DON JAZZY: Between the Music Producer and the ‘business’ man

It’s said that “If an old woman falls down twice, one counts the things she’s carrying in her market basket ”This may not be far from what’s  happening to Don Jazzy and his Mavin Records in recent times.

Singer, Reekedo Banks recently announced on Instagram his exit from the music imprint that prides itself as one of the biggest music records in Africa, leaving behind speculation and curiosity as industry watchers are not keeping quiet. They are asking: What’s happening to Don Jazzy and his Mavin Records? Don Jazzy The singer joined Mavin Records alongside Korede Bello and D’ija in 2013, to kick start their music imprint. Banks said it’s a business decision and stressed that there was no problem with anyone on the label. Like most breakups, the singer’s exit was a slow burn. Reekado, born Aloleyi Solomon, said he was leaving the record label for greater things. He praised Don Jazzy for the sacrifices he made towards the growth of his career. “Don jazzy took me in and treated me like his own son. I’ll be eternally grateful to him for sacrifices he made towards the growth of my career. His selflessness and efforts towards me and the entire Mavin crew is one that is admirable and worthy of emulation. A true King with a large heart, full of kindness and ready to accommodate even more people.” Indeed, Reekado is not the only artiste that left Mavin Records in recent times. Early this year, singer, Iyanya Mbuk also announced his exit from the Don Jazzy-led Mavin Records, less than two years after teaming up with the record label. Confirming his exit in an interview, Iyanya said “I’m now signed to Temple Music but I’m a Mavin for life. It was not a beef. I was there and it was time to move on.” It was speculated, however, that the MTN Project Fame star was fed up with life under Don Jazzy, as he was said to have struggled to repeat the same feat that made him one of Nigeria’s promising music stars some five years ago. Iyanya later explained that “It was because of his plan to keep seeking ways to become better with his music career that many people believed was failing.” In a nutshell, there’s more to this claim than meets the eye. Recall that in 2013, Wande Coal dumped Mavin Records to float his own record label, Black Diamond Entertainment. Report said both parties agreed to keep mum over the development. Till date, nobody can tell why the talented singer dumped the record label that gave him a massive platform to excel. These are clear indications that all is not well with Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records. With the exception of Tiwa Savage, who dropped two singles this year, ‘Vibe and Labalaba’, including her “Lova Lova” song featuring Duncan Mighty and produced by Spellz, no other Mavin Records artiste can boast of topping the chart this outgoing year, talkless of dominating the airwaves with his hit songs. Indisputably, Mavin Records signees: Dr Sid, D’Prince, Di’ja, Korede Bello, Johny Drille, Poe and the DNA twins, are said to be living on their past glory. Particularly, Korede Bello, whose 2015, tunes of ‘I Don Get Alert… God Win. And I Don Pay My Rent… God Win. Dem Be Wan Fall My Hand But… God win” ruled the airwaves suddenly went silent. Releasing that year, the song was well received by Nigerian music lovers not just in the secular setting but also, in the religious circle. It was nominated for 2015 hottest single of the year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards. It was also nominated for  the Headies 2015 Best Pop Single which he won and at the 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards, where it was nominated for song of the year. Before dropping “God win”