Don Jazzy: still waxing on strong at 30 + A look at his full discography

Maverick Nigerian record producer, singer-songwriter and musician Michael Collins Ajereh better known Don Jazzy clocks 30 today, November 26, 2012.

At just 30, the Abia-born music-maker has achieved quite a lot, from working with top artistes abroad including the likes of Snoop Dogg and Kanye West to dropping some of the biggest hits in Nigeria; influencing an entire generation and creating some of the greatest hits of the past seven years.

Starting out in the UK under the tutorship of popular music producer-artiste  JJC Skillz, after working with the SOLEK Crew, Don Jazzy later hooked up with a little known D’banj, and traveled back to Nigeria to start up Mo’Hits Records.

Co-running the label for eight years, Don Jazzy grew to become one of the few music producers at the top echelon in the music industry, churning out hit upon hits for his label mates – D’banj, Dr SID, D’Prince, Wande Coal and Kay Switch.

And, unlike any other producer before him, he successfully built a powerful brand, using the power of mystery to dazzle many home and abroad.

Parting with D’banj this year, he went back to the drawing board to rebrand and setup a new label -MAVIN Records comprising former Mo’Hits acts Dr SID, Wande Coal and younger brother D’Prince. In a move that shocked many, he also signed the super-talented singer-songwriter Tiwa Savage.

His production prowess isn’t the only thing that has made him famous. Don Jazzy’s philanthropic gesture, made popular by Twitter, his audience engagement techniques, and perceived humility have added up to make him a fan favourite.

Despite being in the public eye, he has managed to keep most of his private live private – although there have been (usually unconfirmed and unsubstantiated) rumours of him dating Tiwa Savage and OAP Toolz. He vehemently denies such reports. He does ‘admit’ dating actress Tonto Dike though.

With many now eager to see what the future holds, Jazzy is working with his MAVIN crew to rework the Mo’Hits magic.

If there’s any producer that can point the way to the future of Nigerian pop music, working with a clear understanding of the past and present, that man is Don jazzy.

And, although those close to him say he’s not under any pressure, pundits say the next one year will determine a lot of things: does he still have the monster hit-making formular? Will he perform and release his own music? Will he renew his deal with G.O.O.D. Music? Will he re-unite with D’banj?

Happy Birthday, IDJA.

DON JAZZY’S DISCOGRAPHY

Albums
D’banj – No Long Thing (2005)
D’banj – Rundown/Funk You Up (2006)
D’banj – The Entertainer (2008)
Mo’ Hits Allstars – Curriculum Vitae (CV) (2007)
Wande Coal – Mushin2Mohits (2008)
Dr SID - Turning Point (Dr SID album) (2010)
MAVINS – Solar Plexus (2012)
OTHER SINGLES
Mo’ Hits Artists
- D’Prince
Omoba
I like What I See (feat. Wande Coal)
Ooze (feat. D’Banj)
Give It To me (feat. D’Banj)
- D’banj
Scape goat (2010)
Mr Endowed (Remix) (feat. Snoop Dogg) (2010)
Oliver Twist (2011)
- Wande Coal
Been Long You Saw Me (feat. Don Jazzy) (2011)
Non–Mo’ Hits Artists
Darey – Escalade part 2
Darey – Stroke Me
Shank – Never Felt
Naeto C – Asewo
Ikechukwu – Like You (feat. Wande Coal)
Ikechukwu – Wind am well (feat. Don Jazzy and D’Banj)
Ikechukwu – All on Me
Ikechukwu – Critical (feat. D’Banj)
Ikechukwu – Now is the time (feat. Don Jazzy)
Sauce Kid – Under G
Kanye West and Jay-Z – Lift Off (feat.Beyoncé)
Weird MC – Ijoya
Kween – Jebele