Ghanaian-American singer and songwriter MOLIY has been named Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Artist of the Month for January 2026, earning a coveted spot on the cover of the EQUAL Global playlist. The recognition underscores her rising influence within Africa’s music scene and her rapidly expanding international presence.
Known for her vibrant fusion of Afro-pop, Afro-fusion, and dancehall, MOLIY blends emotive songwriting with infectious rhythmic energy, a combination that continues to attract a growing global audience. Born and raised in Ghana, her sound is shaped by a wide range of influences—from local icons such as Daddy Lumba, Rex Omar, R2Bees, and 4×4, to trailblazing female artists including Ebony, Eazzy, Itz Tiffany, and Sister Deborah, whose confidence and individuality left a lasting impression on her artistry.
MOLIY’s global breakthrough came in December 2024 with the release of her viral single “Shake It To The Max (FLY)”, which gained international traction and played a key role in her being named the most-exported Ghanaian artist on Spotify Wrapped 2025. The milestone marked a major step in her crossover success and highlighted the global appetite for her sound.
Beyond the music, MOLIY’s artistry is rooted in themes of individuality and female empowerment. Through her performances, visuals, and personal branding, she consistently encourages young women to take up space confidently and embrace their uniqueness within the industry.
“MOLIY sits comfortably at the intersection of African pop and global culture,” said Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa. “Her music reflects a generation that’s fluid, expressive, and unbound by borders, making her a powerful voice within EQUAL Africa.”
Speaking with Spotify, MOLIY reflected on her journey and creative philosophy, describing herself as introverted offstage and drawn to quiet moments at home. She recalled 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 characterises her sound as bold, playful, and emotional, shaped by Afro-pop, Afro-fusion, and dancehall influences. Offering advice to emerging artists, she emphasised the importance of consistency, affirmations, and transforming fear into belief. On navigating the industry as a woman, she added: “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.”
Reflecting on her inclusion in Spotify’s EQUAL initiative, MOLIY said: “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.”
With her EQUAL Africa recognition and growing global footprint, MOLIY continues to position herself as one of Ghana’s most exciting contemporary voices on the world stage.