Nigerian producer and music executive Don Jazzy has revealed that he nearly quit music and relocated abroadfollowing the sudden collapse of Mo’Hits Records in 2012 — the iconic label he co-founded with D’banj.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Don Jazzy admitted that the split left him devastated, describing it as one of the lowest moments of his career. However, he credited his close friends for convincing him to stay in Nigeria and start afresh, leading to the birth of Mavin Records — now one of Africa’s most successful record labels.
“When Mo’Hits ended, I thought that was it. I almost packed up to move abroad. But friends encouraged me to stay and start again, and Mavin Records was born. Since then, I’ve learned not to let anything break me,” he said.
Following the Mo’Hits breakup, Don Jazzy founded Mavin Records, which became home to several of the label’s former stars — Wande Coal, Dr SID, and D’Prince — and introduced a new wave of Afrobeats talents, including Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, and Di’ja.
Today, the label boasts a roster of internationally recognized acts such as Rema, Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Crayon, Magixx, Boy Spyce, Bayanni, Johnny Drille, and DJ Big N.
In 2024, Universal Music Group (UMG) announced a majority investment in Mavin Global, marking a new phase in the label’s global expansion and solidifying Don Jazzy’s legacy as one of the most influential figures in African music.
