Nigerian singer and record producer, Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy who co-founded the now-defunct record label Mo’ Hits Records in 2004 is undeniably the biggest music producer in Africa.
According to the report, Don Jazzy started playing the drums at age 12, and after a while, learned to play the bass guitar. In 2000, Jazzy visited London when his uncle asked him to play the drums for the local church. While in London, Don Jazzy got employed at McDonald’s as a security guard. Despite he continued to sustain his interest in music, connecting with Solek, JJC, Kas, The 419 Squad and D’Banj.
After a while, he studied how to produce from Emeka Infiniti at O-Town record company. Inspired, Don Jazzy started preparing how to open his own record label. Thanks to his business management education along with expertise in watching professionals, he partnered with D’Banj in 2004 to establish Mo’Hits Records.
Within the gap of two years, Mo’Hits became a success.
In 2008, Don Jazzy was recognised in the production of The Entertainer by D’Banj. He also added to the production of Wande Coal’s Mushin 2 MoHits.
Although Don Jazzy did not take credit as a singer, he performed several background vocals for the artists he produced for, including D’Banj, Sauce Kid, Dr SID, Ikechukwu, Kween, D’Prince, and Jay-Z.
In 2011, Don Jazzy gained more prominence after he was employed by Kanye West as a producer at Very Good Beatz. Here, Don Jazzy worked with Jay-Z and Kanye West on the production of Lift Off, featuring Beyoncé on the album
In March 2012, Don Jazzy and D’Banj went their separate ways, citing artistic differences. After the closure of the record label, Don Jazzy set up his own record namely, Mavin Records on May 8, 2012.
On 7 May 2012, Jazzy announced a new record label, Mavin Records. He said,
“I see Mavin Records being the powerhouse of Music in Africa in the shortest possible time.” The label has signed talented artists such as Dr SID, D’Prince, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, Di’ja, Poe, Jonny Drille, and the DNA twins. According to Celebrity Net Worth, the artist has a net worth of $10 million.
