Don Jazzy

AfrobeatsUmuahia, Abia StateSince 2004Active

Biography

Don Jazzy, born Michael Collins Ajereh on November 26 1982 in Umuahia, Abia State, is Nigeria's most celebrated music producer and record executive, widely credited as the architect of the modern Afrobeats sound. After working briefly at McDonald's in London, he began producing music professionally and co-founded Mo'Hits Records with D'banj in 2004. The label became the most influential music company in Nigerian history, launching the careers of D'banj, Wande Coal, Dr. SID, D'Prince, and others. Don Jazzy's production style — characterised by lush string arrangements, infectious grooves, and immaculate mixing — defined the sound of Nigerian pop music from 2005 to 2012. Following the dissolution of Mo'Hits in 2012, he founded Mavin Records, which became equally dominant, developing Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Di'Ja, Korede Bello, Rema, Ayra Starr, and Johnny Drille into major stars. His ability to identify and develop talent while simultaneously producing hit records across multiple genres marks him as one of the most consequential figures in African music history. As a recording artist in his own right, Don Jazzy has released collaborative productions and limited solo material, most notably the Mavin All-Stars recordings including the massive 2015 hit Dorobucci. He has won multiple Headies Awards including Producer of the Year on numerous occasions, and received the AFRIMA Lifetime Achievement in Production Award. His social media presence, particularly on Instagram, has made him one of Nigeria's most followed and beloved public figures.