Ghana: MOLIY named Spotify EQUAL Africa artist for January
15 Jan 2026 - 07:59
Ghanaian-American singer and songwriter MOLIY has been named Spotify’s EQUAL Africa artist of the month for January 2026 and features on the cover of the EQUAL Global playlist.
The recognition highlights her growing influence in Africa’s music scene and her expanding international profile.
Known for her fusion of Afro-pop, Afro-fusion and dancehall, MOLIY combines emotive songwriting with rhythmic energy, earning a rapidly expanding global audience. Born and raised in Ghana, she cites musical influences ranging from local legends Daddy Lumba, Rex Omar, R2Bees and 4x4 to female artists such as Ebony, Eazzy, Itz Tiffany and Sister Deborah, whose emphasis on confidence and individuality shaped her sound.
MOLIY gained wider recognition in December 2024 with the release of her single ‘Shake It To The Max (FLY)’, which went viral internationally. The track contributed to her position as the most-exported Ghanaian artist on Spotify Wrapped 2025, signalling her growing global reach.
Beyond her music, MOLIY’s work celebrates individuality and female empowerment. Through her performances, visuals, and personal branding, she encourages young women to assert their presence confidently in the industry.
“MOLIY sits comfortably at the intersection of African pop and global culture,” Spotify head of music for Sub-Saharan Africa Phiona Okumu said. “Her music reflects a generation that’s fluid, expressive, and unbound by borders, making her a powerful voice within EQUAL Africa.”
In a conversation with Spotify, MOLIY spoke about her journey and artistic philosophy. She described herself as introverted off stage, valuing quiet moments at home, and reflected on discovering music as her calling in 2018: “I saw African music becoming a global movement and realised I had something new to add. That’s when I knew there was space for me.”
She described her sound as bold, playful, and emotional, blending Afro-pop, Afro-fusion, and dancehall. Offering advice to aspiring artists, she emphasised consistency, affirmations, and turning fear into belief. On navigating the industry as a woman, she said: “There’s pressure to fit into boxes, but I let my perspective stay fluid. My artistry is shaped by confidence, vulnerability and the freedom to exist in multiple moods at once.”
MOLIY also commented on her inclusion in Spotify’s EQUAL initiative: “Being a woman in this industry has taught me to trust my voice even when the room is loud. There’s real power in women supporting women. EQUAL represents visibility, support and opportunity and I’m grateful to be part of it.”
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