Nigerian music icon and record label executive, Don Jazzy, has expressed his commitment to nurturing the growth of young artists in the industry. In a recent interview with Fisayo Fosudo, the renowned artist, whose real name is Michael Collins Ajereh, revealed that he and his colleagues faced numerous challenges at the beginning of their careers due to the lack of guidance. Determined to provide assistance to emerging talents, Don Jazzy believes that aspiring artists can benefit from the knowledge and experience he has gained over the years.
While Don Jazzy initially started as a musician, his focus has evolved, leading him to engage in various endeavors. He emphasized that his calling now lies in discovering and developing young artists into global superstars. Don Jazzy firmly believes in his ability to work with people and help them grow. “My priorities have changed over the years. I basically started as a musician but along the line, I started doing different things. Finding, growing young artists into global superstars and things like that. I feel like it’s my calling to help people grow. I have a strong conviction that I know how to work with people,” he stated.
Don Jazzy acknowledged that he does not want to make the sole focus of his work about building the Nigerian music ecosystem and supporting new artists. However, he stressed the importance of ensuring that artists are well-informed about the right paths to choose in their careers. Leveraging the massive brand he has built, the CEO of Mavin Records aims to impact people’s lives positively. He believes that providing guidance to young artists is crucial, as they may otherwise become lost without proper support. Don Jazzy explained, “If I see young artists now, I’m like, ‘if this person doesn’t have like guidance before they get to a certain level, they might just be lost.’ It would be nice if we could speed up the process. It would be nice if somebody that has been down the road before… You know where the potholes are, you can just tell the person, ‘I don pass this road before. Avoid this road, follow here.'”
Furthermore, Don Jazzy encourages young artists to seek advice and learn from industry experts who are willing to share their stories. He emphasizes that individuals who have already experienced the journey can provide invaluable insights and guidance. “If the person that has gone there before and knows the road does not want to show somebody the road, you cannot be following for no reason. So, I feel like anybody that has any update about how to survive should share the update,” Don Jazzy advised.
Don Jazzy’s commitment to helping young artists grow and his belief in the power of mentorship highlight the positive impact experienced industry professionals can have on emerging talents. As he continues to shape the Nigerian music landscape, his dedication and willingness to provide guidance serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring artists. With his vast experience and success, Don Jazzy’s efforts to empower the next generation of musicians are sure to contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian music industry.
