Following the backlash that trailed his Grammy Award acceptance speech, singer Collins Obinna Chibueze, popularly known as Shaboozey, has said his words were not intended to dismiss the contributions of Black people to the development of the United States of America.

Shaboozey won his first-ever Grammy Award on Sunday after a collaboration with Jelly Roll on the song “Amen” was nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.

In his acceptance speech, the singer praised immigrants for building America, which was regarded as snubbing Black Americans.

“Immigrants built this country, literally,” he said onstage. “So, this is for them, for all children of immigrants. This is also for those who came to this country in search of better opportunity to be a part of a nation that promised freedom for all and equal opportunity to everyone willing to work for it. Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories, and your traditions here. You give America color.”

In response to the outrage his speech generated, Shaboozey took to social media to acknowledge the conversation about his acceptance speech.

“To be clear, I know and believe that we, Black people, have also built this country. My words were never intended to dismiss that truth. I am both a Black man and the son of Nigerian immigrants, and in the overwhelming moment of winning my first Grammy, my focus was on honouring the sacrifices my parents made by coming to this country to give me and my siblings opportunities they never had,” he said.

He expressed excitement at winning this award on the first day of Black History Month and becoming the first Black man to win Best Country Duo in Black history.

“It stands on the foundation laid by generations of Black people who fought, sacrificed, and succeeded long before me. This moment belongs to all of us.

“My entire career has been rooted in lifting people up, honouring where we come from, and expanding what’s possible. I am proud to be part of this legacy, and I intend to continue doing that work for the rest of my life,” Shaboozey said.