For MOLIY, the artist behind “Shake It To The Max (FLY),” embodying a “baddie” transcends fashion or a meticulously crafted persona.
“Being a baddie is a mindset,” she shared with USdaily. “It’s about confidence and presence. It doesn’t relate to body shape or specific clothing.”
This philosophy is central to her upcoming mixtape titled “BADDIES <3 MOLIY.” The collection, which emphasizes the empowering essence of being a “baddie,” is designed for dance floors worldwide and is set to launch later this summer. It features a mix of artists and sounds from Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America, merging influences from pop, Afrobeats, dancehall, amapiano, bouyon, and R&B.
The mixtape boasts a varied lineup, featuring talents like South Africa’s Tyla, Dominican artist Yailin la Más Viral, Jamaica’s Skillibeng and Shenseea, Nigeria’s Mavo, Ghanaian rap sensation Sarkodie, UK-Ghanaian rapper Br3nya, Jamaican producer-DJ Silent Addy, the London and Berlin collective bees & honey, along with MOLIY’s sister, Mellissa.
The lead track from the mixtape, titled “Jetski (FRIKI),” features the Ghanaian-American artist MOLIY collaborating with Dominican star Yailin La Más Viral and French-Congolese singer Theodora. This song merges elements of Afropop, dancehall, and dembow drum patterns from the Dominican Republic, creating a cross-continental anthem that underscores the growing ties between African, Caribbean, and European musical traditions.
This new project comes as MOLIY enjoys the success of “Shake It To The Max (FLY),” a viral hit on TikTok that marked a significant moment in her international dancehall career. The remix featuring Silent Addy, Shenseea, and Skillibeng has amassed over a billion streams across various platforms, including more than 405 million on Spotify.
For MOLIY, the triumph of “Shake It To The Max” confirmed that her ascent in the global music scene was not merely a fleeting moment.
“It was a moment of relief,” she expressed. “Once could be a fluke, but twice means you’re on to something significant.”
MOLIY first gained recognition internationally in 2020 with her collaboration on Amaarae’s hit “Sad Girlz Luv Money,” particularly after the song’s remix featuring Kali Uchis went viral. However, “Shake It To The Max” truly placed her name and voice in the spotlight. The track gained popularity on TikTok through various dance challenges and remixes, allowing MOLIY to reach a broader global audience and resulting in a publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music.
With her new mixtape, she shared, “I feel like I’m crafting an entire universe filled with empowered, confident divas who boldly embrace their baddie energy.”
This self-assurance did not develop instantly.
MOLIY, born Molly Ama Montgomery, spent her childhood in Ghana, briefly studying business and English in Orlando, Florida, before leaving college to pursue her passion for music. Her love for storytelling laid the groundwork for her songwriting.
Music always remained in the background until circumstances propelled it to the forefront.
“I have always had a passion for music,” MOLIY revealed. “It wasn’t until life pushed me to my limits that I realized music was all I had, and now here I am.”
MOLIY cultivated her empowering mindset during the trying times of the Covid-19 lockdown, as she navigated her musical aspirations while dealing with a tough breakup.
“I was determined to pursue music seriously; it felt incredibly challenging, yet I knew it was what I wanted,” she reflected. “I believe I experienced significant spiritual growth during that time.”
During this phase, MOLIY prioritized solitude, enhancing her faith, personal growth, and self-love. She believes that this journey helped her gain the confidence that now permeates her lyrics, performances, and online presence.
“Affirming myself through positive statements is integral to my identity and enhances my self-assurance, particularly reflected in my lyrics,” she noted. “It serves as a therapeutic outlet for me.”
This philosophy influences how MOLIY engages with her audience online. Before she established the “baddie” theme, her focus was on sharing daily aspects of Ghanaian life on TikTok, including affordable street food, using the hashtag #baddieonabudget.
The phrase resonated with her audience. One lyric — “You dealin’ with a baddie, of course” — became a defining element in her music.
MOLIY’s global strategy is purposeful. She expressed that collaborating with Tyla on the mixtape was particularly significant due to its implications for young African women observing their success.
“To me, two baddies from Africa collaborating feels incredibly powerful,” she said, expressing her hope that young girls witness their achievements and realize that success in the creative field is attainable for them as well.
This project also strengthens MOLIY’s connection to dancehall music, a genre originating from Jamaica, characterized by its heavy bass and DJ-style vocals. She stated that this sound has been part of her life since her early years.
“Ghana has a deep appreciation for dancehall and reggae music,” she remarked, recalling her visit to Jamaica as a warm reunion due to the shared cultural aspects she observed there.
Across the mixtape, MOLIY also embraces Afrobeats, known for its intricate percussion and catchy pop melodies, as well as amapiano, South Africa’s distinctive house genre featuring log drums, both of which have become prominent in global club scenes. The combination of these styles reflects her desire to create music that transcends borders while maintaining its cultural essence.
Now, with a billion-streaming hit under her belt, a new mixtape crafted for clubs and festivals, and an upcoming tour alongside Skillibeng, MOLIY is focused on demonstrating that she is not confined to a single song, sound, or genre.
The current momentum is also leading MOLIY to new opportunities, including her debut European tour this October.
“Baddies are going to come out in full force,” the artist declared.
“I create music that inspires joy,” she continued. “You’ll want to hear me at parties, concerts, festivals, and all those incredible venues.”
