Don Jazzy, as he is fondly called by his fans and all, needs no introduction in the Nigerian music industry. He has been the unseen hand in the music of most emerging Nigerian acts. The Don indeed has seen it all; as a label owner, a musician, and a producer.
*Don Jazzy
Michael Collins Ajereh was the name given to him by his parents. He eventually acquired the stage name Don Jazzy in his launch into music. He hails from Delta state, but was born in Umuahia in Abia state 31 years ago on November 26th, 1982.
His family after his birth relocated to Ajegunle in Lagos state. The Don was raised in Ajegunle city of Lagos state. At age 12, he developed love for the bass guitar. He graduated from Federal Government College Lagos and went further to study Business Management at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in Edo state.
Don Jazzy moved to London in the United Kingdom in 2000 after his Uncle invited him to play the drums for a neighborhood Church. Today the Don is rated as the richest music producer/ act in Nigeria and the second richest music personality in Africa.
He is the CEO of Mavin Record label, a record producer, singer-songwriter and a musician. Don Jazzy has won so many awards to his label. He was also formally the CEO of the popular Nigerian record label, MO Hits Records with D’banj as the only artiste.
Mavins Record label
Don Jazzy is a brand without mincing words. According to reports from some artistes, Mavin Record label is arguable the best label in Nigeria. His label has given leverage to top musical icons like Tiwa Savage, Dr Sid, Prince, Wande Coak and many others who signed on. He was D’banj’s producer, business partner and friend until MO Hits Records dissolved and the duo officially parted ways.
Endorsements and Production credit
Don Jazzy has made so much money from endorsements, callertunes and foreign collaborations. He recently signed a multi-million naira deal with MTN. The endorsement from MTN was for N25m.
He also signed another contract worth millions of naira with Samsung, Africa; the deal was for a N100m. Don Jazzy was paid N50m for being the newest brand ambassador of Loya milk. His production credits for foreign collaborations include working with Snoop Doggy, Kanye West, Beyonce and Jay Z.
Music studio
According to report, Don Jazzy is set to unveil a new recording studio estimated at over N500m. He said in a statement that his studio is going to be a world class studio which is constructed by international sound engineers who have worked with acclaimed international producers.
Houses, club and cars
To say that Mavin Record Boss is having a swell time living his dream is an understatement. He recently got himself a befitting mansion which cost him more than N300m. According to the reports the mansion is only one of the many properties he had acquired in the choicest part of Lagos as he is in the business of investing on properties and loves driving cool expensive cars. He has a club known as POP which cost him a whooping sum of N50m to build, but has decided to shut it down because of unforseen circumstance.
Although he is perceived to be a calm person, this has not stopped his love for beautiful exotic cars. He was seen cruising in a Porsche which is valued at over N22m. His other car is a Bentley which cost him about N65m to purchase amongst others. He recently took a photograph of his Bentley and uploaded it with a tweet; he described it as “one of his most expensive cars”. Another report has it that he has another car which cost him about N150m to purchase.
Gifts
Don Jazzy has always proven that he has a heart of gold, if he is not giving people money or cars, he is busy employing people. Sometime ago, he was at the airport on his way to South Africa for MTV Base award. And there was this airport cart operator who was doing his work when the Don arrived at the airport. It was one of those days when he felt like doing something interesting and he had asked the cart operator to let him drive.
He and the cart operator who is a staff of Delta Airlines drove through the airport on the shuttle/ golf cart. He was asked by the management to stop the cart or the man would be fired. He eventually stopped it, unfortunately the man was fired. Don Jazzy ended up employing the man. It would also be recalled that Don Jazzy gave Tiwa Savage a car gift of about N16m as her wedding present. The car is a brand new Prado SUV. Don Jazzy was also one of the few that stood by popular musician known as OJB financially during his trying times.
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