Tag: Don Jazzy

Music mogul Don Jazzy has responded to X user, Ayilola Ayotomiwa’s initiative to empower 10,000 youths with laptops, pledging N20 million in support. 

Ayotomiwa had written: “I’m reaching out to share a dream that was born right here among young, hopeful Nigerians ,The Tech Access Project ,an initiative dedicated to empowering 10,000 youths with 10,000 laptops.

“Our vision is simple but deeply powerful: to give young Nigerians, especially those passionate about tech, design, music production, and digital entrepreneurship, the tools they need to build their future.

“We’re reaching out to partners and supporters like you to help make laptops accessible ,through sponsorships, subsidized partnerships, or simply amplifying the message. With your influence and guidance, we can open doors for thousands of Nigerian youths to learn, create, and earn from their talents.

“We would be deeply honoured to have your support, mentorship, or collaboration on this journey of digital empowerment”.

Don Jazzy commended the initiative, describing it as “commendable,” but expressed that 10,000 laptops was a significant undertaking considering his modest contribution. 

He encouraged other well-meaning Nigerians to join in achieving the goal.

“Bro I hail o. Your initiative is commendable. But sir 10000 laptops is not beans. At this time I can only afford to support with 20 million Naira and a repost. Hopefully some other well meaning Nigerians can help achieve the goal”, he wrote. 

The initiative, dubbed “The Tech Access Project,” aims to provide laptops to young Nigerians passionate about tech, design, music production, and digital entrepreneurship, to help them bring their ideas to life.

Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy has claimed he can afford to purchase a private jet or any luxury car of his choice but he deliberately avoids such extravagances in favor of investments, self-development, and supporting others.

During an interview with Habby FX, the producer and music executive stressed that material displays of wealth pale in comparison to building sustainable value.

According to him, he has been financially positioned for years to acquire top-tier vehicles or even a private jet, yet views these as distractions from priorities that matter more.

“I’ve been blessed enough for a long time to be able to afford any type of car I want or even buy a private jet. But I have more important things to take care of. Nothing beats investment,” he said.

Investment, he stated, remains unmatched in importance and comes in various forms, including personal growth.

Read Also: What inspires artist signing under Mavin label – Don Jazzy

Don Jazzy encouraged youths to prioritise practical abilities over conventional career paths, noting that the rise of the internet and AI threatens many traditional jobs.

“The forex that I’m learning now is an investment in myself. Tomorrow, it’s going to turn into something a skill I can use. Don’t just be useless. Go and acquire some skill,” he said.

He argued that aspiring to be a doctor, lawyer, or engineer is no longer the only route.

“You don’t have to be a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. In this internet and AI age, a lot of jobs will disappear. Why not learn something tangible? 

“Even carpentry or furniture making, we still import tables and chairs from Turkey and China. If we had skilled people here, we could produce those things ourselves,” he said.

Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy has unveiled his list of favorite Afrobeats songs and albums, spotlighting the classics that propelled the genre from local streets to international acclaim.

In a RollingStone Africa interview, the producer paid homage to the Mo’ Hits era he co-built with D’Banj, while crediting pioneers who shaped the sound.

His top songs include 2Baba’s African Queen, which he said opened global doors for Afrobeats and Wizkid’s Ojuelegba for its authentic storytelling.

Read Also: What inspires artist signing under Mavin label – Don Jazzy

D’Banj’s Fall in Love earned praise as a continental anthem from Mo’ Hits, while 9ice’s Gongo Aso was lauded for blending Yoruba tradition with pop.

Davido’s Aye rounded out the list for its Highlife-infused energy.

For albums, Don Jazzy singled out Wande Coal’s Mushin 2 Mo’Hits, which he produced as a timeless masterpiece.

He also named 2Baba’s Grass 2 Grace, Wizkid’s Superstar, D’Banj’s The Entertainer, and Aṣa’s self-titled debut as foundational works that influenced today’s stars.

Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy has revealed that his talent scouting prioritises the artist’s character and vision over raw musical skill, describing the process as investing in the “vessel” behind the sound.

In an interview with RollingStone Africa, the producer emphasised evaluating personality, hunger, and cultural fit before signing anyone to the label.

He explained that while predicting breakout success is impossible, instinct often signals genuine drive.

Artists, he added, frequently underestimate their own potential until growth unfolds over time.

Read Also: Why I almost quit music after Mo’Hits ended -Don Jazzy

“Beyond the music, I focus on the vessel, the person. I look at their personality, their hunger, their vision. At Mavin, we also pay attention to how well they’ll fit into our culture. You can’t always predict who will blow up, but sometimes you can feel when someone truly wants it. Many don’t realize how big their dreams can get until time unfolds,” he said.

Don Jazzy stressed alignment with Mavin’s collaborative ethos, noting that every addition to the roster is vetted for long-term compatibility.

