Don Jazzy | |
|---|---|
 Don Jazzy in 2018 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Michael Collins Ajereh |
| Born | 26 November 1982 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| 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].’
