Don Jazzy | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Michael Collins Ajereh |
Born | Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | 26 November 1982
Genres | |
Occupation(s) |
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Years active | 2002–present |
Labels | |
Spouse(s) | Michelle Jackson (m. 2003;div. 2005) |
Website | mavinrecords |
Michael Collins Ajereh (born 26 November 1982), known professionally as Don Jazzy, is a Nigerian record producer. He founded the record label Mavin Records in 2012, for which he is chief executive officer (CEO) and has signed artists including D'Prince. [1] Prior, he co-founded Mo' Hits Records with D'banj in 2004, and was an in-house producer for Kanye West's GOOD Music from 2011 to 2015. [2] [3]
Don Jazzy was born Michael Collins Ajereh in Umuahia, Abia State, on 26 November 1982, the son of Collins Enebeli Ajereh and Mrs Ajereh. His father is from Isoko in Delta State. His mother is an Igbo princess from Abia State and his father is a member of the Isoko people. [4]
Ajereh's family moved to Ajegunle, Lagos, where Don Jazzy was raised. [5] He was educated at the co-educational high school, Federal Government College Lagos. Don Jazzy found an interest in music early in life and at age 12, began to play the bass guitar and piano. [6] He also gained knowledge of traditional and percussion instruments. Don Jazzy enrolled in business management and studied at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo state. [7]
In 2000, Jazzy's uncle invited him to play the drums for a local church in London and that was his first visit to London. [8] Don Jazzy gained employment at McDonald's as a security guard. He continued his interest in music, associating with Solek, JJC Skillz, Kas, Jesse Jagz, The 419 Squad and D'Banj.
In 2004, Don Jazzy collaborated with D'Banj to form Mo' Hits Records. In the next two years, Don Jazzy produced the albums No Long Thing and Rundown/Funk You Up. Around this time, Don Jazzy developed a recognisable introduction, "It's Don Jazzy Again!". [9]
In 2008, Don Jazzy was credited in the production of The Entertainer by D'Banj. He also contributed to the production of Wande Coal's Mushin 2 MoHits, an album that was described as one of the best albums to ever come out of Nigeria. [10]
In 2011, Don Jazzy was employed by Kanye West as a producer at Very Good Beatz. Don Jazzy worked with Jay-Z and Kanye West on the production of Lift Off , featuring Beyoncé on the album Watch The Throne which was released on 8 August 2011. [11] In March 2012, Don Jazzy and D'Banj confirmed their breakup citing artistic differences. [12]
On 7 May 2012, Don Jazzy announced a new record label, Mavin Records. He said, "I see Mavin Records being the power house of music in Africa in the shortest possible time." [13] On 8 May 2012, he released an album featuring the artists signed to his label. The songs on the album included: "Amarachi", "Forever", "Oma Ga", "Take Banana and Chocolate", "YOLO" and the anthem "I'm a MAVIN". Mavin records signed the vocalist, Tiwa Savage. Don Jazzy built a social network platform called "Marvin League" to complement and market his label. [14]
On 5 November 2013, Ajereh had conflict with an artist, Wande Coal who left the label two days later. [15]
In September 2014, Ajereh produced a Nigerian social activist song with Reekado Banks and Di'Ja called "Arise". [16]
At the Headies Awards 2015, Ajereh argued with Olamide. The two disagreed about who should have won the "Next Rated" award. Lil Kesh of YBNL records lost to Reekado Banks, Ajereh's artist. The winner of the award received a car. Apologies on both sides were posted afterwards. [17] [18]
After Reekado Banks departure from the Mavin Records label, Don Jazzy said he is still part of the family and wished him nothing but success in his career as he thanked him for the time spent with Mavin Records. [19]
In 2019, he signed Rema and later went on in 2020 to sign Ayra Starr into Mavins Record Label. In 2021, he announced a new artist, Magixx. [20]
On 7 April 2021, he revealed why he never signed Davido. [21]
In 2012, Don Jazzy appeared in Moses Inwang's movie The Last 3 Digits in Nollywood. Inwang also cast Ali Baba, A.Y., Nonso Diobi and Dr SID. in April 2023, Don Jazzy joined the cast of 'Introducing The Kujus' for its sequel. [22] [23] [24] [25]
Wande Coal a prominent Nigerian singer and songwriter known for his unique musical style. In a recent interview with Cool FM Lagos, [26] [27] Wande Coal claimed that he and his former producer and record label boss, Don Jazzy, played a significant role in shaping the music industry by creating "the syllabus of music." He stated that many artistes have drawn inspiration from their work and built upon it to create their own sounds.
During his collaboration with Don Jazzy at the defunct Mo'hits Record and Mavin, Wande Coal brought his vibrant energy to the studio and together they produced exceptional music. According to Wande Coal, their synergy was undeniable, and they crafted a musical syllabus that was a foundation for aspiring artists to explore and develop their own styles. He expressed appreciation for the younger generation's ability to incorporate their teachings into their music, stating that there is no issue as long as they continue to create remarkable sounds.
