Nigerian music mogul Michael Collins Ajereh, widely known as Don Jazzy, has revealed that one of the most challenging moments of his career was releasing singer Di'ja from Mavin Records. The record label founder shared this deeply emotional experience on the Crea8torium podcast, where he reflected on the difficulties of managing artists he considers family.
Don Jazzy explained that the decision was not easy because he views every artist under Mavin as his own child, making the separation feel intensely personal. He recalled that the atmosphere in the room was tense, and Di'ja could sense his discomfort as he made the announcement.
Don Jazzy's Emotional Confession
“One of the most difficult decisions of my career was when I had to let Di’ja go. That was difficult, and I don’t think I will let any artist go again by myself. Tega and Rema handle that now if they need somebody to leave the label,” Don Jazzy said.
He further explained that the bond he shares with his artists makes such decisions painful. Di'ja herself questioned why he had to be personally involved. According to Don Jazzy, the moment was so overwhelming that everyone present broke down in tears.
“Everybody in my record label is like my child. So, that was hard for both of us together. And she [Di’ja] knew that it was hard for me. She even questioned the guys in the room why they had to involve me in that. All of us started crying. It was hard,” he added.
Fan Reactions to Don Jazzy's Revelation
Fans reacted to Don Jazzy's revelation, with many praising his calm relationship with former artists and his honesty about emotional business decisions.
- @wonsbyte said: "It's always a difficult decision to let an artist go in a record label as a label executive."
- @Smallz11111 commented: "Don Jazzy is a good man. Honestly this guy too good. I haven't even heard him having issue with his artist. Instead he will let you go peacefully."
- @Kachukwuside1 wrote: "But why is it that once artists leave record labels, they just fall off. No more songs, no shows. Just nothing from them again."
- @daphorelstudio reacted: "Business decisions like this always come with heavy emotions. Respect to Don Jazzy for staying honest about it. It takes maturity to admit moments like this. Growth in the industry isn't always easy."
- @PAtubobienemi said: "In this industry, even 'letting go' sounds like a soft way of saying business decisions > loyalty."
Don Jazzy Explains Why He Avoids Such Decisions Now
Don Jazzy shared that after the emotional ordeal, he decided to delegate such responsibilities to his team members Tega and Rema. He acknowledged that the experience was so painful that he no longer wants to be directly involved in letting artists go.
In another discussion, Don Jazzy explained why old Afrobeats thrived more when artists lived together under one roof. He said the creative energy was stronger when musicians and producers shared the same space, allowing spontaneous ideas to turn into hit songs. He recounted how a casual moment in the Mo'Hits mansion led to one of D'Banj's most memorable tracks, "Olorun Maje."
