Who would have ever thought two of the summer's hottest hits would come from two Prince William, Virginia natives? We already covered the viral "MILLION DOLLAR BABY" by Woodbridge's own Tommy Richman, but did you know the artist behind "Bar Song (Tipsy)" is also from Woodbridge?
While both artists may have roamed the same streets and dined at the same local spots during their childhoods, they showcase their hometown influences in unique ways. While Tommy adds his own more rap and hip-hip spins to his song, Shaboozey is taking over the country scene.
Shaboozey, 29, appeared on "CMA Fest," Wednesday night, June 26th on ABC and showed the world just why he made his way onto Billboards Top 100 at #3.. Born Collins Chibeuze, the Gar-Field High School graduate earned his stage name from his classmates, who affectionately dubbed him “Shaboozey.”
Even though his music is more country, Shaboozey's upbringing was deeply influenced by traditional Nigerian music. As a first-generation Nigerian American, he credits his father for his initial exposure to country music.
"My dad moved here, and he went to Texas," Shaboozey said in a podcast interview with Comedy Country. "People be like, 'Well, my dad is more country than him,' but my dad was over here in the 90s, you know, with the overalls, real tree camo, cowboy hat. My pops was on this, too."
Shaboozey mentioned that the connection between Nigerian culture and country music is stronger than people might think.
"Nigeria, is country in itself,” Shaboozey told Comedy Country. "A lot of, you know, it's farmers; it's cow herders. They just look a little different. Everybody wants to wear boots; that's cowboys, but some of them wear sandals."
However, Shaboozey is recognized for more than just country music. His unique fusion of genres earned him a spot on the Billboard "Hot 100" for eight consecutive weeks. He draws inspiration from the funk sounds of other Virginian hip-hop artists as well as the bluegrass heritage of the state, particularly from regions outside Northern Virginia.
"My whole campaign has been trying to tap in more with Virginia," Shaboozey said on the Seager Storytime podcast. "Some of the most prolific creators of modern music, modern culture, are from Virginia."
He cites Virginia natives Pharrell, Missy Elliot, and Timbaland as some of his key influences, along with Kenny Rogers, a favorite of his parents, and his personal favorite rapper, Ja Rule.
Along with his two features on Beyoncé's COWBOY CARTER, Shaboozey has announced his first North American headline tour this fall to promote his album, "Where I've Been, Isn't Where I'm Going." The tour includes a concert in Toronto and a festival performance in Quebec City.
"This year's been a lot of firsts, and happy to include my first-ever headline tour to that list!" Shaboozey shared on Instagram. Announcing the nine-show first leg of the tour (or ten, if you include his September 14 performance at Quebec City's Fono Festival, though the tour promo doesn’t), things kick off on September 9 in Minneapolis, MN, followed by a headlining performance at Toronto's Danforth Music Hall on September 13.
Fono Festival set aside, he'll complete the remainder of the trek back in the US, wrapping the tour on October 14 in Los Angeles, CA.
09/09 Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
09/11 Chicago, IL - Metro
09/13 Toronto, ON - Danforth Music Hall
09/14 Quebec City, QC - Fono Festival
09/16 Boston, MA - Royale Boston
09/17 Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Steel
09/21 Washington, D.C. - 9:30 Club
09/25 Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
09/29 Denver, CO - Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom
10/14 Los Angeles, CA - The Fonda Theatre
With each new milestone in his career, his home of Prince William, Virginia will always be there cheering him on. We are more than honored to call this talented artist one of our own!
Here's to you, Shaboozey, and to many more achievements ahead!
Article Info from: exclaim.ca & fauquiretimes.com