authentic storytelling. His contributions as both writer and performer on the project highlighted his versatility and opened doors for other artists of color in traditionally homogeneous genres. His powerful performances are supported by regular vocal exercises that strengthen his distinctive sound while maintaining vocal health during extensive touring.
With five Grammy nominations and multiple Billboard Music Awards to his name, Shaboozey’s Thursday Night Football appearance represents another milestone for an artist who began by directing music videos and co-founding V Picture Films in 2014. His unique stage name originated from a coach’s misspelling incident during his high school football days, providing a memorable identity that has become synonymous with his groundbreaking sound.
His journey from Nigerian boarding school to primetime national television exemplifies the evolving landscape of American music.
