Moliy’s hit ‘Shake It to the Max’ misses 2026 Grammy nominations over submission rules
Moliy’s global hit, “Shake It to the Max”, will not feature in the 2026 Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy has confirmed, despite its commercial success and cultural impact. The decision affects the song’s potential nominations in the Best African Music Performance and Best Global Music Performance categories.
According to the Academy, the track was submitted as a remix, and under Grammy rules, remixes are ineligible for these categories even if they include new compositions or updated arrangements. While the February 21 version featuring Shenseea and Skillibeng contained substantial new material, the submission guidelines classify it as a remix, disqualifying it from contention.
The Academy stated, “It really is unfortunate that ‘Shake It to the Max’ isn’t eligible in the Best African Music Performance and Best Global Music Performance categories this year. We all acknowledge it is a massive song with significant cultural impact. Unfortunately, but quite simply, it was submitted as a remix, and as per our longstanding and published rules, remixes are just not eligible in these categories.”
The label behind the record was notified of the ineligibility in late September and appealed, arguing that the updated version contained more than 50% newly composed material. The Recording Academy upheld the initial decision, emphasizing that it was a procedural ruling rather than a subjective judgment.
Fans and industry observers had expected the song to be a major contender, highlighting the strict adherence to Grammy submission guidelines and the importance of following procedural requirements for award eligibility.
