Wednesday, May 8, 2013, marks exactly one year that
Michael Collins Ajereh publicly decided to chart a new course for himself
with the birth of Mavin Records-home to the Mavin League. It also marks
his birthday.
The last 12 months have been clouded with several
can he get it right alone? Would he pull it through all by himself?
When news circulated that Don Jazzy and Dbanj had
split last year it was also said that he left with all Don Jazzy’s
catalogue. Of course everyone thought that would be the end of him.
And considering the obvious fact that the last one
year has become symbolic as one of the most trying periods for the Nigerian
entertainment industry, it has also become a symbolic year in the life
of the man who is now known and well referred to as Don Jazzy.
Not many had given him the slightest opportunity
to prove his worth-accusations were flying around-but Don Jazzy remained
resolute, determined and undeterred in his decision to break even with
the MAVINS. Don Jazzy has successfully remained relevant, steadfastly
cooking up beats-as much as he can, churning out productions that has
left the music industry in a state of frenzy. He has bounced back from
scratch!
Has he succeeded? That varies largely on your definition
of success but with over a dozen hit productions this year-Take Banana, Oma Ga, Amarachi,
Goody Bag, Kick, Without my heart, Rotate, Lady
Don Dada- in the last one year, one can only pat the beefy producer
on the back for daring to dare and standout! He has bounced back from
scratch!
From Tiwa Savage to Wande Coal, D’Prince and Dr.
Sid, it’s obvious that Don Jazzy has structured a way out for himself
and his league of Mavins.
However, only few people want to understand the obvious
fact that the 31 year old music producer, whose wizardry has become
one of the most talked about revolutions in the Nigerian music industry,
remains the regular man who can be caught tweeting on popular micro-blogging
network site, Twitter, as Don Jazzy, or the young man that has decided
to give back to that major society that has consistently supported him.
Without attracting undue possession, the term, IDJA (It’s Don Jazzy
Again) became one of Nigeria’s most trending and popular 4-letter
word on Twitter.
Although mystery remains his strongest point, Don
Jazzy, has left Nigerians-in Nigeria and its diaspora- wondering who
and where he hails from.
Michael Collins Ajereh was born on November 26, 1982.A
Nigerian Multi award-winning record producer, singer-songwriter, musician,
former CEO of Nigerian record label Mo' Hits Records founded in 2004
and current CEO of the Mavin Records label which he founded in May 2012.
In his kitty, Don Jazzy prides himself as a Voice,
Fashion and Social Networking guru, Mo'Hits/ G.O.O.D. Music producer,
Samsung Deal, Mavin Records, Mavin League, Loya milk endorsement and
an awesome production discography record.
Michael had always had a flair for music, singing
and playing the drums from the age of 4. He developed a passion for
the bass guitar at the age of 12, He went on to study Business Management
at the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma in Edo stat before he moved to
London in the United Kingdom in 2000 after his uncle invited him to
come play the drums for the neighborhood Church.
Various odd jobs followed including working at McDonalds
and as a security guard. Already imbued with an intimate knowledge of
traditional and percussion instruments, Don Jazzy further built on his
musical knowledge during his UK stint. Finding fellow kindred spirits
in the likes of Solek, JJC, The 419 squad and D’Banj, the gang would
spend unrelenting hours practicing, recording and performing different
types of music.
Jazzy’s appetite for a full-time career in music
could no longer be satiated when, in 2004, he partnered with D’Banj
to set up the Mo' Hits label. Within two years, the prolific producer
had wrapped up two albums (No Long Thing and Rundown/Funk You Up) with
his former Mo' Hits partner and was working on a third, Curriculum Vitae.
By this time, he had already started becoming a household name with
the trademark intro – It’s Don Jazzy Again!
In 2008 there were further production credits for
the best selling album of that year; The Entertainer Don Jazzy repeated
the trick with Wande Coal’s Mushin 2 MoHits, an album that was described
as one of the best albums to ever come out of Nigeria.
Although not acknowledging himself as a recording
artist, he is responsible for doing most Background Vocals for Artists
he produces for and sometimes does complete verses. His musical dexterity
can be heard through his beats and well calculated vocals he assists
to the likes of D'Banj, Sauce Kid, Dr SID, Ikechukwu, Kween, D'Prince
and even Jay-Z and Kanye West on their Watch The Throne track Lift Off,
featuring Beyoncé.
In 2011 his talents got him noticed by Kanye West
who signed him up as a producer on his GOOD Music label.With over a
100 production tracks to his name, the understated genius has worked
with a host of local and international celebrities. In spite of his
whirlwind superstardom, Don Jazzy has never forgotten his humble beginnings.
On the wake of the split up of Mohits, Samsung unveiled
their "Built for Africa" products and Don Jazzy was signed
on as their spokes person.
On May 8 2012, Don Jazzy said, “The way forward
now is to make sure I keep bringing you guys more of the beautiful music
you all love to dance to,” He kept his promise of a new beginning,
as he announced the birth of Mavin Records.
The multiple award winning producer and philanthropist
has activated several fans with several music productions and hit songs
leaving It’s Don Jazzy Again, IDJA
on the lips of every one that matters. It’s a year now and needless
to say Don Jazzy the internationally acclaimed producer,Nigerian multi
award winning producer,singer,song writer,CEO Mavins record label,
endorsements from Samsung and Loya, philanthropist is in it to win it
and he is here to stay! Happy Birthday IDJA!
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