By Ayomide Otitoju
Nigerian music star Oladapo Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj, has revealed that producer Michael “Don Jazzy” Ajereh was the one who proposed their separation from Mo’Hits Records, the label they co-founded and which helped shape Afrobeats in the mid-2000s.
Speaking on the Mic On Podcast, D’banj said Don Jazzy’s decision allowed them to preserve their friendship and avoid conflict. He disclosed that the producer handed him full ownership of his music catalogue, including about ten unreleased tracks.
“The idea to go our separate ways didn’t come from me; it came 100 per cent from Don Jazzy, and that’s why we’re still cool,” he said. “Don Jazzy gave me all my catalogue and maybe ten songs I haven’t released.”
D’banj explained that, at the time, both musicians recognised the need to push their sound globally. Their final major collaboration, “Oliver Twist,” went on to achieve international acclaim. He added that neither he nor Don Jazzy wronged each other, attributing their split to “vision and timing.”
The 45-year-old singer stressed that contrary to public assumptions, the pair remain close. He noted that Don Jazzy contributed to his recent 20th anniversary teaser and said they still share strong creative chemistry.
D’banj and Don Jazzy formed Mo’Hits Records in 2006, creating one of Nigeria’s most influential labels and launching the careers of Wande Coal, Dr SID, D’Prince, and K-Switch. The label’s releases, including Mushin 2 Mo’Hits and Curriculum Vitae, transformed the Afrobeats landscape until internal disagreements led to its collapse in 2012.
After Mo’Hits disbanded, Don Jazzy founded Mavin Records, which has since grown into one of Africa’s leading music powerhouses with artists such as Rema, Ayra Starr, Tiwa Savage and Korede Bello.
D’banj said he is proud of Don Jazzy’s achievements, describing Mavin as “one of the most influential labels in Africa.”
The singer also spoke about the death of his one-year-old son, Daniel III, in 2018, which he described as the most painful experience of his life. He said the tragedy halted major projects, including plans for his CREAM platform, but added that prayer and faith helped him regain strength and clarity.
D’banj said the experience reshaped his outlook on life, family and purpose, making him more grounded in his personal and professional journey.
