“I Almost Quit Music And Moved Abroad After Mo’Hits Collapsed” – Don Jazzy

Music producer Michael Collins Ajereh, better known as Don Jazzy, has revealed how he almost quit music and moved abroad after the breakup of Mo’Hits Records in 2012.

Speaking in an interview with Rolling Stone, Don Jazzy revealed that the split between him and singer D’banj left him devastated and uncertain about his future.

“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”, he said.

The collapse of Mo’Hits brought an end to one of Afrobeats’ most successful partnerships, responsible for hit songs like “Tongolo,” “Why Me,” and “Fall in Love.”

Shortly after the split, Don Jazzy launched Mavin Records in May 2012.

The label brought together former Mo’Hits stars like Wande Coal, Dr SID, and D’Prince, along with fresh acts such as Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, and Di’Ja.

Under his leadership, Mavin grew into one of Africa’s biggest record labels, producing international stars like Rema whose 2022 track “Calm Down’ became the most-streamed African song on Spotify and Ayra Starr, whose 2023 single “Rush’ earned a Grammy nomination.

Today, Mavin’s lineup includes Rema, Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Crayon, Magixx, Boy Spyce, Bayanni, Johnny Drille, and DJ Big N.

KanyiDaily recalls that in 2024, Universal Music Group (UMG) acquired a majority stake in Mavin Global, a move widely viewed as recognition of the label’s massive contribution to the global growth of Afrobeats.