By Cookey Mba
Nigerian music producer and executive, Don Jazzy, has opened up about a difficult chapter in his career, revealing that he almost gave up on music and relocated abroad after the sudden collapse of Mo’Hits Records in 2012.
Speaking in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the Mavin Records boss shared that the fallout with his former partner, D’banj, left him deeply uncertain about his future in the industry.
“When Mo’Hits ended, I thought that was it. I almost packed up to move abroad. But friends encouraged me to stay and start again, and Mavin Records was born. Since then, I’ve learned not to let anything break me,” Don Jazzy said.
He noted that the experience strengthened him, teaching resilience and perseverance in the face of major setbacks.
Following the breakup of Mo’Hits, Don Jazzy went on to establish Mavin Records, which initially housed several former Mo’Hits stars like Wande Coal, Dr SID, and D’Prince, while introducing fresh talents such as Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, and Di’Ja.
Today, Mavin Records continues to dominate the African music scene with a new generation of stars, including Rema, Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Crayon, Magixx, Boy Spyce, Bayanni, Johnny Drille, and DJ Big N.
In 2024, Universal Music Group acquired a majority stake in Mavin Global, marking a significant milestone in the label’s global expansion and cementing Don Jazzy’s legacy as one of Africa’s most influential music executives.
