How a Grammys executive was ‘sacked’ over Moliy’s ‘Shake it to the Max’ snub

An ex-project manager of awards at The Recording Academy, the body behind the annual Grammy Awards, has shared how he was fired following his decision to exempt Moliy’s 2024 hit song, Shake It To The Max, for the 2026 edition of the awards.

In a video shared on his social media handle on December 1, 2025, Sean Thwaites, who said he oversaw five categories, including the global music performance, best African music performance, and global music album, shared how he was fired just 48 hours after Billboard published a story about an eligibility ruling involving the song “Shake It To The Max.”

According to the Billboard article, “‘Shake It to the Max’ isn’t eligible in the best African music performance and best global music performance categories this year… it was submitted as a remix, and as per our longstanding and published rules, remixes are just not eligible in these categories.”

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He explained that “My committee followed Grammy rules exactly as written, and the vice president of awards confirmed in writing that my decision was correct.”

He added that his decision was initially accepted by the Recording Academy, and he had even received a positive performance review and was given additional tasks, such as interviewing Nigerian musician Davido.

“On August 8th, I received a positive performance review and a pay increase with no warnings, no concerns and no indication that my job was at risk. And on November 17th, just days before I was terminated, RCA Records requested me by name to interview Davido at the Grammy Museum,” he said.

Thwaites clarified that his decision to disqualify “Shake It To The Max” was not borne out of prejudice and recounted his efforts at promoting African music globally.

“I want to be clear, I would never snub African music. I am the person who wrote the proposal that created the best African music performance category. I spent years uplifting African artists and building the Academy’s bridge to the continent. African music is part of my purpose and identity,” he said.

He ended on a concerning note, showcasing a pattern of black employees being fired and said he was seeking legal support concerning the matter.

“When I started at the Recording Academy, there were six Black employees in the awards department. One Black colleague was terminated in August, just three months before me, making me the fourth Black employee terminated during my time there. That pattern is deeply concerning. I’m speaking today because transparency matters.

“Fairness matters, and no one should lose their job for following the rules. I’m seeking the proper legal support, and I’m standing firmly in my truth,” he concluded.

Watch his video below:

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