Don Jazzy
Michael Collins Ajereh, born Don Jazzy, is a household name in the Nigerian music industry.
Don Jazzy is the current chief executive officer of Mavin Records and the founder of the now-defunct Mo’ Hits Records.
He is also a music producer, audio engineer, singer, and songwriter.
He rose to stardom after producing the albums No Long Thing and Rundown/Funk You Up.
In his illustrious career, he has also collaborated with D’Banj, Sauce Kid (Sinzu), Dr. SID, Ikechukwu, Kween, D’Prince, Jay-Z, and Kanye West.
On April 3, 2021, the Nigerian music producer provoked conflicting emotions on social media when he posted a photo of his ex-wife, whom he married in London in 2001.
Profile
Name: | Michael Collins Ajereh |
Stage Name: | Don Jazzy |
Date Of Birth: | 26 November, 1982 |
Birth Place: | Umuahia |
Nationality: | Nigerian |
Profession: | Record Producer, Business Man |
Early Years
Michael Collins Ajereh, also known as Don Jazzy, was born on November 26, 1982, in Umuahia, Abia State, to Mr. and Mrs. Collins Enebeli Ajereh.
His father was an Isoko tribesman from Delta State, and his mother was an Igbo princess from Abia State.
Don Jazzy and his brother Charles Enebeli (also known as D’Prince) were raised in Ajegunle, Lagos State, after their parents migrated west in the late 1980s.
At the time, he developed a passion for music and quickly learned to play the bass guitar and piano.
Additionally, he was renowned for his proficiency with traditional and percussion instruments.
As a child, the award-winning music producer suffered in the Ajegunle neighborhood. After moving to the city from Abia State, it took him several years to adjust to city life.
Don Jazzy had the opportunity to travel abroad around the turn of the century after his uncle asked him to play drums for a church in London.
Eventually, he obtained a job as a security guard at McDonald’s and forged beneficial partnerships with music artists including Solek, JJC, Kas, Jesse Jagz, The 419 Squad, and D’Banj.
Education
Before enrolling at Federal Government College, Lagos, Don Jazzy began and completed his basic school at Ajegunle, Lagos State.
During his time in school, he participated in the school’s music club, making the most of his free time.
Don Jazzy was granted admission to study Business Management at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, after earning his Junior and Senior Secondary School Certificates.
Career
In 2004, Don Jazzy and music artist D’Banj co-founded Mo’ Hits Records. Together, they established an almost decade-long music brand.
He produced the albums No Long Thing and Rundown/Funk You Up for the label.
His signature phrase, It’s Don Jazzy Again!, served as an introduction to songs in which he participated.
Don Jazzy collaborated with Wande Coal, D’Prince, and Dr SID to produce milestone albums, including Wande Coal’s Mushin 2 MoHits.
With extensive experience in audio engineering and music production, he went on to provide backing vocals for D’Banj, Sauce Kid, Dr SID, Ikechukwu, Kween, D’Prince, and Jay-Z, garnering international prominence after working as a producer for Kanye West at Very Good Beatz in 2011.
He also collaborated with Jay-Z around this time. Due to artistic differences, Don Jazzy and D’Banj decided to break up in March 2012.
The Mavin Records label
Don Jazzy founded another musical company, Mavin Records, on May 7, 2012, and released an album featuring all signed artists.
The album contains the songs Amarachi, Oma Ga, Take Banana and Chocolate, YOLO, and I’m a MAVIN anthem. Additionally, the label signed the brilliant musician Tiwa Savage.
Wande Coal left Mavin Records on November 7, 2013, following a dispute with Ajereh, a member of the group, two days earlier.
Years later, Reekado Banks also quit the musical group. Mavin Records recently signed Ayra Starr, a young and promising female musician.
Mavin Records Artists
The following Nigerian musicians are represented by Mavin Records:
- Tiwa Savage
- Ikechukwu
- Ruger
- DJ “Big N”
- Wande Coal
- Korede Bello
- The DNA Twins
- 6x Slatt
- Magixx
- D’Banj
- Dr Sid
- D’Prince
- Ayra Starr
- Crayon
- Rema
- Reekado Banks
- Johnny Drille
- Dija
- Iyanya
- Ladipoe
Personal Life
The Nigerian music producer Don Jazzy provoked varied emotions on social media on April 3, 2021, after posting a photo of his ex-wife Michelle Jackson, whom he married in 2001 while in London.
He also stated that he planned to get a new girlfriend in December 2020 and that he had a huge infatuation with the American singer Rihanna.
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.
Discography
Some Albums produced by Don Jazzy
- D’banj – No Long Thing (2005)
- D’banj – RunDown Funk U Up (2006)
- Mo’ Hits All Stars – Curriculum Vitae (2007)
- D’banj – The Entertainer (2008)
- Wande Coal – Mushin 2 Mohits (2008)
- Dr SID Turning Point (2010)
- MAVINS – Solar Plexus (2012)
- D’Prince Frenzy
- Tiwa Savage Once Upon A Time & RED
- Dr Sid Siduction
- Reekado banks Spotlight
- Korede Bello Belloved
Monetary worth
In addition to being a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, Don Jazzy is famous for his impact on the growth of various Nigerian musicians.
Recent research estimates his net worth to be between $15,000,000 and $20,000,000.
Don Jazzy House And Cars
Don Jazzy is also a wealthy man. Earlier in the year, he posted a snapshot of his freshly acquired 300 million naira home in Lekki, Lagos State, on Instagram. He also has a number of pricey automobiles, including:
- 2016 Cadillac Escalade
- Bentley Continental Flying Spur
- Range Rover Sports
- Porsche 911 Carrera
Social Media
More than 10 million people follow him on Instagram, and more than a million people like his Facebook page.