Nigerian music producer and Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy has urged Nigerian musicians to put aside their pride and embrace collaboration, warning that the decline in partnerships among artists could affect the growth of the country’s music industry.
The award-winning producer, whose real name is Michael Collins Ajereh, expressed concern over what he described as a sharp drop in collaborations among Nigerian artists.
Speaking during an episode of the On The Grind podcast, Don Jazzy stressed that musicians should understand the importance of working together rather than allowing ego and personal differences to prevent them from creating music with one another.
He argued that collaboration benefits individual artists and contributes to the overall development of the Nigerian music industry.
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1. Don Jazzy Raises Concern Over Declining Collaborations
Don Jazzy said he had noticed a decline in the level of collaboration among Nigerian musicians.
The music executive described the trend as dangerous for the industry, suggesting that artists could achieve more when they combine their talents, audiences and creative ideas.
His comments come at a time when Nigerian music continues to attract international attention, with Afrobeats artists building audiences across different countries.
2. He Tells Artists to Drop Their Pride
The Mavin Records founder believes excessive pride and ego are among the attitudes preventing some musicians from working together.
He urged Nigerian artists to become more open to partnerships and understand that success in music does not have to be an individual journey.
Don Jazzy said:
“Most of Nigerian artists need to drop their pride, grow up and understand that no man is an island. A tree cannot make a forest.”
His statement reflects his belief that musicians should prioritise the bigger picture rather than allow personal differences to limit creative opportunities.
3. Don Jazzy Says No Artist Can Succeed Alone
Using the expression that a tree cannot make a forest, Don Jazzy emphasised the importance of collective effort.
He suggested that musicians should recognise the value other artists can bring to their careers, whether through songwriting, production, performance or audience reach.
Collaborations can also introduce musicians to new listeners and create opportunities that might not be available when they work independently.
4. Collaboration Can Help Grow the Nigerian Music Industry
Don Jazzy’s comments also highlighted the wider benefits of collaboration beyond individual success.
When artists from different backgrounds and musical styles work together, they can create fresh sounds and expose their audiences to new talent.
Such partnerships can strengthen the industry’s creative network and help Nigerian music reach more listeners internationally.
5. Don Jazzy Encourages a More United Music Scene
The producer’s message is ultimately a call for greater unity among Nigerian musicians.
Rather than allowing competition, ego or personal disagreements to prevent partnerships, he wants artists to recognise that collaboration can create opportunities for everyone involved.
His position is that a stronger music industry requires artists who are willing to support one another and work together.
Conclusion
Don Jazzy’s advice to Nigerian artists is a reminder that collaboration remains an important part of music development.
As Afrobeats continues to expand globally, partnerships between musicians could help create new sounds, build audiences and open more doors for emerging talent.
For the Mavin Records boss, artists must move beyond excessive pride and understand that the growth of the industry depends partly on their willingness to work together.
