Shaboozey walked into the 2024 CMA Awards with high hopes—two nominations for New Artist of the Year and Single of the Year, plus a performance spot showcasing his breakthrough anthem “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” along with his new hit “Highway.” What should have been an evening of celebration for this trailblazing 29-year-old artist, who has made significant strides in the country music scene, turned sour as he faced microaggressions masked as jokes throughout the night.

Despite his nominations, Shaboozey never took the stage to accept an award. Instead, he found himself on the receiving end of a flippant remark during another artist’s acceptance speech. Cody Johnson, who won Album of the Year for “Leather,” saw his producer Trent Willmon quip, “I got to tell you, this is for this cowboy who’s been kicking Shaboozey for a lot of years.” While some interpreted this as merely a play on words, the context—coming from one of the only two Black acts nominated that night—left many uncomfortable, prompting discussions on social media about the racial insensitivity.

Shaboozey, born Collins Obinna Chibueze to Nigerian immigrants, hails from Woodbridge, Virginia. He embraced the nickname given by a high school football coach who struggled to pronounce his surname, reflecting the challenges of navigating cultural identity. Such dismissive humor about his name during the awards only underscores the troubling trend of Black culture being trivialized to cater to those unwilling to engage with it authentically.

The microaggressions didn’t stop there. The ceremony's hosts also made light of Shaboozey’s name, with co-host Peyton Manning using “Holy Shaboozey!” in his monologue and Luke Bryan joking that “a Bar Song” should be called a "Sha-doozey." While these comments might have drawn laughs, they drew attention to the fact that each artist mentioned received audience acknowledgment—except Shaboozey.

It’s essential to recognize Shaboozey’s accomplishments leading up to the CMA Awards. He kicked off the year with high-profile collaborations, including features on Beyoncé’s "Cowboy Carter," a tribute to Black country artists and underrepresented histories. Furthermore, "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" made history by dethroning Beyoncé's "Texas Hold 'Em" on the Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, marking a momentous achievement for Black artists in the genre.

Despite the CMA snubbing him, Shaboozey recently secured six Grammy nominations for the 2025 Grammy Awards, including major categories like Song of the Year and Best New Artist. It's a testament to his impact, indicating his art resonates deeply beyond the CMA’s narrow view.

After the show, Shaboozey responded to Willmon's comment with grace, posting a serious yet light-hearted photo on X with the caption, “Ain’t nobody kicking me!” But this jovial attitude shouldn’t overshadow the reality of the situation: Shaboozey walked into the ceremony as a celebrated artist, yet the reception he received belied that status.

The night’s incidents mirror a broader issue in the country music community, highlighted by the treatment of fellow Black artists. Earlier this year, the War and Treaty raised eyebrows over a cotton plant placed in their dressing room, an act dismissed by organizers as a mistake. Such situations underscore the insensitivity minorities often face in spaces where they should feel welcomed.

In previous discussions about the CMA Awards, Shaboozey defended Beyoncé when she was overlooked for nominations, calling attention to her significant contributions to the genre. His reference to the criticism she faced for not being “country enough” raises serious questions about the expectations placed on artists of color in the predominantly white country music scene.

If the country music community wants to truly embrace diversity, it must start by recognizing and valuing the contributions of artists like Shaboozey. The dismissive remarks made during the CMA Awards serve as a stark reminder that these artists deserve respect, acknowledgment, and, frankly, an apology for the disrespect they endured.

Shaboozey is not just a nominee; he is a pioneer pushing the boundaries of country music. His presence and achievements are testament to the richness that artists from underrepresented communities bring to the genre. It’s high time for the CMA Awards and the wider industry to wake up and celebrate this talent instead of trivializing it.