The C2C 2025 festival has officially concluded, leaving attendees buzzing with mixed feelings, especially around the controversial yet talented Collins Obinna Chibueze, also known as Shaboozey. His performance not only created ripples within the country music community but also raised eyebrows among country purists who have long held definitive views on genre boundaries.
Having had his breakout year last year with the major hit 'A Bar Song (Tipsy)', Shaboozey made his presence felt at the festival, moving from his traditional rap roots to the unpredictable domain of country music. On March 16, 2025, at The O2 London, Shaboozey opened his set with 'Last of My Kind', setting the stage for his live interaction with the audience. Surprisingly, the initial reception was muted, as fans appeared unsure of his transition from hip-hop to country.
The second song of his set, 'Tall Boy', harked back to his rap roots, intertwining hip-hop flows with country beats, confusing some, yet appealing to others. His third song, 'Anabelle', swung the audience back to country, but the performance remained inconsistent, leading to moments of disconnection between Shaboozey and the crowd.
Despite his musical pendulum, disappointment did not deter him; he powered through with 'Drink Don’t Need No Mix', which features collaboration with BigXthaPlug, showcasing yet another layer of his artistry. Although littered with strong language, the song came off as more hip-hop than country, once again sparking debate over his identity as an artist.
The turning point of the performance came during 'Good News' and 'Let It Burn', songs which revealed the potential depth Shaboozey can channel if he fully committed to his new genre. His closing number was, of course, 'A Bar Song (Tipsy)', and this time, the full force of anticipation erupted, leading to the most significant audience reaction of the entire festival weekend. People jumped up to sing and dance, acknowledging the catchy tune's undeniable charm.
Just prior to Shaboozey’s set, the Spotlight Stage, dubbed one of the festival’s highlights, featured remarkable performances from artists like Harper O’Neill and Kashus Culpepper. O’Neill, who hails from Dallas, opened with her song 'You Don’t Love Me', quickly proving why she’s on the rise with her powerful voice and infectious songs. Her energetic blend of country and Americana left the audience enthralled.
Kashus Culpepper, following O’Neill, encapsulated the spirit of the Spotlight Stage with his soulful country tunes. With 'Pour Me Out' leading his set, his voice drew comparisons to greats and seamlessly transitioned his performance to emotional beats, proving his star potential. The final artist on this stage was Kassi Ashton, known for powerful vocal delivery, showcasing her mix of charm and emotional depth through songs like 'The Straw'. Each performance on Spotlight Stage offered something unique, creating lasting impressions on festival-goers.
Despite the cloudy atmospheres surrounding Shaboozey's genre-switching, and even amid commendable performances from established artists, C2C 2025 laid the groundwork for dynamic new voices to emerge within the country genre. The festival successfully embraced all flows of country music, underscoring its evolution and inclusivity.
It is undeniable: Shaboozey’s contribution to the festival will be a point of discussion for years to come, encapsulating the event's vibrancy, tension, and promise, as hopeful artists continue to find their footing on stages like those at C2C. With multiple country stars vying for attention and audiences passionately supporting the genre's evolution, it seems the days of one-dimensional interpretations of country are behind us.
The combination of established names and new arrivals brought together at The O2 sparked great joy and excitement for country music’s future, creating connections between generations and capturing the essence of what makes this genre so enduringly popular.
Such diverse performances across different generations signify the potential versatility of country music as it continues to draw influences from various musical styles, gradually creating new pathways for collaborative creativity. C2C 2025 secured its place as being at the forefront of this dynamic transformation within the genre.
