Early Life & Musical Roots
Born Michael Collins Ajereh on 26 November 1982 in Umuahia, Abia State, Don Jazzy comes from a culturally rich background—his father is from the Isoko people of Delta State, and his mother is an Igbo princess. Raised in Ajegunle, Lagos, he attended Federal Government College, Lagos, and later studied business management at Ambrose Alli University in Edo State.
By the age of 12, he was playing the piano and bass guitar, honing his craft in church and local bands.
Early Career & Rise to Fame
In the early 2000s, Don Jazzy moved to London, where he briefly worked at McDonald’s as a security guard while immersing himself in music alongside artists like JJC Skillz and D’banj. Returning to Nigeria, he co-founded Mo’ Hits Records with D’banj in 2004.
Under his production, Mo’ Hits launched massive hits like No Long Thing, Rundown/Funk You Up, The Entertainer, and masterworks like Mushin To Mo’Hits, widely acclaimed as one of Nigeria’s best albums.
The Producer’s Tag & Influence
Don Jazzy became known for his signature producer tag: “It's Don Jazzy Again!” His sound—a precise blend of Afrobeats, hip-hop, soul, and funk—redefined Nigerian pop music and lifted the careers of stars like Wande Coal, Dr SID, D’Prince, and K-Switch.
🚀 Expansion: GOOD Music & The Birth of Mavin Records
International Recognition
From 2011 to 2013, Don Jazzy worked as an in-house producer for Kanye West’s GOOD Music, contributing to tracks like “Lift Off” featuring Beyoncé on Watch The Throne with Kanye and Jay-Z.
Finding New Direction: Mavin Records
Following irreconcilable artistic differences with D’banj in 2012, Mo’ Hits dissolved. Don Jazzy quickly rebounded by founding Mavin Records on 8 May 2012, envisioning it as Africa’s premier music powerhouse.
Under his leadership, Mavin released the compilation Solar Plexus and signed rising stars like Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Di’Ja, Korede Bello, and later Rema, Ayra Starr, and others.
Landmark Singles & Signature Sound
Mavin’s 2014 anthem “Dorobucci”—featuring Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Di’Ja, Dr SID, and D’Prince—was a global hit. It earned Song of the Year at the 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards and Best Pop Single at The Headies 2014.
Mavin Records also secured multi-million-dollar backing from Kupanda Holdings/TPG Growth in 2019 and was spotlighted by Billboard as an industry gatekeeper for Nigerian music globally.
🏆 Achievements, Awards & Legacy
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Producer of the Year at the Nigerian Music Awards (2006) and Nigeria Entertainment Awards (2007)
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Headies Producer of the Year multiple years: for tracks like Over The Moon, Pop Something, Dorobucci and others
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In 2019, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at The Beatz Awards. That ceremony even renamed its “New Discovery Producer” category after him—Don Jazzy New Discovery Producer—pledging ₦1 million prize to contestants.
He is also recognized for his philanthropic initiatives, including supporting education and healthcare projects across Nigeria.
📌 Summary Timeline
| Period | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1982–2000 | Born in Abia, raised in Lagos, early musical training |
| 2000–2004 | London stint, early production with D’banj & others |
| 2004–2012 | Co-founder & chief producer at Mo’ Hits Records |
| 2011–2013 | Worked at Kanye’s GOOD Music, global collaboration |
| 2012–present | Founded Mavin Records; launched new generation of Afrobeats stars |
