Don Jazzy, the renowned music executive and CEO of Mavin Records, has recently divulged the reasons behind his decision not to sign Afrobeats superstars Wizkid and Davido to his now-defunct record label, Mo’Hits.
In an exclusive interview on the Leaderboard podcast hosted by Fisayo Fosudo, Don Jazzy shed light on the circumstances that led to these missed opportunities.
The music mogul disclosed that Wizkid, a global sensation today, slipped through his fingers due to Banky W’s swift action. Banky W, the CEO of EME Records, had already seized the chance to sign the prodigious Starboy, leaving Don Jazzy with no option but to watch from the sidelines as Wizkid’s stardom soared.
As for Davido, Don Jazzy admitted that he had the opportunity to sign the talented artist but ultimately opted not to do so. He expressed a belief that Davido possessed an innate ability to flourish independently, without the need for the support and backing of a record label.
In a candid moment, Don Jazzy also expressed regret over not signing artists like Simi and Teni, recognizing their immense talent and potential. He acknowledged that he had a genuine liking for Simi and Teni but failed to secure their signatures, a decision he now ruefully wishes he could reverse.
Additionally, Don Jazzy revealed that he had come remarkably close to signing the talented rapper Falz’s The Bahd Guy. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the deal fell through, leaving both parties disappointed.
Reflecting on the missed opportunities, Don Jazzy stated, “I like Simi, I didn’t sign her. I wish I did. I like Teni, but I didn’t sign her. I wish I did. I had the opportunity of signing Davido but I didn’t because I kind of figured that he would be fine. Wizkid, obviously, I couldn’t because Banky W got to him first. That would have been amazing. Falz, I love his work. We almost had a deal.”
Don Jazzy’s revelations have sparked discussions among music enthusiasts and fans alike, as they ponder the alternate paths these talented artists could have taken under his guidance. While Don Jazzy may have missed out on some exceptional talents, his contributions to the Nigerian music industry remain unparalleled, and his success with artists like Tiwa Savage, Korede Bello, and Rema continues to resonate.
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