Ghana’s MOLIY features on Billboard Africa’s March/April cover

Since her debut in 2020, MOLIY has gained global attention for a sound that blends Afropop, R&B and dancehall influences. She first attracted wider recognition through her appearance on Amaarae’s single ‘Sad Girlz Luv Money’. The remix, featuring Kali Uchis, reached No. 80 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 28 on the Rhythmic Airplay chart.

Her international breakthrough followed with the single ‘Shake It To The Max’, which gained global traction online. A remix featuring Jamaican artists Skillibeng and Shenseea further expanded the track’s reach. The song has surpassed one billion streams worldwide and spent 22 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart. It also appeared in Spotify’s Top 5 Songs of the Summer and ranked among TikTok’s Top 10 Global Songs of Summer 2025, before topping the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs year-end chart for 2025.

The singer has also achieved several milestones for Ghanaian artists internationally. She became the first Ghanaian musician to perform at the BET Awards, while the remix ‘Shake It To The Max (FLY)’ received nominations for Best Afrobeats and Song of the Summer at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2025.

Following the success of the track, MOLIY released a series of singles including ‘Backie’, the collaborative track ‘Body Go’ with Tyla, and the 2026 collaboration ‘PARTYGYAL’ with bees & honey.

Billboard Africa editor-in-chief Nkosiyati Khumalo said the publication’s latest cover reflects the artist’s rising influence.

“Witnessing the rise of MOLIY has been nothing short of spectacular,” Khumalo said. “Through her chart-topping singles and collaborations, MOLIY showcases the rich diversity of African music and the cultural connections between the continent and the wider world. She has built not just an audience, but a deeply engaged community through social media – demonstrating the power of authenticity and intention.”

In the accompanying cover interview, MOLIY discussed how social media played a key role in the growth of her audience, particularly during the early promotion of ‘Shake It To The Max’.

“Maybe I didn’t have a big budget at the time, but what I did have was the ability to pick up my phone and create,” she said. “I started posting consistently every single day, sometimes five times a day for months. Slowly the community grew, and it gave me so much confidence.”

The artist also spoke about the musical influences shaping her sound, which she describes as a fusion of African and Caribbean styles.

“I’m going for high-energy, danceable music – the kind you want to hear at festivals and parties,” she said. “Growing up, we listened to a lot of dancehall and reggae in Ghana, so that influence has always been there.”

Looking ahead, MOLIY said she hopes to see greater collaboration among women in the African music industry.

“I hope we continue uplifting each other and opening doors for the next generation,” she said. “I would love to see A-list African women touring together, creating projects together, and building initiatives that support younger artists.”