The influence of Wande Coal and Don Jazzy's partnership can be observed in the music landscape, as many artistes have taken cues from their innovative approach and incorporated it into their own creations. Their collaboration has left an indelible mark on the Nigerian music industry, inspiring new generations of artists to push boundaries and explore new horizons.
Don Jazzy married Michelle Jackson in 2003. He claims they both had issues as a result of his ambitious nature and subsequently divorced about two years after they wed. However, he doesn't plan to marry again soon because he fears his love and dedication to music will hurt someone's feelings again. [38] [39]
Ajereh has a younger brother, D'Prince.
In July 2022, he announced the death of his mother via his Instagram page. [40]
In what will come across as a really heart-breaking development, the legendary Nigerian beatmaker, Don Jazzy and his brother, D’Prince, a popular Nigerian singer have lost their mother to cancer.
Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy has confirmed he is still a committed member of the white garment church called ‘Cherubim and Seraphim’. Over the weekend, the respected music producer was honoured by the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim & Seraphim church worldwide and later, pictures of his childhood cladded in the church’s garment hit the internet. Before now, not many knew the multiple award-winning beat maker was a member of the church and this was why many were surprised. A surprised fan of Don Jazzy asked him, ‘So you have been attending Cele (a name commonly used for white garment churches in Nigeria)? and the Mavin boss responded, ‘and then? I still attend the church till now. But get it right, it’s Cherubim & Seraphim [not Cele].’
Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, better known by his stage name D'banj, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and television personality. His stage name D'banj is a combination of his first name, Dapo, and his surname, Oyebanjo. He is the founder of Mo' Hits Records with producer Don Jazzy. D'banj is best known for his song "Oliver Twist", an uptempo dance fusion of Afrobeats and electronic dance music that topped the African charts in 2011.
The Entertainer is the third studio album by Nigerian Afrobeats recording artist D'banj, released in 2008. Production on the album was handled by Don Jazzy. It features guest appearances from Wande Coal, Special Kid, and Kayswitch 'D Produkt’. It was supported by seven singles—"Fall in Love", "Gbono Feli Feli", "Suddenly", "Kimon", "Igwe", "Olorun Maje", and "Entertainer". The album was named in reference to D'banj's skill as an entertainer. The album was a commercial success due largely to radio airplay, distribution, and marketing strategies.
Sidney Onoriode Esiri, commonly known as Dr SID, is a Nigerian singer.
Mo'Hits Records was a Nigeria-based music record label owned by D'banj and Don Jazzy. According to Nigeria's Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Mo'Hits Records Limited was founded in 2006, signing D'banj as its first recording artist. Don Jazzy was the CEO/President of the label and D'banj was the Co-Owner. The label went on to sign other artists including Wande Coal, Dr SID, D'Prince and K-Switch. The label specialised in Afrobeat.
Oluwatobi Wande Ojosipe, popularly known as Wande Coal, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.
Mavin Records is a Nigerian corporation and record label founded by record producer and recording artist Don Jazzy on 8 May 2012. The label's inception came to fruition following the closure of Mo' Hits Records, a record label owned by the aforementioned producer and D'banj. The label is home to recording artists such as Rema, Ayra Starr, Crayon, Johnny Drille, Ladipoe, Magixx, Boy Spyce, Bayanni, and Lifesize Teddy. It also houses producers such as Jazzy himself, Altims, London, Baby Fresh, and Andre Vibez. In 2014, DJ Big N became the label's official disc jockey. Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, Reekado Banks and Iyanya were all formerly signed to the label. On 8 May 2012, the label released its compilation album Solar Plexus. In January 2019, Mavin Records secured a multi-million dollars investment from Kupanda Holdings, a subsidiary of Kupanda Capital and TPG Growth.
Solar Plexus is a compilation album released by Mavin Records on May 8, 2012. Produced entirely by Don Jazzy, the album comprises thirteen tracks and was made available for free digital download. It contains solo tracks recorded by D'Prince, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal and Dr SID. The album's release coincided with the record label's launch date. Solar Plexus was supported the singles "Take Banana" and "Omo Ga". The album received generally negative reviews from music critics, who called it a rushed project and considered it be Don Jazzy's weakest produced album of his career.
D'Kings Men is a compilation album by recording artists of Nigerian record label DB Records. It was released on June 24, 2013, by the label and Sony Music. The album was produced by Don Jazzy, Jay Sleek and Dee Vee. It features guest appearances from DB Records signees D'banj, Kayswitch, and J.Sol, along with musicians Kanye West, Big Sean, Snoop Lion, Fally Ipupa, Durella, Olamide, Ikechukwu and Naeto C. D'Kings Men produced eleven singles—"Oliver Twist", "Sister Caro", "Oyato", "Bachelor", "Top of the World", "Cashflow", "Don't Tell Me Nonsense", "For Example", "Finally", "Why You Love Me" and "Obimo ". It received mixed reviews from music critics, who panned its lyrics and sound.
