Everything you need to know about 'A Bar Song' singer Shaboozey

We need plenty more!

Author: Amy ShephardPublished 10th Oct 2024
Last updated 10th Oct 2024

Unless you've been living under a rock, you're bound to be familiar with 2024 hit 'A Bar Song' and the man behind it, Shaboozey. The country/hip hop singer, who also made a guest appearance on Beyonce's 'Cowboy Carter' album this year, has cemented himself as one of country music's hot new players.

And 2025 looks set to get even bigger for the rising star, with C2C Country to Country already lined up in March and having been tipped for a GRAMMY nomination, Shaboozey is definitely one to watch. So now's the perfect time to find out more about him...

Who is Shaboozey?

Born Collins Obinna Chibueze to Nigerian parents, Shaboozey's an American singer and songwriter, with a unique style which mixes both country and hip hop. Describing his early influences as a combination of Kenny Rogers, Ja Rule, Kanye West's 'The College Dropout' and Brandy, Shaboozey says he pulls inspiration from everything he witnesses — making for some pretty interesting song lyrics!

Where did Shaboozey get his name?

The country singer's professional name first came about in his high school days, after teachers and peers mispronounced his surname; Chibueze. He decided he liked it enough to keep it!

How old is Shaboozey?

He was born on 9th May 1995, making him 29-years-old.

Where is Shaboozey from?

He's from a small town called Woodbridge in Northern Virginia, USA. He moved to Los Angeles in 2016, when he was 21-years-old.

Is Shaboozey going on tour?

Shaboozey's recently been on his 'Fall Tour '24' across America, but is set to come to the UK next year. He'll be performing at C2C Country to Country in London, Glasgow and Belfast in March 2025.

He'll also be performing on Wednesday 19th March at KOKO London.

How many albums has Shaboozey released?

Three so far. His debut album 'Lady Wrangler' was released in 2018, followed by 'Cowboys Live Forever, Outlaws Never Die' in 2022. But it wasn't until his third album released in May 2024 that Shaboozey's career really started to take off. 'Where I've Been, Isn't Where I'm Going' went to Number 5 in the US album chart, hitting Number 2 in the US country chart.

Shaboozey collaborates with Beyonce on 'Cowboy Carter' album

A huge turning point in Shaboozey's career was his collaboration with country Queen, Beyonce, on her 'Cowboy Carter' album. He featured on tracks 'SPAGHETTII' and 'Sweet ⭐️Honey⭐️ Buckiin' — a move which helped the singer break into the mainstream.

In 'Sweet ⭐️Honey⭐️ Buckiin', he sings: 'Lucchese the boots, check / You can hear when I step / Bought a Chevy and painted it red / Money long, it can't fit in the bed / It don't matter what nobody says / Country boy 'til the day that I'm dead'.

What are Shaboozey's most successful songs?

By far his most successful track, 'A Bar Song' went to Number 1 in countries around the world including the US, knocking Beyonce's 'Texas Hold 'Em' off the top of the Hot Country Songs chart and staying there for 17 weeks (and counting). It also lasted 13 weeks at the top of the US chart and peaked at Number 3 in the UK. Released in April 2024, the song won a People's Choice Country Award for New Artist Song of 2024 and was nominated for an MTV VMA.

The catchy lyrics include: 'My baby want a Birkin, she's been tellin' me all night long / Gasoline and groceries, the list goes on and on / This 9 to 5 ain't workin', why the hell do I work so hard? / I can't worry 'bout my problems, I can't take 'em when I'm gone.'

Shaboozey has previously revealed the first video of his which 'popped off' was 2018's 'Winning Streak', which noughties fans may notice was shot in the same place as Nelly's 'Ride Wit Me':

WARNING: EXPLICIT CONTENT

But it was Shaboozey's track 'Prosperity' from 2019 which he says had the first country sound to it, taking inspiration from the likes of Bob Dylan:

Does Shaboozey write his own songs?

He does! Shaboozey writes songs about everything and anything, pulling inspiration from all around him. Unique lyrics such as: 'Used to sleep on the futon / Rings, got a few on / Got gold like a leprechaun / My girl got a leopard on' ('Winning streak') and: 'We would run out of gas, got out the car and we pushed it / Used to fall on the streets, we ain't land on no cushions / Knew I'd end up on top, even when some said I couldn't / Came from humble beginnings, know I flex when I shouldn't' ('Dream') just make us love him even more!

Now check out our list of country artists that are killing it at the moment:

Jennie Longdon: The War and Treaty, Post Malone and Chris Stapleton

"The War and Treaty: The two most incredible and complementary voices together. Spiritual and soulful. You don't hear their music, you experience it. This genre needs them.

"Post Malone: Just entered the genre but is already ahead of the game. His voice is so soulful and gritty, the perfect combo. And his debut is with Morgan Wallen - so he's in good company.

"Chris Stapleton: He is genre-blending perfectly. He offers the authentic country sound, but with so many other influences. His voice is like honey and his lyrics are so romantic and beautiful."

Baylen Leonard: Zach Top, Lainey Wilson and Charley Crockett

"Lainey Wilson forever and always! I love Charley Crockett and his vibe. Can't stop listening to Zach Top."

Elaina D. Smith: Megan Moroney, Luke Combs and Lainey Wilson

1) Lainey Wilson

2) Megan Moroney

3) Luke Combs

Ben Earle: Abby Anderson, Breland and Lainey Wilson

"Lainey Wilson is on fire at the moment. Every song she releases just jumps up another gear. I thought she must have peaked at 'Heart Like A Truck', but 'Watermelon Moonshine' and 'Wildflowers and Wild Horses' are both incredible. ‌

"I love how Breland is really crossing R&B and hip hop effortlessly with Country. He's got such a big future ahead of him. ‌

"Abby Anderson is having such a great comeback and doing it in her own way. To bounce back the way she has bounced back after being dropped by her record company is so amazing, especially how she is taking control of her own destiny."

Elise Evans: Carly Pearce, Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll

"The three country artists killing it right now would be Lainey Wilson, Carly Pearce & Jelly Roll. All killing it whether that be dropping hugely successful records or selling out tours. They're my go-to artists on my country playlist right now!"

Now read:

Get to know C2C headliner Cody Johnson

Get to know C2C Headliner: Dierks Bentley

Get to know C2C headliner Lainey Wilson

How to listen to Absolute Radio Country:

Listen to Absolute Radio Country across the UK on your digital radio, the free Rayo app, by hitting the play button below or by asking your smart speaker to "play Absolute Radio Country".