I Search for Talent and Rely on Luck When Recruiting Artists

In the Nigerian music scene, one of the most iconic names is that of Michael Collins Ajereh, also known as Don Jazzy. As the founder of Mavin Records, Don Jazzy is renowned for discovering and producing some of the continent’s most iconic musical stars. His discerning ear for talent and his passion for nurturing rising stars has put him at the top of the industry.

In a recent interview with Hauwa Magaji, Don Jazzy opened up about the selection process that he goes through when choosing an artist to sign. According to him, it is not merely talent that he is looking for, but also luck and preparation.

A person may be incredibly talented, he says, but if they are not lucky or adequately prepared, there is no way that they will be able to make it in the music industry. He also expressed the importance of staying true to oneself, even after achieving fame and success.

Read excerpts from the interview below:

“I look out for talent, luck, preparation, and being at the right place at the right time. Showcasing yourself is also important, even after someone discovers you.”

Speaking on whether he feels bad about being taken advantage of, he said; “(American rapper) Kanye West says if you cannot use somebody and somebody cannot use you, you are useless. I am grateful that I can be used actually.

That means I am valuable enough to be used for something. I feel like if people can reach out to me for something that they need; it means I am valuable.”

On how he combines his private and social life, Don Baba J said; “I am not supposed to be an artiste. I and the camera don’t agree. However, I am better now. I actually prefer social media platforms such as Tiktok and Instagram.

I turn down public speaking invitations all the time. If the people in the room are just about 20 or 30 people, and it is a question and answer session, I can do it. I don’t even like going live on Instagram.”