Sean Thwaites, a former project manager overseeing several categories at the Recording Academy, has revealed that he was dismissed from his position just days after making a decision to disqualify Moliy’s hit song *Shake It to the Max* from consideration at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Thwaites, who was responsible for managing categories like Best African Music Performance, Global Music Performance, and Best Global Music Album, shared the news in a video posted to his social media on December 1, 2025. His dismissal came just two days after *Billboard* reported on the eligibility ruling regarding *Shake It to the Max*.
### The Controversy Behind the Eligibility Decision
The *Billboard* article explained that *Shake It to the Max* was deemed ineligible for both the Best African Music Performance and Best Global Music Performance categories for the 2026 Grammys. The reason for this decision was that the song was submitted as a remix, and according to the Grammys’ longstanding guidelines, remixes are not eligible for these categories.
Thwaites confirmed that his committee had followed the rules strictly, stating, “My committee followed the Grammy guidelines precisely as written, and the vice-president of awards confirmed in writing that my ruling was correct.”
Initially, Thwaites’ decision was accepted without issue by the Recording Academy, and he had even received praise for his work in the months leading up to the controversy. In fact, just a few months earlier, Thwaites had been entrusted with the responsibility of interviewing Nigerian artist Davido for the Grammy Museum.
### No Warning Before Termination
Thwaites explained that his dismissal came as a surprise. He had received a positive performance review on August 8, including a pay raise, with no indication that his job was in jeopardy. He further emphasized that just days before his termination, he was specifically asked to interview Davido, suggesting that his standing within the Academy was solid.
“On 8 August, I received a positive performance review and a pay rise, no warnings, no issues, nothing to suggest my role was in jeopardy,” Thwaites explained. "And on 17 November, only days before I was dismissed, RCA Records specifically requested that I be the one to interview Davido at the Grammy Museum.”
### No Bias Against African Music
Thwaites also clarified that his decision regarding *Shake It to the Max* was not influenced by any bias against African music. He emphasized his longstanding commitment to championing African artists, pointing out that he was instrumental in creating the Best African Music Performance category.
“I want to be absolutely clear: I would never sideline African music. I drafted the proposal that led to the creation of the Best African Music Performance category. I’ve spent years elevating African artists and strengthening the Academy’s relationship with the continent. African music is central to my work and, frankly, to my identity,” he said.
### Concerns Over Discriminatory Dismissals
Thwaites also raised concerns about a troubling pattern of dismissals involving Black employees at the Recording Academy’s awards department. He claimed that he was the fourth Black employee to be let go during his time at the Academy, following the dismissals of three other colleagues in the preceding months.
“When I joined the Recording Academy, there were six Black staff members in the awards department. One colleague was dismissed in August, just three months before my own termination, making me the fourth Black employee to be let go during my time there. That pattern is deeply troubling,” Thwaites said.
He stated that he was speaking out to highlight the importance of transparency and fairness, insisting that no one should lose their job for simply adhering to the rules.
“I’m speaking out because transparency matters. Fairness matters, and no one should lose their job for following the rules. I’m seeking proper legal support, and I’m standing firmly in my truth,” he concluded.
### *Shake It to the Max* and the Grammy Snub
Moliy’s *Shake It to the Max (Fly)*, released in December 2024, quickly became one of 2025’s biggest hits. The song, a fusion of Afropop and Jamaican dancehall, made it to No. 6 on the Global 200 and received a popular remix featuring Shenseea and Skillibeng. However, when the 2026 Grammy nominations were announced on November 7, *Shake It to the Max* was conspicuously absent from all categories, leaving both Moliy’s team and fans confused.
The controversy surrounding the song's exclusion from the nominations, and the subsequent fallout over Thwaites' dismissal, has sparked a wider conversation about the Grammy Awards’ treatment of African and global music.
Source: Pulse Ghana
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