Michael Collins Ajereh (born 26 November 1982), who is called by his professional’s name Don Jazzy, is a Multi award-winning Nigerian record producer, Singer, songwriter Entrepreneur, and Brand Ambassdor. Don Jazzy was born in Abia State, in the Eastern part of Nigeria. He is the first child out of four children in his family. He got his stage name Don Jazzy during his secondary days. Having had a strong interest in music, he played the bass guitar, piano, and other percussion instruments effortlessly. His excellent skills in handling musical instruments made his friends give him the nickname Don Jazzy, which took over his real name.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Don Jazzy, (born 26 November 1982) in Abia State, Don Jazzy hails from Isoko in Delta State, the Southern part of Nigeria. He spent part of his childhood in Abia State, but his family later relocated to Ajegunle in Lagos State, where the young musician passed through his early life before pursuing a career in music.
Don Jazzy, has three siblings: James Collins Enebeli, Joy Solano, and Charles Collins Enebeli. His brother, Charles Enebeli, is also a musician and a businessman who is popularly known as D’Prince. He attended the co-educational high school, Federal Government College Lagos. He is also an alumnus of Federal Government College, Lagos, and has a degree in Business Management from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
In 2000, Don Jazzy‘s uncle invited him to play the drums for a local church in London and that was his first visit to London. Don Jazzy gained employment at McDonald’s as a security guard. He continued his interest in music, associating with Solek, JJC Skillz, Kas, Jesse Jagz, The 419 Squad, and D’Banj.
CAREER
In 2004, Don Jazzy collaborated with D’Banj to form Mo’ Hits Records. In the next two years, Don Jazzy produced the albums No Long Thing and Rundown/Funk You Up. Around this time, Don Jazzy developed a recognizable introduction, “It’s Don Jazzy Again!”
In 2008, Don Jazzy was credited with the production of The Entertainer by D’Banj. He also contributed to the production of Wande Coal’s Mushin 2 MoHits, an album that was described as one of the best albums to ever come out of Nigeria.
Although Don Jazzy did not take credit as a singer, he performed background vocals for artists he produced. These performances include vocals for D’Banj, Sauce Kid, Dr. SID, Ikechukwu, Kween, D’Prince, and Jay-Z. In 2011, Don Jazzy was employed by Kanye West as a producer at Very Good Beatz. Don Jazzy worked with Jay-Z and Kanye West on the production of Lift Off, featuring Beyoncé on the album Watch The Throne which was released on 8 August 2011 In March 2012, Don Jazzy and D’Banj confirmed their breakup citing artistic differences.
Mavin Records On 7 May 2012, Don Jazzy announced a new record label, Mavin Records. He said, “I see Mavin Records being the power house of Music in Africa in the shortest possible time.”On 8 May 2012, he released an album featuring the artists signed to his label. The songs on the album included: Amarachi, Forever, Oma Ga, Take Banana and Chocolate, YOLO, and the anthem I’m a MAVIN.
Mavin records signed the vocalist, Tiwa Savage. Don jazzy built a social network platform called “Marvin League” to complement and market his label. On 5 November 2013, Ajereh had a conflict with an artist, Wande Coal who left the label two days later. In September 2014, Ajereh produced a Nigerian social activist song with Reekado Banks and Di’Ja called Arise.[20] At the Headies Awards 2015, Ajereh argued with Olamide. The two disagreed about who should have won the “Next Rated” award. Lil Kesh of YBNL records lost to Reekado Banks, Ajereh’s artist.
The winner of the award received a car. Apologies on both sides were posted afterward. After Reekado Banks’ departure from the Mavin Records label, Don Jazzy said he is still part of the family and wished him nothing but success in his career as he thanked him for the time spent with Mavin Records. In 2019, he signed Rema and later went on in 2020 to sign Ayra Starr into Mavins Record Label. In 2021, he announced a new artist, Magixx.
PERSONAL LIFE
Don Jazzy married Michelle Jackson in 2003. He claims they both had issues as a result of his ambitious nature and subsequently divorced about two years after they wed. However, he doesn’t plan to marry again soon because he fears his love and dedication to music will hurt someone’s feelings again. Ajereh has a younger brother, D’Prince. In July 2022, he announced the death of his mother via his Instagram page
Don Jazzy albums
Some of the albums produced by Don Jazzy include:
- D’banj – No Long Thing (2005)
- D’banj – RunDown Funk U Up (2006)
- Mo’ Hits All Stars – Curriculum Vitae (2007)
- D’banj – The Entertainer (2008)
- Wande Coal – Mushin2Mohits (2008)
- Dr Sid – Turning Point (2010)
- MAVINS – Solar Plexus (2012)
- D’Prince – Frenzy
- Tiwa Savage – Once Upon A Time & RED
- Dr Sid – Siduction
- Reekado Banks – Spotlight
- Korede Bello – Belloved
NET WORTH
Don Jazzy has a Net Worth, of $10 million. he also has property in Banana Island, an artificial island that lies beside the Lagos shore. His mansion in this location is said to be valued at around ₦150M. He also has another property nicknamed Lekki Office in Lekki.
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