10 Things We Love About: Shaboozey

Virginia-born singer-songwriter and filmmaker, Shaboozey, is a rising superstar. Raised in a household steeped in Nigerian culture and Southern charm, he has skilfully blended these influences to create a unique Alt-Country sound. Recently featured on Beyoncé's acclaimed new Americana record, COWBOY CARTER, with two tracks ('Spaghettii' and 'Sweet Honey Buckin'), Shaboozey is committed to making his mark in the Alt-Country and Hip-Hop genres.

A versatile and multi-hyphenate artist, Shaboozey pays tribute to his early Western influences like Bob Dylan, Lead Belly, Johnny Cash, and Leonard Cohen in his production and cinematography. Yet, he also explores future trends across the diverse genres he combines. True to his Virginia roots, he aims to continue the region's tradition of producing notable creatives. His breakout single 2023 ‘Let It Go’, and his recently announced forthcoming album Where I’ve Been Isn’t Where I’m Going, reflects his unwavering ambition. His goal is to elevate contemporary hip-hop and introduce modern Americana culture to a global audience, one song at a time.

"Being brought up in a Nigerian household while also growing up in the states, I was able to view things from multiple perspectives"

We love Shaboozey’s stage name and the story behind it.

How and when did you decide on your stage name, ‘Shaboozey’? What significance does it hold for your artistry?

Shaboozey was a name I got while in high school and it was a play on my last name (Chibueze) correctly. It’s something everyone around town called me – it’s kind of just stuck, so I picked it and kept it pushing. 

We love that he’s such a multi-hyphenate!

You have many roles: a musician, singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, filmmaker, and producer. Which came first for you, music, or film? How does each medium influence your overall creativity?

I’ve always been a lover of storytelling, before I was ever an artist I would make short films with my friends. Being a fan of music and cinema alike, I like to use techniques and processes you would use in screenwriting in my songs.

We love how visceral and raw the sound is.

You recently released the single ‘Vegas’ and before this the visuals and track for ‘Anabelle’ and now we have ‘A Bar Song’. Your writing is incredibly personal. Has your style always been this way, or did it develop over time?

I think over time my writing has gotten more personal. Naturally, every artist grows with each project, and I think with this upcoming project listeners will be seeing that growth first-hand. 

We love that there’s true meaning to his music.

You share really deep and vulnerable feelings in your music, what kind of response, or takeaway, do you hope for from your audience?

I want my fans to gather a sense of where I am, where I was, and where I hope to end up with these records.  Your purpose is something that often times gets lost in the nature of this work, and I want this project to detail that journey.

We love that he’s flying the flag for modern country and the reignited Americana sound.

You embody the modern-day cowboy. What do you think is the relevance of Western and Americana culture in today's music scene, especially outside of the United States?

I think you’re clearly seeing the influence of western and Americana culture and how it’s impacting society today. Whether it’s Beyonce announcing her country album, or Pharrell with his LV collaboration, people across the globe are participating in the movement that’s happening and it’s amazing to have been somewhat of a pioneer in that movement. 

We love that he’s a fashion icon!

Your style is sleek and aligns with your Western appeal. How important is fashion to you?

As an artist, fashion is a big part of the world I’m building, so I’m very particular in the pieces I wear. I believe that with being an artist everything should feel connected, from the music to the visuals, in order to submerge fans into your space. I think fashion plays a huge role in having fans be immersed in your world. Not to mention, who doesn’t like to look fly? 

We love that he’s been inspired by influential names but is carving his own lane in the scene.

Who has influenced you the most musically?

Musically I’d say I’m influenced by artists like Chris Stapleton, Rolling Stones, John Prine, Colter Wall, Kanye West, and an array of others. I like to think I’m carving my own lane, disrupting what the normal sounds and looks like in today’s contemporary music. Artists that fit that and push the same boundaries are people who inspire me most. 

We love that he’s a genre-bender and his sound is ever-evolving.

Your sound is diverse, blending a variety of genres and styles. How has your artistry and sound evolved since you began creating music?

As I mentioned earlier, artists grow with every project they release. I pull a lot of my influences from both Hip-Hop and Country. In the past I’ve combined both genres, and overtime time I think I’ve been able to find my own balance where I incorporate both genres together in an authentic way. Which you hopefully hear with these current releases and even more so with the full-length project.

We love that his Nigerian heritage has helped the development of his core sound.

Being of Nigerian American heritage, how has this rich cultural blend influenced your multifaceted creativity?

Being brought up in a Nigerian household while also growing up in the states, I was able to view things from multiple perspectives. That mindset has helped greatly in developing a taste for all types of music and the world I create for my audience.  

We love his latest single ‘A Bar Song’ and are looking forward to the new project.

What can we expect from you for the rest of the year?

Output! This year expect to hear a full-length project, live shows and overall just more Shaboozey! I’ll meet y’all there! Cowboys live forever!