SNOW TV NEWS DESK
Veteran Nigerian music producer and Mavin Records boss, Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, has challenged Nigerian artists to put aside personal egos and embrace collaboration, warning that the declining culture of working together could hurt the growth of the country’s music industry.
Don Jazzy shared his concerns during an appearance on the On The Grind podcast, where he spoke about the importance of unity, teamwork, and shared creativity in building a stronger music industry.
According to the award-winning producer, an increasing reluctance among some Nigerian musicians to collaborate with their colleagues is an unhealthy development, particularly in an industry where collective efforts have played a major role in taking Afrobeats to international audiences.
He argued that talent and individual success should not make artists believe they can achieve everything alone, insisting that collaboration remains essential regardless of how versatile or accomplished a musician becomes.
“Most Nigerian artists need to drop their pride, grow up, and understand that no man is an island. A tree cannot make a forest,” he said.
The Mavin boss further explained that even musicians who can independently write, produce, and perform their songs should remain open to working with others.
“If you are so talented and versatile and can write, produce, and sing, kudos to you. But still, you need to collaborate. I am a fan of collaboration. I came into this business collaborating with people, and I am forever going to keep collaborating. I understand the importance of collaboration,” he added.
Don Jazzy’s comments highlight an important conversation about the changing dynamics of Nigeria’s music industry, where competition for chart positions, streaming numbers, awards, and international recognition has become increasingly intense.
While competition can push artists to improve their craft, excessive rivalry and reluctance to work together could limit creative opportunities and prevent musicians from reaching new audiences.
Collaborations have historically been a major part of Afrobeats’ success, helping artists combine different sounds, fan bases, and musical influences. They also create opportunities for emerging performers to gain exposure through established stars.
Don Jazzy, whose career has been built partly on discovering talent and bringing different musicians together, appears convinced that the industry’s future should not be driven by individual achievements alone.
His message is particularly relevant as Nigerian music continues to expand globally. For the industry to sustain that momentum, artists may need to recognize that success does not always have to be a solo achievement.
Ultimately, Don Jazzy’s argument is simple: Nigerian musicians can compete without becoming enemies, and sometimes, the biggest career opportunities come from working together rather than standing alone.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
