Renowned Nigerian producer and music executive Don Jazzy has opened up about one of the most difficult moments in his career, the sudden breakup of Mo’Hits Records in 2012.
Speaking in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Don Jazzy revealed that the collapse of the label he co-founded with D’banj nearly made him abandon music entirely and relocate abroad.
“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.
According to him, the breakup, though painful, ultimately became a turning point that led to the creation of Mavin Records, one of Africa’s most successful record labels.
Following Mo’Hits’ split, Don Jazzy launched Mavin in 2012, initially signing artists such as Wande Coal, Dr SID, D’Prince, Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, and Di’ja. The label quickly gained traction with chart-topping hits like Dorobucci and Adaobi.
Today, Mavin Records boasts a roster of some of the continent’s biggest stars, including Rema, Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Crayon, Magixx, Boy Spyce, Bayanni, Johnny Drille, and DJ Big N.
In 2024, Universal Music Group announced a majority investment in Mavin Global, a move that marked a new phase in the label’s global expansion.
Don Jazzy’s story reflects resilience and reinvention, from near retirement to building one of the most influential music empires in Africa.
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