Moliy wins World Artist of the Year at 2026 iHeartRadio music awards
Ghanaian singer and songwriter Moliy has claimed one of the most coveted honours at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, winning World Artist of the Year and cementing her place among the foremost global acts of the moment.
The awards ceremony returned to the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 26, with Ludacris serving as host and receiving the iHeartRadio Landmark Award.
Moliy’s victory in the World Artist of the Year category saw her triumph over a formidable field of international contenders, including Nigeria’s Ayra Starr, South Africa’s Tyla, Japan’s JO1, and Chinese star Jackson Wang.
In addition to her win in the global category, Moliy was also nominated for Best New Artist (Hip-Hop), though the award ultimately went to American rapper Real Boston Richey. Nevertheless, her double nomination underscored the breadth of her appeal across genres.
The evening featured performances by a roster of music heavyweights, including Lainey Wilson, TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, En Vogue, Kehlani and John Mellencamp, who was presented with the iHeartRadio ICON Award.
Miley Cyrus accepted the iHeartRadio Innovator Award, while Taylor Swift, Ne-Yo and Nicole Scherzinger made special appearances. Kendrick Lamar took home Hip-Hop Album of the Year for GNX.
Moliy’s win represents a significant milestone for Ghanaian music on the global stage. Known for her genre-blending sound that fuses Afropop, R&B and alternative influences, the singer has steadily cultivated an international following through her distinctive voice, vibrant aesthetic and boundary-pushing artistry.
The accolade signals a continued recognition of African music within mainstream global platforms, reflecting a broader shift in which artists from the continent are no longer regarded as emerging voices but as dominant cultural forces.
For Ghana, the moment carries particular resonance, with Moliy joining a new wave of musicians redefining the country’s musical identity beyond its borders.
