D’banj Opens Up About Mo’Hits Split, Friendship with Don Jazzy, and Personal Loss
Years after shaping the Afrobeats landscape together, Oladapo ‘D’banj’ Oyebanjo has shared insights into the split with his music partner Michael ‘Don Jazzy’ Ajereh and reflected on the journey since.
Speaking on the Mic On Podcast, D’banj revealed that the decision to part ways from their co-founded label Mo’Hits Records came from Don Jazzy, not him. The move, he said, preserved their long-standing friendship and left him in full control of his music catalogue, including ten unreleased tracks.
“The idea to go our separate ways didn’t come from me; it was Don Jazzy’s decision. That’s why we’re still cool. He gave me my catalogue and some unreleased songs,” D’banj explained. He added that they both understood the need to push Afrobeats onto a global stage at the time.
The 45-year-old singer also expressed gratitude for their final joint release, Oliver Twist, which achieved international acclaim.
“Even though he had his opinion, I knew we needed to cement that global movement. I have no regrets. You can’t regret what you didn’t do,” he said.
D’banj emphasized that their separation was never about conflict. He attributed it to timing and vision, not personal differences, and noted that their bond remains strong.
“Maybe it was vision; maybe it was timing. I’m not perfect, but I am loyal, and I have a clear attitude,” he said.
He also addressed rumors of a falling out, revealing that he and Don Jazzy are still close. For his 20th anniversary teaser, he sent Don Jazzy the concept for a John Wick-inspired video, and his former collaborator came through.
“People don’t know, but we talk a lot. Our creative chemistry is still there, and we even have unreleased material together. If I could change anything about our partnership, it would be nothing,” D’banj added.
The Mo’Hits Legacy
D’banj and Don Jazzy formed Mo’Hits in 2006, two years after meeting in 2004, creating one of Nigeria’s most influential music labels. Mo’Hits launched stars like Wande Coal, Dr SID, D’Prince, and K-Switch, and albums such as Mushin 2 Mo’Hits and Curriculum Vitae became cultural milestones. Don Jazzy’s unique production style set new benchmarks for the industry.
At its height, Mo’Hits symbolized creativity, excellence, and brotherhood. But in 2012, internal disagreements led to its collapse, with Don Jazzy announcing D’banj’s exit, ending an iconic era in Nigerian music.
From the ashes of Mo’Hits, Don Jazzy built Mavin Records, nurturing global talents including Grammy-nominated Rema, Ayra Starr, Tiwa Savage, Korede Bello, Johnny Drille, Magixx, Ladipoe, and Crayon. Earlier this month, Don Jazzy revealed in Rolling Stone Africa that he nearly quit music and left Nigeria after Mo’Hits folded, describing it as one of his lowest career points. He credited close friends for keeping him going.
D’banj expressed pride in Don Jazzy’s achievements, describing Mavin Records as one of Africa’s most influential labels.
“I’m super happy for him. My vision has always been clear. I’m a pace-setter, so it’s about the movement and the future,” he said.
Personal Loss and Reflection
Beyond music, D’banj opened up about the heartbreaking death of his one-year-old son, Daniel III, in 2018, calling it the most painful moment of his life.
“That was the first time I knew Superman had kryptonite. Even the Mo’Hits breakup didn’t move me, but losing my son broke me,” he shared. The tragedy stalled major plans for his CREAM platform, but he found strength through faith and prayer.
D’banj explained that the experience reshaped his perspective on life, family, and purpose, making him a stronger, more grounded person.
