Don Jazzy Biography: Don Jazzy, born Michael Collins Ajereh, is a Nigerian record producer, performer, songwriter, Philanthropist, and entrepreneur. He is widely considered one of Africa’s most influential musicians. Don Jazzy is well-known for his creative production style as well as his ability to identify and develop talent.
He is the founder and CEO of Mavin Group Record Label following the closure of the now defunct record label “Mo’hits Record”
Don Jazzy Biography in Full Details
- Stage name: Don Jazzy
- Real name: Michael Collins Ajereh
- Date of birth: 26th November 1982
- Place of birth: Umuahia, Abia state.
- Place of Origin: Isoko, Delta State.
- Place of residence: Lagos state
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Relationship Status: Divorced
- Occupation: Record producer and record executive
- Networth: $30 million
Don Jazzy’s Early Life and Education
Don Jazzy’s Real name is Micheal Collins Ajereh. He was born on November 26th 1982. His parent’s name is Collins Enebeli Ajereh and Mrs.Ajereh. Don Jazzy’s father hails from Isoko In Delta State while his mother comes from a royal family; an Igbo princess from Abia state.
His early life was marked by a passion for music. He gained so much knowledge on musical instruments that at the age of 12 he began to play Guitar and piano. In 2000 his uncle saw his potential and invited him to play drums for a local church in London, which was his first ever visit. Subsequently Don Jazzy worked as a security guard at McDonald’s fast food restaurant.
Although Don Jazzy was born in Abia state his family moved to Ajegunle, Lagos when he was about 12 years old to be raised. He revealed his mother’s death on his Instagram page in July 2022.
Collins Ajereh has a younger brother known as D’Prince who was amongst the pioneer members of the defunct Mo’hits records. Don Jazzy, the CEO of Mavin Records, has revealed that he is still a devout member of the ‘Cherubim and Seraphim’ white garment church.
While living in Lagos Don Jazzy attended the Federal Government College Lagos. After completion of his secondary school education pursued a degree in Business Management at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State.
Don Jazzy’s Musical Career
After a while, Don Jazzy partnered with D’banj and established the Mo’hits record in 2004. Within two years of establishing the defunct label, he started getting recognized with the phrase “It’s Don Jazzy Again” and released two albums “No Long Thing and Rundown/Funk You Up”. He was credited for producing The Entertainer in 2008. He also helped with the creation of Wande Coal’s Mushin 2 MoHits.
Recognizing his talents and production skills, Kanye West employed Don Jazzy as a producer to work at Very Good Beatz. Don Jazzy also worked with Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Kanye West on the Production of the song “Lift Off”.
In March 2012, due to irreconcilable differences, Dan Jazzy and D’banj had to split up which marked the end of Mo’Hits Record.
Don Jazzy announced the establishment of Mavin Records on May 7, 2012. “I see Mavin Records becoming the powerhouse of African music in the shortest possible time,” he stated. Talented Vocalist Wande Coal left the label on 5th November 2013 after a disagreement with Don Jazzy. Mavin Records have signed talented artist to the label like; D’Prince, Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Magixx, Ayra Starr, Korede Bello, and a host of others.
Don Jazzy Produced Songs
Don Jazzy has produced numerous albums and singles with various artists and some will be listed below;
- 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 – Mushin2Mohits (2008)
- Dr SID Turning Point (2010)
- MAVINS – Solar Plexus “MAVIN Records” (2012)
- Weird MC – Ijoya
- Burna Boy – Question
- Ikechukwu – All on me
- Sauce Kid – Under G
- Darey – Stroke me
- Shank – Never Felt
Don Jazzy Awards
Don Jazzy has been a recipient of several awards and will be listing them below;
- Nigerian Music Awards (2006)
- Nigerian Entertainment Awards (2007)
- The Headies – Producer of the Year (2011)
- The Headies – Producer of the Year (2014)
- City People Entertainment Award (2015)
- The Beatz Award TM (2019)
Don Jazzy’s Wife and Marriage
Is Don Jazzy Married? Don Jazzy shocked social media users when he revealed he got married to Michelle Jackson at the age of 22 in 2003. Don Jazzy claimed he had issues with his wife because of his ambitious nature and got divorced in 2005. Don Jazzy is on good terms with his wife.
Don Jazzy has revealed he doesn’t intend to marry again because his dedication to music might end up hurting his lover’s feelings
Don Jazzy Daughter
Social media were in shock when an old picture circulated and people assumed the little child was his daughter. Don Baba J debunked the rumours saying that was popular show promoter Toye Benson’s daughter. Toye Benson and his activist wife Esther Ijewere paid a courtesy visit to the Mavin Record headquarters in Lagos and they took a picture together.
Don Jazzy Controversy
At the 2015 Headies Award Ceremony held in 2016, Don Jazzy and Olamide clashed and hurled words at each other because of the “Next Rated Award” which comes with a lot of recognition and Brand brand-new Hyundai car. The favourite for the award Lil Kesh who was signed under Olamide YBNL record failed to win the award rather Mavin artist Reekado Banks won it and it angered Olamide.
When Adekunle Gold who was also signed to YBNL came on stage to receive his “Best Alternative Award ” Olamide stormed the stage with the whole YBNL crew, He grabbed the microphone from Adekunle Gold and verbally attacked Headies, claiming that the prize should have gone to Lil Kesh because he had back-to-back hit songs all year.
Olamide exclaimed, “Iyalaya anybody?” before flipping off the entire auditorium, dumping the microphone on the stage, and walking off with his crew.
Things took a new turn when Don Jazzy came on stage to receive his Special Recognition award. He made it clear he doesn’t like awards and only came to support his children.
Don expressed displeasure over Olamide’s utterances and behavior on the stage. “Olamide, if you want the car, come and collect it,” Don Jazzy said at the conclusion of the night. He and the Mavin artists also stormed out of the venue.
Olamide didn’t even show up to accept his ‘Artiste of the Year’ award. Following that, both parties apologized.
Don Jazzy Philanthropy
Outside his work, Don Jazzy is a big-time philanthropist. He spent over N10 million as a giveaway cash gift for fans on Twitter between August 1st to September 14th, 2021.
He even donated N1.5 Million to aid in facilitating a good number of young Nigerians to learn coding after the Founder of Code Hub Africa, Chizom Echehieuka made an appeal Jazzy should sponsor 100 youths for the programme at N15,000 per person.
Don Jazzy Net worth
Don jazzy net worth is estimated to be around $30 million.
Don Jazzy Social handles
Don Jazzy is very Active and you can connect with him through;
Twitter: @DONJAZZY
Instagram: @donjazzy
YouTube: MavinRecords
Facebook: MavinRecordsOfficial
TikTok: @donjazzy