Don Jazzy is a singer, songwriter, Nigerian record producer, and entrepreneur. He co-founded the non-extant Mo’Hits Records in 2004 with D’banj and founded Mavin Records on the 8th of May, 2012 when Mo’Hits closed shop for reasons best known to him and D’banj. Micheal Collins Ajereh is his real name but he got the moniker, Don Jazzy in secondary school which suits him well because he is a big boy for life!
Don Jazzy Biography
Don Jazzy was born on the 26th of November, 1982 in Umuahia, Abia State but hails from Delta State. His family moved from Abia State to Ajegunle, Lagos where he
was raised. He had his conventional primary, secondary and higher education in Lagos but developed an interest in music at a tender age. His biography on his company’s website said he started playing the drums before the age of 4. Can you imagine that? Well, we can say that it runs in the family because his dad had a background in music entrepreneurship. He was one of the veterans who worked untiringly for the establishment of professional artiste management and corporate music business structures in Nigeria.
Don Jazzy is an alumnus of Federal Government College, Lagos and has a degree in Business Management from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
He is single and has three siblings; James Collins Enebeli, Joy Solano (married) and Charles Collins Enebeli. His brother, Charles Enebeli is also a musician and a businessman.
Don Jazzy And His Little Beginnings:
Like we mentioned, Don Jazzy was already playing the drum at 4 and started playing the guitar at age 12. He was also learning and perfecting other instruments at a tender age. His uncle who noticed his passion for music invited him to London to play the drums for his local church. It was in London that he got the chance to hang out with kindred spirits like Solek, JJC, Kas, The 419 Squad, and D’banj. Don Jazzy worked as a security guard at McDonald’s to keep body and soul together. Talk about humble beginnings! He learned how to produce from Emeka Infiniti at O-Town record company. He was preparing himself while waiting for the right opportunity.
Don Jazzy The Music Producer:
Jazzy’s appetite to grow in the music industry was satiated when he returned to Nigeria with D’banj. They both partnered in 2004 to establish Mo’Hits records which became a success such that in two years, he had already wrapped up two albums and was on the third.
He signed other artistes (D’Prince, Wande Coal, Dr SID and KaySwitch) as the record label grew and has worked with international artistes like Jay-Z, Kanye West, Snoop Doggy and Beyoncé.
In 2012, he started Mavin Records and had one desire for Mavin Records – to make Mavin records a “production powerhouse of African music,” a fit he has achieved. Mavin Records has captured the world’s attention and it’s home to Africa’s most talented musicians. The musicians have dozens of awards, hit singles, brand endorsements, and other accolades. The Record boosts of the talented Tiwa Savage, Dr.SID, D’Prince, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, Di’ja, Poe, Jonny Drille, and the DNA twins.
Other Business Interest of Don Jazzy:
Don Jazzy is already a success and a force in the music industry and as a smart business person, he expanded his business portfolio. He ventured into oil in 2013 with his younger brother by establishing Mavin Energy Limited. The company specialises in the supply of petroleum products such as diesel, petrol, kerosene, cooking gas to homes and companies.
Again, you don’t sit at a place and watch masquerades; you have to move with the trends. Technology is driving everything we do. Being a smart person, he partnered with Nigerian technology expert, Dele Odufuye to launch Flobyt Wifi in 2017. Flobyt Wifi is a free wifi service installed across partnered locations in Lagos State and will help Mavin music lovers stream their favourite songs. Don Jazzy mentioned in an interview that Flobyt will give easy access to local consumers of Nigerian music online. He makes good money from endorsement deals with corporate brands. Don is an ambassador for MTN Nigeria, Johnnie Walker- Alcoholic drink, Konga-Nigerian online retail store, Samsung electronics, LOYA Milk. He owns landed properties in prestigious areas and is a lover of exotic cars.
Photo Credit : Instagram/Don Jazzy/Wikipedia, Getty Images
Comments