Moliy’s Journey: From Underground to Global Sensation

Exactly one year ago, Ghanaian-American singer Moliy dropped her hit single “Shake It to the Max (Fly),” produced by Jamaican talent Silent Addy. Featuring dancehall stars Shenseea and Skillibeng on the remix, the track has not only transformed her career but also made waves across the music industry.

In a recent YouTube video, Moliy opened up about her remarkable journey. “I went from an underground artist to a worldwide sensation in one year,” she shared, reflecting on her decision to leave the United States and return to Ghana. “This time last year, I had zero motion, averaging 300 views on my TikToks. I didn’t have any bookings, and no distros were really willing to invest in my releases. That all changed when I decided to move back to Ghana from the USA and bet on myself.”

Moliy’s mindset was clear: tune out the noise and focus on authenticity. It was during this transformative period that she recorded the original version of “Shake It to the Max” with Silent Addy, embracing a bold “baddie” energy. Teasing snippets on TikTok, she began to see the song gain traction. But everything shifted dramatically in February when the remix featuring Skillibeng and Shenseea dropped. “I knew the song was going to be a blessing, but I can’t say that I knew just how far it was going to reach,” she admitted.

The past twelve months have been nothing short of extraordinary for “Shake It to the Max (Fly).” The remix soared to number one on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, dethroning Tyla’s “Push 2 Start,” which had held the top spot for an impressive 20 weeks. It has since been certified Gold in the U.S. and France, moving over 500,000 units. The song is also nominated for Best Afrobeats Song at the upcoming 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. In Jamaica, the remix spent multiple weeks at number one on YouTube, while Moliy became the first Ghanaian artist to surpass 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

While “Shake It to the Max (Fly)” has dominated the charts, Moliy’s discography boasts several other noteworthy tracks. Her collaboration “Sad Girlz Luv Money” with Amaarae and Kali Uchis helped her gain early international recognition. In 2022, she released “Hard,” featuring South African artist Moonchild Sanelly, showcasing her lyrical prowess and commitment to female empowerment.

Moliy emphasizes that her success is not merely about one hit or viral moment. It’s a culmination of hard work, strategic collaborations, and a deep connection with her roots. “Bet on myself,” she says, encapsulating the risk she took and the rewards that followed.

As she celebrates the anniversary of her life-changing track, it’s clear that “Shake It to the Max (Fly)” has become an integral part of her identity as an artist. It has opened doors for new bookings and heightened anticipation for her future projects. What will Moliy create next? The world is watching, and her journey is just beginning.