Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy or Don Baba J, is a Nigerian record producer, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Following the closure of Mo’ Hits record label, Don Jazzy set up Mavin Records. Here is everything you need to know about Don Jazzy’s bio and net worth.
Don Jazzy is the founder and CEO of Mavin Records, Nigeria’s largest music company that has generated hit songs for several of the country’s top singers.
Don Jazzy has produced several popular songs for a variety of musicians, including D’banj, Wande Coal, Tiwa Savage, and many more. He has received several accolades for his songs, including the Nigerian Entertainment Award for Song Producer of the Year.
He has also received recognition for his humanitarian efforts, which include assistance for education and healthcare programs in Nigeria.
Overall, Don Jazzy is a highly successful artist and entrepreneur who has made a substantial contribution to the Nigerian music industry.
The son of Collins Enebeli Ajereh and Mrs. Ajereh, Don Jazzy was born Michael Collins Ajereh on November 26, 1982, in Umuahia, Abia State. His father hails from Delta State’s Isoko. His father is from Isoko, while his mother is an Igbo princess from Abia State.
Don Jazzy was raised in Ajegunle, Lagos, when Ajereh’s family moved there. He went to a coeducational high school called Federal Government College Lagos. Don Jazzy’s passion for music began at a young age, and at the age of twelve, he started playing the piano and bass guitar.Portable speakers
He also gained knowledge of percussion and traditional instruments. Don Jazzy attended Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, Edo State, where he majored in business management. Jazzy’s first trip to London was in 2000, when his uncle urged him to play the drums at a tiny church there.
Don Jazzy began his career as a security guard at McDonald’s. By working with Solek, JJC Skillz, Kas, Jesse Jagz, The 419 Squad, and D’Banj, he continued to pursue his passion for music.
Career
D’Banj and Don Jazzy founded Mo Hits Records in 2004. Over the following two years, Don Jazzy produced the albums Rundown/Funk You Up and No Long Thing. Don Jazzy came up with the famous producer/artist catchphrase “It’s Don Jazzy Again!” about this time.
The Entertainer, produced by D’Banj in 2008, was attributed to Don Jazzy. Wande Coal’s Mushin 2 MoHits, regarded as one of the best albums to come out of Nigeria, was also produced with his assistance.
Don Jazzy was brought on as a producer at Very Good Beatz by Kanye West in 2011. Don Jazzy produced Lift Off, a song featuring Beyoncé from the August 8, 2011, album Watch The Throne, in partnership with Jay-Z and Kanye West. Citing artistic differences, Don Jazzy and D’Banj announced their separation in March 2012.
On May 7, 2012, Don Jazzy announced the launch of Mavin Records, a new record label. He continued: “I see Mavin Records being the powerhouse of music in Africa in the shortest possible time.” He released an album including performers who were affiliated with his company on May 8, 2012.
“Amarachi,” “Forever,” “Oma Ga,” “Take Banana and Chocolate,” “YOLO,” and the anthem “I’m an MAVIN” were among the album’s songs. The singer, Tiwa Savage, is contracted to Mavin Records. Don Jazzy created a social networking site called “Marvin League” to supplement and sell his label.
He signed Rema and Ayra Starr to Mavins Records in 2019 and 2020, respectively. In 2021, he introduced a new artist named Magixx.
Don Jazzy wife
Currently, Don Jazzy is not married. He did, however, marry Michelle Jackson, a model and writer residing in the United Kingdom, when he was 20. However, the marriage, which began in 2003, lasted barely two years and produced no children.
The Mavin CEO kept his marriage to his ex-wife private until he posted an old wedding photo on Instagram. He expressed sadness for the failed marriage and praised Michelle as a lovely woman with a kind heart. Although he blames himself for the divorce, Michelle subsequently said in an interview that the producer’s music career was the reason for their split.
She further stated that if given another chance, the outcome would have been different.
Don Jazzy children
Don Jazzy did not have a child at the time this article was published. He claims to be content right now and plans to start having children later. He claimed that he is doing well and has a nice business.
Don Jazzy Crew members
Under his leadership, Mavin Records has signed some of Nigeria’s top artists, including Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Rema, Ayra Starr, Crayon, Lifesize Teddy, Ladipoe, and Johny Drille.
Don Jazzy Net Worth
Don Jazzy is one of Nigeria’s wealthiest musicians, with an estimated net worth of more than $20 million as of 2024.