Curriculum Vitae is a compilation album by recording artists of Nigerian record label Mo' Hits Records. It was released in 2007, by the label. Nigerian record producer Don Jazzy first revealed plans for a label collaborative album in 2006. Curriculum Vitae was supported by the singles "Why Me" (Remix), "Pere", "Ololufe", "Booty Call" and "Move Your Body". It received positive reviews from music critics and was ranked seventh on Pulse Nigeria's list of the 15 Best Nigerian Pop albums ever released between 1999 and 2016.
Hadiza Blell, now Hadiza Blell-Olo, better known by her stage name Di'Ja, is a Nigerian singer. She is currently signed to Mavin Records. In 2009, she released her first single "Rock Steady", which was nominated for Best Urban/R&B Single at the 2009 Canadian Radio Music Awards. Moreover, she won the Best New Artist award at the 2008 Beat Music Awards.
The fifth edition of the Hip Hop World Awards took place on May 16, 2009, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. The ceremony was conducted without a host. Wande Coal was the biggest winner of the night with five plaques, including Artiste of the Year. Don Jazzy won the Producer of the Year award. Hip hop duo Skuki won the Next Rated category. Da Grin's C.E.O won for Best Rap Album in a posthumous fashion. He was also honored by General Pype during the singer's performance.
"Surulere" is a song by Nigerian singer Dr SID. It was released on November 13, 2013, as the lead single from his second studio album, Siduction (2013). Don Jazzy produced the song and was featured on it. "Surulere" peaked at number one on MTV Base's Official Naija Top 10 chart for the week of March 21 through March 27, 2014. It also peaked at number two on the Pulse Nigeria Music Video chart. "Surulere" won Best Collabo of the Year at the 2014 City People Entertainment Awards and was nominated for Song of the Year at both The Headies 2014 and MTV Africa Music Awards 2014.
The 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards took place on 31 August 2014, at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. The eligibility period was from March 2013 to March 2014. In April 2014, the NEA reviewing committee began collecting submissions for the 2014 edition. The deadline for submission was April 30, 2014, and the nominations were announced on May 29, 2014. Tiwa Savage and Davido received the most nominations with 5 each. Don Jazzy, Flavour N'abania and Wizkid all got four nominations each, while Olamide, Patoranking, Chidinma and Oritse Femi followed closely with three nominations.
"Dorobucci" is a song recorded by The Mavins, a collective composed of Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Dr SID, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Di'Ja and D'Prince. Released on May 1, 2014, the song received generally positive reviews from music critics. Positive remarks went towards its production, instrumentation and composition. On the contrary, the music video received mixed reviews. While some critics described the video as brilliant, others said it was dull and not up to par.
Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon, who is better known by his stage name Reekado Banks, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He was signed to Mavin Records between 2014 and 2018, and went by the stage name Spicy before his record deal with the label. Banks won Rookie of the Year at The Headies 2014, and received the controversial Next Rated award at The Headies 2015. His debut studio album Spotlight, which was released on 1 September 2016, debuted at number 10 on the Billboard World Albums chart.
Charles Enebeli, better known by his stage name D'Prince, is a Nigerian Afropop singer, record executive, and entrepreneur. He founded the entertainment company and record label Jonzing World in 2019, through which he signed singer Rema.
R.E.D is the second studio album by Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage. It was released on December 19, 2015, by Mavin Records and 323 Entertainment. The album features guest appearances from Don Jazzy, Olamide, Dr SID, Iceberg Slim, 2face Idibia, D'Prince, Busy Signal and Reekado Banks. It was primarily produced by Don Jazzy, along with additional production from Baby Fresh, Altims, Spellz and P2J. The album was supported by the singles "My Darlin" and "Standing Ovation". Its deluxe edition was released in February 2016, and features collaborations with Wizkid and P-Square. R.E.D was nominated for Best Album at the 2016 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
Mushin 2 Mo’Hits (M2M) is the debut album by Nigerian singer Wande Coal. It was launched on April 12, 2009, under the Mo' Hits Records now Mavin Records. The album was produced by Don Jazzy and it featured a number of other artist including D'banj, Dr SID, D'Prince, K-Switch.
Jonzing World is a Nigerian record label and management company which was founded by a recording artist D'Prince on 22 March 2019. Jonzing services includes music recording, merchandising, audiovisual content, branding, and management. The label currently houses artists like Rema, Gdzilla, Glorious and Bagetti. Artists formerly signed to the label, include Ruger.
Alexander Uwaifo known professionally as Andre Vibez is a Nigerian music producer and songwriter. He is best known for producing "Rush" from Ayra Starr's album 19 & Dangerous and Rema international hit single “Calm Down” which peaked at number one on the India IMI International chart and also peak no.3 on Billboard Hot 100. In September 2022, he was announced as one of the new signed record producers of the Nigerian record label, Mavin Records.
Why I did not sign Davido – Don Jazzy finally reveals. Matter Arising Retrieved 25 January 2023