Nigerian music executive Michael Collins Ajereh, widely known as Don Jazzy, recently shared his perspective on the past, suggesting that Afrobeats artists and producers achieved superior musical output when living and working together in shared label-funded residences. This collaborative environment, complete with integrated studios and facilities, fostered a unique creative synergy that he believes is less prevalent today.
The Mo’Hits Mansion Era
Speaking on the Crea8torium podcast, Don Jazzy revisited a specific incident that led to the creation of D’Banj’s hit song ‘Olorun Maje.’ The anecdote highlighted how spontaneous interactions within the Mo’Hits mansion directly inspired the track.
He theorized that much of Afrobeats’ foundational greatness emerged during periods when artists and producers shared living spaces. Don Jazzy recounted how a dispute between D’Prince and their then-manager, Sunday Are, over radio interview attendance sparked the song’s genesis.
According to Don Jazzy, Are initially reported D’Prince’s reluctance to him. As Don Jazzy was occupied in the studio, he redirected Are to D’Banj, whom he described as having a more authoritative presence. D’Banj’s subsequent reprimand of D’Prince led the artist to retreat to the studio.
Inside the studio with Don Jazzy and Are, D’Prince, while seemingly tidying up equipment, began improvising lyrics. He sang, ‘Some people they want make I cry, some people they want make I die, why? Olorun Maje oooo.’ These impromptu words perfectly aligned with the beat Don Jazzy was producing at that moment.
Don Jazzy immediately recognized the song’s potential, pausing D’Prince to capture the moment. Similarly, he recalled how Dr. Sid spontaneously contributed lyrics for another track, ‘You bad, you want it,’ while walking into the studio and rhyming over a beat he was working on.
Shifting Creative Landscapes
Don Jazzy acknowledged that the current music creation process in Afrobeats differs significantly from the era he and his contemporaries dominated. The industry’s evolution has led to more individualized creative approaches.
Despite these changes, Don Jazzy stated that his personal creative method remains consistent. He enters the studio with a specific artist in mind, aiming to craft beats tailored to their style and sound.
Advice for the New Generation
He advised emerging creatives in the Afrobeats scene to foster stronger interpersonal connections. Don Jazzy emphasized that increased association and collaboration can build greater cohesion within their artistic endeavors.
Future Outlook
The veteran producer’s comments underscore a potential shift in creative methodologies within Afrobeats. While modern production often emphasizes individualistic expression and remote collaboration, Don Jazzy’s insights suggest a return to or at least an appreciation for the communal creative process that yielded significant hits in the past. It remains to be seen whether younger artists and producers will embrace more integrated living and working arrangements to foster similar collaborative sparks, or if the industry will continue its trajectory towards more independent creative pathways.
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