Ghanaian-American musician Moliy has criticised a social media user for describing her creative redesign of the traditional Ghanaian “chalewote” slippers as “too local.”

The controversy began after Moliy shared content created to promote her song “Accra Girls,” featuring rapper Sarkodie and her sister, Mellissa.

In the video, the singer transformed several pairs of the familiar rubber “chalewote” slippers into an unconventional pair of thick, chunky platform slippers.

A netizen reshared the video on X and questioned the creative concept, captioning it, “Ghanaian girls too local, wtf is that!”

Moliy, who appeared displeased by the comment, pushed back against what she described as an attempt to ridicule and downplay a familiar aspect of Ghanaian culture.

Responding to the post, she pointed out that the “chalewote” slippers are rooted in the everyday experiences of many Ghanaians, particularly those who grew up wearing them.

'I love Ghanaians, hopefully they love me back' - Moliy

She suggested that attaching names such as Balenciaga or Gucci to a locally inspired “chalewote” design could suddenly make it acceptable to people who otherwise view the same Ghanaian-inspired concept as “too local.”

Moliy further noted that such attitudes contributed to the decline of Azonto, a Ghanaian music genre that once gained widespread popularity.

“O, I guess you’re part of the elite 1% that never saw a Chalewote slipper in their lives, every one in Ghana had a pair of these growing up. But of course let’s call it kras and downplay it’s use in Ghana . maybe if we put a balenciaga or Gucci tag and some charms on it then all of a sudden it’s high fashion and can be less local for you. This is how Azonto sizzled out the first time by embodying mentalities like this,” she responded.

Meanwhile, Moliy continues to promote her latest project, “BADDIES love MOLIY,” a 12-track mixtape.

The project features an impressive lineup of international and Ghanaian artistes, including South African Grammy winner Tyla, Sarkodie, Skillibeng, Shenseea, MAVO, Mellissa, Yailin La Más Viral, Theodora and Br3nya.

The mixtape includes songs such as “Tometo,” “Jetski (Friki)” featuring Yailin La Más Viral and Theodora, “Popstar Xoxo,” “Bukshot” featuring Br3nya, “Body Go” featuring Tyla, “Bounce,” “Accra Girls” featuring Sarkodie and Mellissa, “Pretty Mami” featuring Mavo, and “Shake It to the Max (Fly) (Remix)” featuring Skillibeng, Shenseea and Silent Addy.

O, I guess you’re part of the elite 1% that never saw a Chalewote slipper in their lives, every one in Ghana had a pair of these growing up. But of course let’s call it kras and downplay it’s use in Ghana . maybe if we put a balenciaga or Gucci tag and some charms on it then all… https://t.co/mmypYUR8iD

— MOLIY (@moliymusic) August 10, 2026