Photos: Shaboozey Brings Country Music to NYC

Throughout the set, Shaboozey blended classic country elements with a contemporary twist, from whiskey shots on stage to calling out, “How many cowboys and cowgirls are here tonight?” His performance was punctuated by a surprise country rendition of Waka Flocka Flame's "No Hands," reminding everyone that Shaboozey’s music doesn’t fit into any neat box.

It’s an interesting sight — a Nigerian man with dreadlocks, leading the charge in a genre long thought to be off-limits to Black artists. If you didn’t know better, you might have thought you were at a Morgan Wallen concert, judging by the crowd. But Shaboozey’s presence on that stage felt like a watershed moment, not just for him, but for the larger cultural narrative surrounding country music.

For too long, country music has been a space where Black artists, despite being foundational to its development, have been marginalized. Beyoncé’s 2016 performance of “Daddy Lessons” with The Chicks (formerly The Dixie Chicks) at the Country Music Awards was meant to mark a breakthrough moment, but the backlash that followed only highlighted the genre’s exclusionary tendencies. This experience fueled Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, the second album in her three-act series, where she fully leaned into country music. Despite the album's influence, Beyoncé has yet again been snubbed by the CMAs, receiving no nominations this year.

Shaboozey, featured on Cowboy Carter, received an immediate boost following his collaboration with Queen B, gaining her vote of approval. His star rose almost overnight, and this year, he has secured three CMA nominations — Single of the Year and New Artist of the Year for his hit “Bar Song (Tipsy).” His recognition suggests that the tides may finally be turning, even if Beyoncé's own snub speaks to the continued challenges within the industry.

Halfway through the show, a fan shouted, “703 Baby!” — a nod to Shaboozey’s Virginia roots. The moment underscored his unique position as both a rising country star and a hometown hero. He continued with a more soulful second half, closing with crowd favorite "Bar Song (Tipsy)," followed by a spirited encore.

Shaboozey’s success is significant for a deeper reason. The future of country music can only be truly diverse and reflective of the voices that shaped its past if Black artists aren’t tokenized but given real opportunities to thrive. Shaboozey is showing that Black artists aren’t just a part of country music’s history — they can actively influence and shape its future. His performance at Irving Plaza wasn’t just a show, it was a statement: Black artists won’t be relegated to the margins; they will define the future of country music.