Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy has candidly admitted that one of his biggest career regrets is passing on the opportunity to sign some of Nigeria’s top music stars — Davido, Simi, Teni, and Falz.
In a recent chat with content creator Fisayo Fosudo, the veteran music producer reflected on the missed chances that still weigh on his mind.
“I like Simi, but I didn’t sign her. I like Teni, but I didn’t sign her. I could have signed Davido, but I thought he would be fine because of his wealthy background. I also didn’t sign Falz. I don’t know — maybe I was just being dumb,” he confessed.
Don Jazzy, 42, added that he also wished he had signed Wizkid, but EME Records, led by Banky W, snatched the Starboy first.
“These are the artistes I didn’t sign and I regret not doing so,” he said.
Despite these misses, Don Jazzy remains one of the most successful figures in the Nigerian music industry. From his days as co-founder of Mo’Hits Records to building Mavin Records into a powerhouse, he has been instrumental in the rise of stars like Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, Reekado Banks, Rema, Ayra Starr, and Johnny Drille.
Simi, who once auditioned for Don Jazzy but didn’t get signed, later broke out with her hit song Tiff under X3M Music. Teni’s big break came through Dr Dolor Entertainment, while Falz built his reputation independently with his Bahd Guys Records label. Davido, meanwhile, has become one of Africa’s most celebrated acts after launching his career on his own terms.
Even with these near-misses, Don Jazzy continues to influence the Afrobeats movement on a global scale through Mavin Records.
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