The real reason Moliy's ‘Shake It To The Max (Fly) Remix’ was disqualified from Grammy

Ghanaian-American singer Moliy’s global hit, Shake It To The Max (Fly) Remix, has been disqualified from consideration in the Grammy Awards’ Best Global Music Performance and Best African Music Performance categories, sparking disappointment among fans and industry insiders.

The Recording Academy confirmed that the disqualification was due to the song being submitted as a “remix,” a format deemed ineligible for these specific categories under their established rules.

In a statement to Billboard, the Academy acknowledged the song’s cultural and commercial impact but stressed that eligibility rules leave no room for remixes in these categories. “We all acknowledge it is a massive song with significant cultural impact. Unfortunately, but quite simply, it was submitted as a remix, and as per our longstanding and published rules, remixes are just not eligible in these categories. Regardless, our goal is always to honor, respect and fairly represent creators and the music they make — so we will keep working to improve our entry processes and eligibility guidelines,” the Academy said.

Gamma., the record label behind Moliy, led by CEO Larry Jackson, expressed frustration at the decision, describing it as “deeply disappointing.” Jackson argued that the ruling prioritizes rigid convention over artistic merit, noting that the remix contains substantial new material. “To be disqualified because we decided to call it a remix instead of ‘Part Two’ in our submission process is an interesting choice,” Jackson said. “This is especially odd, given the fact that 50% of it is a new composition… The answer of ‘That’s just the way we do things, and that’s just the rule’ doesn’t feel respectful toward what these artists achieved.”

Shake It To The Max (Fly) Remix, featuring Jamaican artists Skillibeng and Shenseea alongside Moliy and producer Silent Addy, has dominated international charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart and charting widely across the U.S. and Europe.

Jackson’s comments reflect growing concerns that traditional Grammy Awards rules may inadvertently disadvantage non-traditional musical formats and global genres, where remixes and collaborations are often integral to worldwide success just like in Moliy's case. The Academy has pledged to review its entry processes and eligibility guidelines, hinting that the controversy surrounding Moliy’s disqualification could influence future considerations.

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