Don Jazzy
Don Jazzy | |
|---|---|
 Don Jazzy in 2018 | |
| Born | Michael Collins Ajereh 26 November 1982 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria |
| Occupation | Music producer
|
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Labels |
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Michael Collins Ajereh (born 26 November 1982), known professionally as Don Jazzy, is a Nigerian music producer, singer, songwriter, and businessman. He started the record label Mavin Records in 2012.[1]
Early life
Don Jazzy was born on 26 November 1982 in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. His father is from Delta State and his mother is from Abia State.[2]His family moved to Ajegunle, Lagos, where he grew up. He attended Federal Government College Lagos. He began playing the bass guitar and piano at age 12.[3]He later studied business management at Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, Edo State.[4]In 2000, he travelled to London to play drums at a church. He later worked at McDonald's as a security guard while continuing to play music.[5]
Career
Mo' Hits Records
In 2004, Don Jazzy and D'Banj started a record label called Mo' Hits Records. Don Jazzy produced several albums for D'Banj and other artists on the label during this time.[6]In 2011, he worked as a music producer for Kanye West's record label, Very Good Beats. He helped produce the song "Lift Off" by Jay-Z and Kanye West, which also featured Beyoncé.[7]In March 2012, Don Jazzy and D'Banj ended their working relationship.[8]
Mavin Records
On 7 May 2012, Don Jazzy started a new record label called Mavin Records. Artists he has signed to the label include Rema, Ayra Starr, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, Johnny Drille, and others.[9]In 2019, he signed Rema. In 2020, he signed Ayra Starr. In 2021, he signed Magixx.[10]
Film
In 2012, Don Jazzy appeared in a Nigerian film called The Last 3 Digits.[11]
Personal life
Don Jazzy married Michelle Jackson in 2003. They divorced about two years later.[12]In July 2022, his mother died of cancer.[13]Don Jazzy is a member of the Cherubim and Seraphim church.[14]
Awards
He has won several music awards, including Producer of the Year at the Nigerian Music Awards in 2006 and at The Headies in 2011 and 2014.[15]
References
- ↑ "The Don Jazzy Story". Vanguard. 15 October 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
- ↑ Amaechi, Stella (30 November 2020). "Don Jazzy's biography: How did he become famous?". Legit.ng.
- ↑ "Don Jazzy: Nigeria's Finest Music Producer". The Guardian Nigeria. 26 November 2018.
- ↑ "Don Jazzy, father share birth date as music producer clocks 39". The Punch. 26 November 2021.
- ↑ "Don Jazzy Biography". nigerianfinder.com. Retrieved 30 March 2022.
- ↑ "D'Banj – No Long Thing Album Reviews". AllMusic. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
- ↑ "Jay Z Reveals He Co-produced Kanye West's Track "Lift Up"". The Guardian Nigeria. 11 March 2019.
- ↑ "Breaking news, it's over, Don Jazzy confirms Mo' Hits Break Up". TheNETng. Archived from the original on 15 July 2014. Retrieved 22 April 2015.
- ↑ "From Mo'Hits to Mavin Records". BellaNaija. Retrieved 22 April 2015.
- ↑ "Mavin Records announces new artiste Magixx". PM News. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
- ↑ "The Last 3 Digits". YouTube. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
- ↑ "Don Jazzy Reveals Why he isn't Married". GYOnlineNG. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
- ↑ "'I Am Beyond Devastated': Don Jazzy Loses Mother To Cancer". Channels Television. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
- ↑ "Don Jazzy Biography". nigerianfinder.com. Retrieved 30 March 2022.
- ↑ "Headies 2014 winners". Archived from the original on 15 December 2014. Retrieved 15 December 2014.