Rising global country music sensation Collins Obinna Chibueze, professionally known as Shaboozey, has reaffirmed his deep connection to his Nigerian heritage, declaring that “Nigeria will always be in my blood” despite being born and raised in Virginia, USA.
The American-born singer and rapper made this heartfelt declaration on his official X handle ahead of the release of his much-anticipated collaboration with Grammy-winning Afrobeats giant Burna Boy on a new track titled Change Your Mind.
In an emotional post, Shaboozey described the collaboration as symbolic and profoundly personal. “This one feels like a homecoming,” he wrote. “Virginia raised me, but Nigeria will always be in my blood — now I get to share that with the world alongside my brother @burnaboy. Change Your Mind drops tonight. Grateful, honored, and hope y’all love this song as much as we do!”
The song is expected to be one of the standout tracks from Burna Boy’s upcoming project, bridging the sonic worlds of country music and Afrobeats in a genre-blending display that reflects both artists’ unique global appeal.
Born on May 9, 1995, in Woodbridge, Virginia, to Nigerian immigrant parents, Shaboozey has always carried his dual identity with pride. His real name, Obinna Chibueze, is of Igbo origin, and he often alludes to his African heritage in interviews and social media posts. Though deeply rooted in American country and hip-hop traditions, he continues to acknowledge the influence of his Nigerian upbringing in his worldview and artistry.
The 29-year-old artist burst onto the scene in 2014 with the release of his debut single Jeff Gordon. His unique sound—merging country, trap, and hip-hop—has earned him a cult following and the reputation of being a musical trailblazer redefining genre boundaries.
In 2024, Shaboozey achieved global acclaim after being featured on not one but two songs from Beyoncé’s genre-bending album Cowboy Carter. His standout contributions on the tracks ‘Spaghetti’ and ‘Sweet Honey Buckin’’ helped cement his place as one of the most exciting voices in the new era of Black country music.
Later that year, his own hit single A Bar Song (Tipsy) exploded on streaming platforms, eventually tying Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road as the longest-running No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 of all time—a historic achievement that placed him firmly in the international spotlight.
Now, with Change Your Mind, Shaboozey’s partnership with Burna Boy marks a significant full-circle moment. The collaboration not only celebrates their shared Nigerian roots but also exemplifies the growing synergy between African sounds and Western genres.
For Burna Boy, known for his versatile fusions of dancehall, reggae, Afrobeat, and pop, the collaboration is yet another demonstration of his influence in bringing African music to the global stage. For Shaboozey, it’s a long-awaited cultural reconnection.
Music critics have already hailed Change Your Mind as a symbolic cross-cultural project that embodies the new wave of African diaspora artists reclaiming their heritage through sound. It comes at a time when African identity and representation in global music are gaining stronger visibility.
Social media fans have expressed excitement over the release, with thousands of posts celebrating Shaboozey’s homage to Nigeria. “It’s so refreshing to see a Nigerian-American artist proudly embrace his roots while making global hits,” wrote one user. Another fan added: “Shaboozey and Burna Boy on one track? That’s history in the making!”
The collaboration is also expected to deepen the artist’s footprint in Africa, especially in Nigeria, where he has already begun to gain a dedicated fan base thanks to his unique blend of styles and unapologetic cultural pride.
Speaking in a past interview about the challenges of breaking into mainstream country music as a Black artist, Shaboozey noted, “It’s not always easy, but my story is different—and I’m proud of that. I want to create space for artists like me to tell their stories, no matter what genre they choose.”
Change Your Mind is anticipated to debut on multiple global streaming platforms and will likely feature in Burna Boy’s upcoming tour performances. For Shaboozey, the track symbolizes both a personal and professional evolution—a statement that no matter how far his journey takes him, his roots will always remain in Nigeria.
As the lines between genres and cultures continue to blur in the modern music landscape, artists like Shaboozey are proving that identity, authenticity, and innovation can thrive in harmony.
Africa Live News will continue to monitor reactions from fans and the music industry alike as Change Your Mind continues to make waves.