The strategy has fueled the label’s track record, launching global acts like Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Rema, and Ayra Starr.

Producer and music executive Michael Collins Ajereh popularly known as Don Jazzy has revealed why he nearly abandoned the music industry and relocated abroad following the 2012 collapse of Mo’Hits Records, the label he co-founded with singer D’banj.

In an interview with ‘Rolling Stone’, Don Jazzy disclosed that the abrupt dissolution of Mo’Hits, triggered by irreconcilable differences between him and D’banj, left him convinced his career was over.

“When Mo’Hits ended, I thought that was it. I almost packed up to move abroad. But friends encouraged me to stay and start again, and Mavin Records was born. Since then, I’ve learned not to let anything break me”, he said.

The split marked the end of one of Afrobeats’ most successful partnerships, which had produced hits like “Tongolo,” “Why Me,” and “Fall in Love.”

Read Also: How I discovered, signed Ayra Starr – Don Jazzy

Following the breakup, Don Jazzy founded Mavin Records in May 2012, quickly signing former Mo’Hits artists including Wande Coal, Dr SID, and D’Prince, alongside new talents such as Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, and Di’Ja.

Under Don Jazzy’s leadership, Mavin evolved into a powerhouse, launching global stars like Rema whose 2022 hit “Calm Down” became the most-streamed African song on Spotify and Ayra Starr, whose 2023 single “Rush” earned a Grammy nomination.

The label’s current roster includes Rema, Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Crayon, Magixx, Boy Spyce, Bayanni, Johnny Drille, and DJ Big N.

In 2024, Universal Music Group (UMG) announced a majority investment in Mavin Global, a deal widely seen as validation of the label’s influence in the global rise of Afrobeats.

Music executive Don Jazzy is celebrating a major milestone after Billboard released its Top 50 ‘Best Afrobeats Songs of All-Time’ list.

The renowned producer boasts that he produced six songs featured in the list, showcasing his incredible talent and influence in the Afrobeats industry.

He wrote, “Inside the 50 I sha produced 6. I try Abi I no try”.

Read Also: I once ran errands for Don Jazzy, D’Banj, says Davido

The six productions include Wande Coal’s “Bumper 2 Bumper” and “Kiss Your Hand”, D’banj’s “Oliver Twist” and “Fall in Love”, and his collaborations with Tiwa Savage on “Eminado” and “Dorobucci”.

This feat highlights Don Jazzy’s significant contributions to Afrobeats and cements his position as one of the genre’s most successful producers.

Billboard’s recent release of the Top 50 ‘Best Afrobeats Songs of All-Time’ list has brought attention to the genre’s biggest hits.

Notably, 2Baba’s “African Queen” takes the top spot, showcasing the veteran artist’s pioneering work in Afrobeats.

Wizkid’s “Essence” follows closely, highlighting the genre’s modern success and global reach.

Music executive and Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy has revealed that he lacks the discipline to remain committed to one woman.

Speaking on The Nancy Isime Show, Don Jazzy explained that while some individuals can stay faithful once they’re attracted to someone, he struggles with that notion, admitting that he would still admire other women even when in a relationship.

Read Also: Biodun Okeowo lauds Don Jazzy after N5 million donation to cancer patient

Don Jazzy emphasised the importance of being truthful about his nature, acknowledging that his honesty might drive some people away.

“I don’t believe that I am strong enough to be with [only] one person. I think. People will run away from me being truthful. I will not be dating you and telling you that you’re the only person.

“Some people have the strength to be attracted to somebody [and no one else afterwards]. But for me, the fact that you’re a beautiful lady doesn’t stop me from admiring another woman. She is also beautiful,” Don Jazzy explained.

Veteran music executive and Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, has opened up about the artists he wishes he had signed, admitting to moments of admiration and missed opportunities in his career.

Don Jazzy revealed he regrets not signing talented singers Simi and Teni, both of whom he greatly admires.

He also disclosed that he once had the chance to sign superstar Davido but chose not to, believing Davido was destined for greatness regardless.

Reflecting on his near miss with rapper Falz, Don Jazzy said a deal almost materialised but ultimately didn’t go through.

As for Wizkid, he explained that the singer was already under the management of another executive at the time, making any potential signing impossible.

Read Also: I regret not accepting Don Jazzy’s offer to join Mo’Hits – Bigiano

Don Jazzy concluded by acknowledging the reality of the industry: “You can’t sign everybody, no matter how talented they are.”

He said, “I like Simi. I didn’t sign her. I wish I did. I like Teni. I wish I did. I had the opportunity for Davido, obviously, but I didn’t because I kind of figured that he would be fine. To Wizkid, obviously, I couldn’t because Banky got to him first. That would have been amazing. Falz, I love his work, and we almost actually had a deal. Well, it didn’t work out. But then at the end of the day, you cannot sign everybody.”