Did you know Don Jazzy used to sell ‘akara’ and pap?

It’s Don Jazzy Again!

Born as Michael Collins Ajereh but known as Don Jazzy by friends and even foes, he was CEO of the defunct record label, Mo’ Hits Record, and he is currently the CEO of Mavin Records.

So good is he on the beat that even his staunchest fans are too engrossed in dancing to his tunes to spare a thought for the man behind the mask. Here are a few simple facts about the man whose melodious beats lift you out of your low moments.

Birth

A native of Delta State, he was born on November 26, 1982 in Umuahia, Abia State. His family left Delta State for Ajegunle City in Lagos State, where he was raised.

Education

He graduated from Federal Government College, Lagos. He has a degree in Business Management from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in Edo State.

Overseas stay

He relocated to London on the invitation of his uncle, who wanted him to play drums for the neighbourhood church. During his time in the UK’s capital city, he took up odd jobs, such as working as a security guard, and also at McDonalds.

Enebeli Elebuwa is not his father

Both men have separately stated it several times that they share no consanguineous relationship. It’s become embarrassing for Don Jazzy to continue dispelling rumours that the late accomplished actor is his father. Read his lips: Enebeli Elebuwa is not his father!

Partnership with D’Banj

He partnered with D’Banj to found the Mo’Hits Records Label, which proved more successful than either of them could have imagined. With the stars parting ways in 2012 after eight flourishing years, Don Jazzy announced the change of his label’s name from Mo’Hits to Mavin Records.

International collaborations

He collaborated with Jay-Z and Kanye West on the production of Lift Off, featuring Beyonce on the album Watch The Throne, which was released August 8, 2011. He was rated by Forbes as the 36th Most Powerful Celebrity in Africa.

Social-media activity

An avid user of social networking sites, he is very prominent on Twitter, currently boasting 804,000 followers. He bonds very well with his followers, sending the birthday wishes and giving them airtime recharge cards, ipads, and — occasionally — cash.

Mavin Records also created a social network site, known as Mavin League, which serves as a platform for fans of the label to socialize and interact. It is also a place to read the latest news and updates about the label.

Personality

Don Jazzy has been described by many in the music industry as shy, humble, generous and a magnificent producer.

He remembers his humble beginnings

He once stated that he is not any different from the young man who sold bean cakes and pap (akara and agidi) in Ajegunle. If there is any semblance of difference, he said, it is just his current account balance!