Grammy awards official says he was fired after blocking Moliy’s hit song
2nd December 2025
A former project manager in the Grammy Awards’ adjudication process has revealed that he lost his job shortly after ruling that Moliy’s global hit “Shake It To The Max” was not eligible for nomination at the 2026 Grammys.
In a video shared on his social media platforms on December 1, 2025, Sean Thwaites, who previously supervised five award categories including Best African Music Performance, Global Music Performance, and Global Music Album, said his dismissal came just two days after Billboard published a story confirming his eligibility decision.
Why the Song Was Disqualified
According to the Billboard report, the song was submitted as a remix, which automatically disqualified it from certain competitive Grammy categories.
“‘Shake It to the Max’ is ineligible for Best African Music Performance and Best Global Music Performance this year because remixes do not qualify under the Academy’s long-standing submission guidelines,” the report stated.
Thwaites said his committee followed all the rules strictly, adding that the decision was formally approved in writing by the Vice President of Awards at the Recording Academy.
Praise and Promotion Before Sudden Dismissal
Despite the controversy, Thwaites explained that his career at the Academy showed no red flags prior to his termination. He said he had recently received both a salary increase and a glowing performance appraisal.
“On August 8, I received an excellent review and a pay raise. There were no warnings or concerns whatsoever,” he said.
Just days before his dismissal, he was also selected at the personal request of RCA Records to interview Nigerian superstar Davido at the Grammy Museum.
“That request came on November 17—just days before I was fired,” he added.
Denies Any Bias Against African Music
Thwaites strongly rejected claims that his decision was motivated by prejudice against African music, stressing that he has been one of its strongest advocates within the Grammys.
“I would never undermine African music,” he said. “I personally authored the proposal that created the Best African Music Performance category. I’ve dedicated years to building the Academy’s connection with Africa. This music is not just my work—it’s part of my identity.”
Allegations of Racial Targeting
He also raised concerns about what he described as a pattern of dismissals targeting Black employees within the awards department.
Thwaites disclosed that when he joined the Recording Academy, there were six Black staff members in the awards unit. Since then:
- One colleague was dismissed in August 2025
- Three others had already lost their jobs during his tenure
- His own termination made him the fourth Black employee dismissed
“That pattern is deeply disturbing,” he said. “No one should lose their job for simply enforcing the rules. I am now seeking legal advice and standing firmly in my truth.”
About the Song That Sparked the Controversy
Moliy’s “Shake It To The Max (Fly)”, released in December 2024, became one of 2025’s biggest global records. The song’s Afropop and Jamaican dancehall fusion, produced by Silent Addy and Disco Neil, pushed it to:
- No. 6 on the Global 200 chart
- Worldwide viral success
- A high-profile remix featuring Shenseea and Skillibeng
Despite its massive popularity, the track was absent from the Grammy nominations announced on November 7, a development that reportedly left Moliy’s team shocked and confused.
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