From LAGOS TO the WORLD:
Nigeria’s Famous Music Beatmaker, DON JAZZY, former Music Producer of America’s Rapper Kanye West, a humble Billionaire leading Africa’s Entertainment Industry
…Mavin Records takes over music scene in Africa, signed Rema, Ayra Starr, D’Prince, Tiwa Savage, Magixx, others on label
*Worked with Grammy Award Winners, Jay Z, Beyoncé, others in Hollywood, co-founded Mo’ Hits Records with D’banj
*Produced record smashing hits around the world, featured prominently in Nollywood
*41-year-old graduate of Ambrose Alli University wins award, reigns as one of Nigeria’s most prominent humanitarian youth philanthropists
*PLUS his unforgettable earlier days as a security guard at McDonald’s in London
*”I see Mavin Records as the power house of music in Africa. I created a social network platform called Marvin League”-DON JAZZY
*BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor, NAIJA STANDARD NEWSPAPER & SAMSON SHOAGA/GROUP Managing Editor, Abuja/Nigeria, NAIJA STANDARD NEWSPAPER
HE’S KNOWN AROUND THE WORLD AS ‘DON JAZZY’-being his monika in the entertainment industry. From Africa to Europe, Asia to United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America, Don Jazzy has become a familiar, global household name in the music circle. This legendary Nigerian born beatmaker, humble Billionaire is the face behind the unimaginable, rising success of most Nigerian artists around the world. His real name is MICHAEL COLLINS AJERE-a music icon who has featured Lagos State in the positive eyes of the world.
Not only has he championed the astronomical accomplishments of these Nigerian musicians, but was hired by top Grammy Award American musician, Kanye West to produce a few of his music hits. Don Jazzy also worked with Jay Z, Beyoncé, multiple American award-winning musicians. He has freely given to several orphanage homes, non-governmental establishments just to help the needy and less priviledge in the society as a humanitarian philanthropist.
This 41-year-old Nigerian record producer and singer founded Mavin Records label in 2012, where he signed artists including D’Prince, Rema, and Ayra Starr. Prior, he co-founded Mo’ Hits Records with D’banj in 2004, and was an in-house producer for American rapper Kanye West’s GOOD Music from 2011 to 2013.
A native of Umuahia, Abia State, Don Jazzy is the son of Collins Enebeli Ajereh and Mrs Ajereh. His father is from Isoko in Delta State, while the mother is an Igbo princess from Abia State.
Ajereh’s family moved to Ajegunle, Lagos State, where Don Jazzy was raised. He was educated at the co-educational high school, Federal Government College Lagos.
At an early age of 12, Don Jazzy found an interest in music, where he began to play the bass guitar and piano. He also gained knowledge of traditional and percussion instruments. To gain more academic knowledge and plan gradually for the future, he enrolled in business management and studied at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo state.
In 2000, Jazzy’s uncle invited him to play the drums for a local church in London. That was his first visit to London. 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.
Mo’ Hits records and GOOD music:
In 2004, Don Jazzy collaborated with D’Banj to form Mo’ Hits Records. In the next two years after then, Don Jazzy produced the albums ‘No Long Thing’ and ‘Rundown/Funk You Up’. Around this time, Don Jazzy developed a recognizable introduction, “It’s Don Jazzy Again!”.
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.
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. In March 2012, Don Jazzy and D’Banj confirmed their breakup citing artistic differences.
Mavin Records:
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.”
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.
On 5 November 2013, Ajereh had conflict with an artist, Wande Coal who left the label two days later.
In September 2014, Ajereh produced a Nigerian social activist song with Reekado Banks and Di’Ja called “Arise”.
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.
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.
Film Appearance:
In 2012, Don Jazzy appeared in Moses Inwang’s movie titled ‘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.
Awards:
*Nigerian Music Awards (2006)-Producer of the Year.
*Nigerian Entertainment Awards (2007)-Music Producer of the Year.
*The Headies 2011-Producer of the Year for Over The Moon, Mr. Endowed and Pop Something
*The Headies 2014-Producer of the Year for Dorobucci
*City People Entertainment Award (2015)-special recognition award.
*The Beatz Award TM (2019)-New Discovery Producer
Personal Life:
Don Jazzy married Michelle Jackson in 2003, claimed they both had issues as a result of his ambitious nature and subsequently divorced about two years after they wed.
However, he has no intention of marrying again soon because he fears his love and dedication to music will hurt someone’s feelings again.
Ajereh has a younger brother, D’Prince.
In July 2022, he announced the death of his mother via his Instagram page.
In what will come across as a really heart-breaking development, the legendary Nigerian Icon, Don Jazzy and his brother, D’Prince, a popular Nigerian singer lost their mother to cancer.
Membership of Cherubim and Seraphim Church:
Don Jazzy reportedly confirmed he is still a committed member of the white garment church called ‘Cherubim and Seraphim’. 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)”.
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