Michael Collins Ajereh known professionally as Don Jazzy, is a Nigerian
singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur. He co-founded the non-extant Mo’Hits Records in 2004 with D’banj and founded Mavin Records on the 8th of May.
Here is my Take on 7 Success Rules that has helped Don Jazzy Remain at the very Top for 2 Decades now and still standing strong and relevant in the entertainment industry.
1. BE READY TO MAKE SACRIFICES
No Pain No Gain, there are Sacrifices that must be made to make dreams become realities.
Ajereh’s family moved to Ajegunle, Lagos, where Don Jazzy was raised. He was educated at the co-educational high school, Federal Government College ,Ijanikin, Lagos. Don Jazzy found an interest in music early in life was already playing the drums at 4 and at age 12, began to play the bass guitar and piano. He also gained knowledge of traditional and percussion instruments. Don Jazzy enrolled in business management and studied at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo state.
2. TAKE ACTION
The Distance between Dreams /Goals and Reality is taking Action and this is something Micheal Collins aka Don Jazzy made while on his journey to greatness.
In 2000, 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 to keep body and soul. He continued his interest in music, associating with Solek, JJC Skillz, Kas, Jesse Jagz, The 419 Squad and D’Banj.
Talk about humble beginnings! He learned how to produce from Emeka Infiniti at O-Town record company. He was preparing himself while waiting for the right opportunity.
3. THINK BIG
Mo’ Hits records and GOOD music.
Thinking Big means seeing things from a Bigger Vision and perspective. Stop surrounding your self with small minds , this was where Don Jazzy Collaborated.
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 recognisable introduction, “It’s Don Jazzy Again!”
He signed other artistes (D’Prince, Wande Coal, Dr SID and KaySwitch) as the record label grew.
In 2011, Don Jazzy has worked with international artistes like Jay-Z, Kanye West, Snoop Doggy and Beyoncé.
4. HELP OTHERS
Today Don Jazzy has Become So Relevant in the Entertainment Space. He is not just a mere producer, he is a singer, entrepreneur who has helped taken careers of so many artists such as Ikechukwu, Dbanj, Wande coal, Ayar starr, Tiwa Savage, Dr Sid, Rema, Boy spyce, Magixx, Ladipoe and so many others on to a whole new level who have become Successful in the Entertainment Industry.
Don Jazzy is one of the few ‘old people’ blending in very well when it comes to the use of social media and he always makes sure to support others , skit makers and encourage them as well hence it’s not surprising he has been crowned the Instagram and media influencer of the year. He is also a philantrophist who helps people financially and does giveaways also.
5. AIM FOR EXCELLENCE
In 2012, he started Mavin Records and had one desire for Mavin Records – to make Mavin records a “production power house of African music,” a feat he has achieved. Mavin Records has captured the world’s attention and it’s home to Africa’s most talented musicians. The musicians have dozens of awards, hit singles, brand endorsements, and other accolades. The Record boosts of the talented Tiwa Savage, Dr.SID, D’Prince, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, Di’ja, Jonny Drille, the DNA twins, Ayra Starr, Crayon, Ladipoe and Ruger.
6. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.
One Area of life where Don Jazzy has always taken responsibility was even he experienced setbacks such as when he experienced a divorce from his wife years ago and also when he and dbanj’ s partnership ended with Mohits Records.
His career was not over yet but a new beginning to bigger and greater things and he handled failure and dissappointments very well and bounced back from failure and rose back again to the very Top.
7. BECOME YOUR OWN LEADER
Anybody can become a leader when you take initiative.
Peter Drucker defined leadership. The only definition of a leader is someone who has followers.
Warren Bennis defined it as Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.
Bill Gates: As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.
DEFINITION: Leadership is a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, towards the achievement of a goal.
Don Jazzy has Managed to have taken the leadership role over the years in his career since the early 2000s he came to the music scenes , he managed to rise to the top , stayed at the top and retained his position at the top for close to 20 years now from his sheer hardwork, consistency, creativity, intelligence and ability to manage human resources at his disposal over the years from Mohits days to Now Mavin of today.
Question of the day.
What did you learn from this 7 Success Rules of Don Jazzy aka Michael Collins Ajereh?
Thanks for your attention and please Enjoy Your Day.
Dr Laide Okubena