Renowned music producer and Mavin Records founder, Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, has opened up about the emotional toll he faced after the breakup of Mo’Hits Records in 2012.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Don Jazzy said he almost left the music scene entirely and relocated abroad after the collapse of Mo’Hits, which he co-founded with singer D’banj. The label’s sudden dissolution, he explained, stemmed from irreconcilable differences between the duo.
“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 breakup brought an end to one of Afrobeats’ most successful partnerships, which produced timeless hits like “Tongolo,” “Why Me,” and “Fall in Love.”
Soon after, Don Jazzy founded Mavin Records in May 2012, bringing along some of the former Mo’Hits stars — Wande Coal, Dr SID, and D’Prince — and introducing fresh acts such as Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, and Di’Ja.
Under his leadership, Mavin grew into one of Africa’s most influential record labels, nurturing global sensations like Rema, whose 2022 hit “Calm Down” became Spotify’s most-streamed African song, and Ayra Starr, whose 2023 single “Rush” earned a Grammy nomination.
Today, Mavin’s roster includes Rema, Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Crayon, Magixx, Boy Spyce, Bayanni, Johnny Drille, and DJ Big N.
In 2024, Universal Music Group (UMG) acquired a majority stake in Mavin Global, a move seen as recognition of the label’s pivotal role in Afrobeats’ global ascent.
