Award-winning Ghanaian Reggae-Dancehall artiste Stonebwoy has once again asserted his claim as the originator of the genre tag Afro-Dancehall, following global recognition of fellow Ghanaian singer Moliy’s chart-topping success with her viral hit “Shake It to the Max (Fly).”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Stonebwoy emphasized that the origin and fame of the Afro-Dancehall should be credited to him in the annals of history.
“A Name Originated by @stonebwoy. Let it be etched in the books of history… AFRO-DANCEHALL 🇬🇭🇯🇲🌍 To The World And Beyond…”
His statement came in response as a quote to a Billboard Hip-Hop tweet acknowledging Moliy’s rise on the charts with her genre-blending hit.
Billboard noted that Moliy’s track had now spent six weeks at No. 1 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart and recently cracked the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 55. The tweet also highlighted international support from top acts including Davido, Ciara, Victoria Monét, and BTS’s J-Hope.
Moliy’s “Shake It to the Max (Fly),” produced by Miami-based duo Bashment Sound, debuted on the Hot 100 on May 31, 2025. It has quickly become one of the season’s most talked-about songs, powered by a viral dance challenge and multiple high-profile remixes.
Stonebwoy, who has long advocated for the recognition of Afro-Dancehall as a distinct genre rooted in African rhythms and Caribbean dancehall energy, said Moliy’s success exemplifies what he envisioned.
“Thanks for the recognition. This will inspire many more youths to create in freedom in the name of AFRO-DANCEHALL—as they blend various styles of African music from the continent (highlife, juju, hiplife, bongo flava, amapiano, afrobeats, etc.) and dancehall music together.”he added.
Moliy’s moment continues to build. Her anthem has drawn the attention of global stars and remix collaborators such as Skillibeng, Shenseea, Gladdest, and Major Lazer.
A Vybz Kartel and Stefflon Don remix is expected to drop ahead of the Wireless Festival. Additional remixes, one with Sean Paul and another soca-infused version featuring Skinny Fabulous and Lady Lava, are also in the works, with planned releases for Notting Hill Carnival and Caribana.