Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter Moliy Ama Montgomery, professionally known as Moliy, has candidly revealed why she’s choosing to remain unsigned by a record label despite her growing global presence. In a recent interview with Revolt TV on July 7, 2025, the rising Afropop star expressed that creative control and authenticity are more important to her than traditional label support.
A Rising Star Refusing Restrictions
Moliy shot into global visibility following her remix feature on “Sad Girlz Luv Money” by Amaarae and Kali Uchis, which reached the Billboard Hot 100 in 2021. Her breakout hit “Shake It To The Max (FLY)”, released in December 2024, became a TikTok-driven sensation and broke into the UK Afrobeats Singles and UK Singles Chart.
Despite these milestones, Moliy says she’s intentionally avoiding label contracts. She told Revolt TV:
“I want trust, organic collaboration — not just being a name on a list… Music is very personal to me,” adding that she “doesn’t like being told what to do” and needs space to steer her own creative process Radio 88.8 – Demo+14Modern Ghana+14REVOLT+14.
Maintaining Control Over Sound and Career
Moliy explained that being independent allows her to craft music freely and choose her own timing. After a year-long gap without new releases in 2024, she and her manager explored distribution deals for her comeback track, but ultimately decided to release it independently. She emphasized:
“If you’re not pushing yourself… no one is gonna do it for you. That’s what I love the most” Modern Ghana+1REVOLT+1.
Her decision reflects a more empowered approach to artistry—taking complete ownership of her vision rather than ceding it to label executives.
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A Global Sound: Independent, Eclectic, and Authentic
Raised between Accra and Orlando, Moliy channels her bi-cultural background into an Afro-fusion sound that melds Afrobeats, R&B, dancehall, soul, and hip-hop. She describes her creative process as spontaneous, playful, and authentic—traits that flourish without the constraints often imposed by industry executives .
Viral Success Beyond Commercial Machinery
The success of “Shake It To The Max (FLY)”—which sparked a global TikTok dance trend—highlights Moliy’s ability to harness organic digital momentum. She credits fan engagement and creator platforms for allowing her to reach audiences without packaged promotions.
Moliy emphasizes that independence forces her to drive momentum herself, but that drive has led to authentic connection with her rapidly expanding audience.
What This Means for the Modern Artist
Moliy’s stance aligns with a growing movement among artists who recognize that labels are no longer gatekeepers in the digital era. With streaming services, social media, and direct fan engagement, artists can now release music, maintain ownership, and still break through internationally.
Her success story—without a label deal—offers inspiration to up-and-coming musicians navigating a transforming industry.
