Afrobeats Creatives Thrive When Living Together, Says Don Jazzy

Nigerian music executive Michael Collins Ajereh – better known as Don Jazzy – told the Crea8torium podcast that the most memorable Afrobeats hits were produced when artists, producers and managers lived together under one roof. He recounted how a spontaneous moment at the Mo’Hits mansion sparked the creation of D’Banj’s 2012 single “Olorun Maje” and how other classics emerged from similar house‑based collaborations.

During the interview, Don Jazzy explained that the Mo’Hits compound, which housed a studio, living quarters and other facilities, fostered an environment where ideas could be exchanged instantly. “I have a theory that says most of the great music we made in Afrobeats was when all of us were living together,” the producer said. He cited the origin of “Olorun Maje” as a case in point. According to his recollection, manager Sunday Are had been complaining that artist D’Prince avoided radio interviews. After a brief exchange with D’Banj, who was described as “a military man,” D’Prince returned to the studio, pretended to dust equipment and began singing: “Some people they want make I cry, some people they want make I die, why? Olorun Maje oooo.” The lyrics fell perfectly onto a beat Don Jazzy was working on, and the track was recorded on the spot.

Don Jazzy also highlighted how Dr Sid’s “You Bad, You Want It” emerged when the singer walked into the same studio and started rhyming over a beat that was already playing. “That’s how the song was born,” he said.

The executive contrasted that era with today’s music‑making landscape, noting that contemporary Afrobeats production is often more fragmented. “Now artists and producers work from separate studios, sometimes in different cities,” he observed, adding that the collaborative energy of living and creating together is harder to replicate.

Despite the shift, Don Jazzy said his own workflow remains unchanged. He still approaches the studio with a specific artist in mind and focuses on crafting beats tailored to that performer’s style. He urged emerging creatives to seek out closer partnerships, arguing that stronger interpersonal bonds can improve the quality and cohesion of their output.

The remarks come at a time when Afrobeats continues to dominate global charts and attract major international investments. Industry analysts suggest that the genre’s sustained growth may benefit from the kind of immersive, community‑driven creative process Don Jazzy champions. As the African music scene evolves, the veteran producer’s call for renewed collaboration could influence how the next generation of musicians and producers develop their craft.