Shaboozey Reveals How Dolly Parton Helped Shape His Country Music Roots Through His Nigerian Father

Shaboozey says Dolly Parton helped shape his country music roots through his father, who grew up in Nigeria and was a fan of hers. He sees his father’s appreciation as evidence of Parton’s global reach, and praises her activism and contribution to country music.

The singer says his tastes also grew from the varied music he encountered while growing up in Virginia, including Brandy, Usher, Nickelback and Creed. Born in 1995, he recalls hearing hip hop, R&B and alternative rock become widely popular in the early 2000s; he later developed his own sound by looking inward and reflecting on what he values.