Ghanaian artist Moliy has publicly addressed recent comments made by Jamaican music icon Shaggy regarding her alleged reluctance to clear songs on the ‘Shake It To The Max’ rhythm following the global success of her hit single. The controversy emerged after Shaggy suggested in a late-February interview with the Jamaica Observer that Moliy’s unwillingness to allow other artists to use the rhythm constituted ‘gatekeeping’ that potentially limited the track’s international breakthrough and hindered the resurgence of Jamaican juggling culture.
In a Tuesday interview with UK’s Capital Xtra, Moliy provided a contrasting perspective, clarifying that her decision was driven by artistic evolution rather than a misunderstanding of cultural norms. ‘I understand the culture; I just had a different intention,’ Moliy stated. ‘It’s like you can see it from where we are standing today and be like, ‘No, this went totally wrong, this is not how it’s supposed to be.’ Maybe we will look at it 10 years from now and be like, ‘This was actually a great choice.’
The rising artist emphasized her openness to future collaborations, but with a specific condition: genuine artistic interest beyond the viral rhythm. ‘If you really mess with me, then hit me up and let’s work on something else,’ Moliy expressed. ‘Is it just Shake It To The Max that you’re interested in, or do you like me as an artiste?’
The disagreement highlights the complex dynamics between cultural preservation and artistic autonomy in the global music industry. Shaggy had previously argued that the rhythm could have served as a ‘gateway’ for juggling culture’s international expansion, drawing parallels to the current success of DJ Mac’s WYFL rhythm on the local circuit. Moliy, however, maintains that her decision reflected a natural creative progression rather than cultural disregard, noting her enthusiasm to pursue ‘the next thing’ despite her appreciation for the successful collaboration.