Why Moliy’s “Shake It to the Max (Fly)” Remix Was Disqualified From The Grammy’s

Moliy’s smash song “Shake It to the Max (Fly)”, which became a global sensation after a remix featuring Shenseea and Skillibeng, was unexpectedly ruled ineligible for nomination at the 2026 Grammys. According to the Recording Academy, it was submitted as a remix, and their rules simply don’t allow remixes in the “Best Global Music Performance” or “Best African Music Performance” categories.

Moliy’s “Shake It to the Max (Fly)” remix dropped on February 21 within the eligibility window for the 2026 Grammy Awards. Not only did it bring new verses from Jamaican artists Shenseea and Skillibeng, but the intro was also reworked, and the remix was assigned its own ISRC code, signaling it was a distinct recording.

Despite that, the Recording Academy disqualified the track from competing in the two major global and African performance categories. In a statement, the Academy admitted the song had “significant cultural impact,” but insisted that because it was submitted as a remix, it didn’t meet the submission rules for those specific categories.

Moliy’s label, gamma., led by CEO Larry Jackson, strongly challenged the decision. Jackson argued that nearly half of the remix’s content was newly composed — so calling it a remix, rather than a sequel or “Part Two,” seemed like a mere technicality. He said sticking rigidly to the “remix” label felt disrespectful to the artistic work and cultural achievement the song represents.

The controversy has sparked broader debate about how the Grammys recognize global and genre-blending music. Many industry watchers see this ruling as a symptom of outdated or overly rigid award structures, especially in an era where remixes and collaborations are a major driver of global hits.

As Jackson put it, the decision feels symbolic: it raises questions about how equitable Grammy rules are for independent artists, particularly from Africa and the Caribbean, whose breakthrough hits often come in the form of cross-border, remixed collaborations. The Academy, for its part, has said it’s open to improving its entry process and eligibility guidelines moving forward.

Even without a Grammy nomination, “Shake It to the Max (Fly)” remains one of Moliy’s most culturally significant tracks. Originally released in December 2024, it gained traction early on before skyrocketing in 2025 via a viral TikTok dance challenge.

The remix, which brought dancehall stars into the fold dominated charts, including a long run at the top of the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. Its success was not just commercial but symbolic, showing how African pop music can fuse with Caribbean styles to reach new global audiences.