Nigerian music producer and Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy has said Afrobeats music was more creative when artists and producers lived together in shared record label houses.
Speaking during a recent episode of the Crea8torium podcast, Don Jazzy explained that the close relationship among musicians at the time contributed to the creation of several hit songs.
The producer reflected on his days at the Mo’Hits mansion, where artists and producers worked and lived together while creating music.
According to him, many successful songs were inspired by ordinary daily interactions inside the house.
Don Jazzy recalled how a disagreement involving D’Prince and the group’s former manager led to the creation of Olorun Maje by D’Banj.
He explained that their former manager, Sunday Are, had complained about D’Prince refusing to attend radio interviews.
Don Jazzy said he redirected the complaint to D’Banj, whom he described as strict and disciplined.
According to him, D’Banj confronted D’Prince over the issue before the younger singer returned to the studio.
“D’Prince came back into the studio and started singing, ‘Some people they want make I cry, some people they want make I die, why? Olorun Maje,’” Don Jazzy recalled.
He added that the lyrics perfectly matched the beat he was producing at the time, leading to the creation of the hit track.
The producer also shared how another popular song was inspired by a random studio moment involving Dr Sid.
According to him, Dr Sid walked into the studio and began freestyling to a beat he was creating, which later developed into a full song.
Don Jazzy noted that music production today is very different from the earlier years of Afrobeats.
However, he said he still maintains his old creative process by producing beats with specific artists in mind.
The veteran producer also encouraged younger creatives in the entertainment industry to build stronger relationships and collaborate more often.
He stressed that constant interaction among artists can improve creativity and help produce better music.
Don Jazzy’s comments highlight how collaboration and shared creative spaces helped shape some of Afrobeats’ biggest hits during the early years of the genre’s global rise.
